釋淨土群疑論 2.27

2.27

答曰：亦以義准知。穢土生天中陰，足下頭上；地獄中陰，頭下足上；人鬼傍生，猶如鳥飛，平身行也。今生淨土，足下頭上。即此經文「坐蓮華中」，即其相也。又釋：有別。生天中陰，足下頭上，立趣受生；淨土中陰，坐趣受生也。

Answer: This is also known by deduction from the principles. In the defiled land, the intermediate state of those being born into heaven travels with feet below and head above; the intermediate state of hell travels with head below and feet above; humans, ghosts, and animals travel with their bodies horizontal, like birds flying. Now, when being born in the pure land, feet are below and head is above. The passage in this sūtra, 'sitting inside the lotus flower,' is precisely its appearance. Another explanation says there is a difference: the intermediate state of those being born into heaven has feet below and head above, proceeding standing up to receive birth; the pure land intermediate state proceeds seated to receive birth.