Basic Knowledge in the Pure Land Teaching
淨土小常識
148. Reciting the Name of Guanyin Bodhisattva for Rebirth Still Relies on Amitabha Buddha’s Vows (continued)
3. When assisting such a person near his end-of-life, should one recite Amitabha Buddha’s Name or Guanyin Bodhisattva’s name?
At the time of passing, one should recite Amitabha Buddha’s Name (Namo Amituofo) to assist, rather than reciting Guanyin Bodhisattva’s name.
Regardless of the individual’s usual practice—whether they chant mantras, recite the name of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, or study other scriptures—the practice of assisting someone at their time of passing is always centered on reciting Amitabha Buddha’s Name.
Amitabha Buddha possesses the wisdom to manifest without obstruction, and Guanyin Bodhisattva will undoubtedly accompany Amitabha Buddha in appearing to guide the individual. In such cases, Guanyin Bodhisattva will speak soothing words to comfort and encourage faith, helping to remove any inner obstacles the individual may have.
If someone has been reciting Guanyin Bodhisattva’s name to seek rebirth in Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land, this intention is not separate from Amitabha Buddha. Therefore, regardless of human inclinations or personal views, we should act in accordance with the Dharma. Assisting by directly reciting Amitabha Buddha’s Name is sufficient and most appropriate.
(to be continued tomorrow)
148 念觀音聖號往生,仍不出彌陀願力 (續)
第三個問題,臨終助念,仍是念彌陀名號,不必念觀音名號。不管這個人平常 修什麼法門,是念咒、念地藏王菩薩,還是念別的經典,臨終統統以彌陀名號來助念。阿彌陀佛當然有無礙的智慧來顯現,觀世音菩薩也一定隨同佛來顯現;那麼觀世音菩薩就會軟言相慰,令生信心,消除心中的障礙。這個人念觀世音菩薩是要求生阿彌陀佛淨土,不是和阿彌陀佛隔開了。所以,不管凡夫情見如何,現在我們以法來相見,直接念阿彌陀佛的名號就可以。
Namo Amituofo!
