Question: I have a relative who is not dying but bedridden. Although relatives on his side are not devout Buddhists, I am thinking of giving them a copy of The Pure Land Passport: http://thedailyenlightenment.com/2015/12/apply-for-the-pure-land-passport-here as they are getting old. We rarely meet, while I do hope they can learn the Pure Land teachings. If I give the passport, I am worried they might feel I am implying that my relative will not recover. But if I do not pass it now, I do not know when I will have another opportunity. What should I do?
Answer: What you should do first is to learn the Pure Land teachings well, such as through this course: http://thedailyenlightenment.com/2016/07/understanding-amituofo-via-the-amitabha-sutra-18th-run Usage of The Pure Land Passport can be learnt in this course: http://thedailyenlightenment.com/2016/04/destination-pureland-how-to-have-the-best-rebirth-5th-run Since if you do not meet much, you should meet more to share the Dharma.
If talking about death and rebirth is not appropriate straightaway, you should share on the benefits of Nianfo (practice of mindfulness of the name of Amitabha Buddha – ‘Amituofo’) in everyday life – for peace of mind, increasing blessings, getting protection, and lessening pain and suffering… This example can be used: https://purelanders.com/2016/01/13/how-to-handle-pain-with-nianfo Only later should you talk about dying and death, as eventual events to prepare for, also with Nianfo practice. It is also good to share that birth in Pure Land is truly total recovery, as it is free from ageing, sickness and death there.
