End-of-Life Guidance — Attaining Rebirth in Amitabha’s Pure Land 临终关怀开示 —— 往生阿弥陀佛极乐世界

The following serves as a reference guide for assisting the dying to gently let go of all worldly attachments and to single-mindedly Nianfo at the final moment, so as to attain rebirth in Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land.

This guidance may be adapted according to the individual’s condition and circumstances.

Most importantly, at the time of death, one must establish sincere faith, a firm vow, and single-mindedly Nianfo (if one has sincere faith and vow, Amitabha Buddha will also assist the person to be mindful of Amituofo at the time of death)—only then can rebirth in Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land be successfully attained.

One can also read Master Yinguang’s Three Important Matters at the Time of Death.

Three Sages of Western Pure Land (Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin & Dashizhi Bodhisattva)

Please note that : This guidance may be adapted according to the individual’s condition and circumstances.

Dear XXX [Name],

You are now at a critical moment of life. This is not something to fear—this is also a rare and precious opportunity for you to attain rebirth in Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land.

The Pure Land is a world with no suffering, only peace, joy, and light. You can have whatever you want there. It is real, not false.

Now, gently let go.

Let go of your family, your children, your career, and all worldly concerns. These are things you cannot take with you. Do not worry—everything will be fine.Let go peacefully.

Right now, the most important thing is to focus your mind on the name of Amitabha Buddha (Amituofo), and to give rise to faith and the vow to attain rebirth in His Pure Land!

In Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land, there is no illness, no fear, no suffering. There, you can transcend all suffering and ultimately attain perfect enlightenment.

Now, single-mindedly recite:

“Amituofo” (Amitabha Buddha or simply Amitabha)

Keep this name in your mind. Follow it, rely on it.

If you are too weak to recite out loud, you may recite silently in your mind.
As long as your mind maintains mindfulness of Amitabha Buddha, He knows.

Do not be afraid. Amitabha Buddha will come to receive you.

We are here with you - just follow us to recite together.

Just follow the sound:

Amituofo… Amituofo… Amituofo…

(you may also recite “Amitabha”)

Let go peacefully, and recite with faith and the vow to attain rebirth in Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land. He will definitely come to receive you.

(Keep supportive chanting continuously non-stop for 12-24 hours, the longer, the better)

Three Sages of the Western Pure Land

中文临终关怀参考版本（可根据需求自行调整）

亲爱的XXX（名字）：

你现在正处在人生一个非常关键的时刻，这并不可怕，这也是一个非常难得而珍贵的机会，让你往生到阿弥陀佛极乐世界的机会。

极乐世界是一个没有痛苦，只有安乐、清净和大光明的地方，在那里你想要什么都可以有，这是真实不虚的。

现在，请慢慢放下。

放下你的家人、孩子、事业，以及一切世间的牵挂。这些都是带不走的，不用担心，一切自有因缘安排, 请你安心放下。

现在最重要的，是安住你的心在阿弥陀佛的万德洪名上。信愿念佛求生极乐世界！

在阿弥陀佛的极乐世界，没有病苦、没有恐惧、没有烦恼。在那里，你可以超越一切痛苦，圆满成佛。

现在，请跟着我们一心念：

“阿弥陀佛”

把这句佛号安住在心中，跟着它，依靠它。

如果你太虚弱，无法出声念佛，也可以在心中默念。

只要你的心保持对阿弥陀佛的正念，阿弥陀佛是知道的。

不要害怕，阿弥陀佛会来接引你。

我们在这里陪着你，一起念佛。

只要跟着我们的声音：

阿弥陀佛……阿弥陀佛……阿弥陀佛……

清清楚楚、具足信心地念，发愿求生极乐世界，阿弥陀佛一定会来接你的！

安心放下，清清楚楚、发愿求生极乐世界，阿弥陀佛一定会来接引你！

（助念念佛相续不断，至少12-24小时，时间越长越好。）

You can download a pdf of the guide here.