法苑珠林 95.38

95.38

Commentary: Having instructed them as above, one should then bring sūtras and images to the sick person's place, announce the titles of the sūtras and the names of the images, and show them to the patient, causing them to open their eyes and behold them, bringing them to awakening. Moreover, invite virtuous and wise persons to recite the Mahāyāna, assisting in chanting pāṭha. Banners and flowers should fall in profusion, swirling before their eyes; fragrant scent should waft abundantly, constantly pouring into the olfactory faculty. Always speak wholesome words to them, and do not convey bad news. Because at the time of death, many signs of evil karma manifest and one is unable to resolve to dispel them, those who attend to the sick must especially use skillful means to guide and entice them, causing thought after thought to be continuous without stopping for an instant. Riding upon this power of merit, they should form the intention of attaining birth in the Pure Land. Therefore the Mahāprajñāpāramitā-śāstra states: 'If one performs good deeds throughout life, but harbors an evil thought at the point of death, one will be born in an evil destination; if one performs evil deeds throughout life, but harbors a wholesome thought at the point of death, one will be born in heaven.' Furthermore, the Vimalakīrtinirdeśa states: 'Recall the merit cultivated and be mindful of a pure livelihood.'