龍舒增廣淨土文 12.6

12.6

Zhiguizi asked, saying: 'Among the affairs of the world, none is greater than birth and death. As soon as a single breath fails to return, one belongs to the future life; if a single thought errs, one falls into saṃsāra. I have repeatedly received instruction in the method of recollection of the Buddha for rebirth, and its principle is very clear. Yet I fear that when illness arrives and death comes, mental consciousness will be scattered and confused, and I still worry that other people may agitate right mindfulness and cause me to lose the cause of purity. I prostratingly hope you will once again show the way of the returning path, so that I may escape the suffering of sinking down.' / The Master said: 'Excellent is your question! Whenever any person approaches the end of life and wishes to be reborn in the Pure Land, they must not fear death. Constantly contemplate that this body has much suffering, and impure evil karma entangles it in various ways. If one can cast off this defiled body and transcend to rebirth in the Pure Land, to receive measureless joy and attain liberation from the painful destinies of birth and death, this is indeed a gratifying matter. It is like casting off tattered clothes and receiving precious garments in exchange; one should simply let go of body and mind and not give rise to lingering attachment. Whenever encountering illness, immediately contemplate impermanence and single-mindedly await death. Enjoin family members, caregivers, and visitors who come to inquire: whenever they come before me, let them recite the Buddha for me; they must not speak of idle, miscellaneous matters before our eyes or the rights and wrongs of household affairs. Nor is there any need for gentle words of consolation or wishes for peace and joy; these are all empty, flowery, and useless words. When the illness is severe and death approaches, relatives must not weep, shed tears, or utter sighs and lamentations, which confuse and perturb the mind and cause the loss of right mindfulness. Simply recite the Buddha together in unison, and only after the breath has completely ceased may they weep in grief. If there is even the slightest thought of lingering attachment to the world, it immediately becomes a hindrance, and liberation cannot be attained. If one can have people who clearly understand the Pure Land come frequently to encourage and urge one on, that is extremely fortunate. If one relies on this, surpassing rebirth is certain and beyond doubt.'