Question: I am thinking of buying a funeral package for myself, to choose a coffin I like. But I have mixed feelings, as it feels inauspicious, though it is good to prepare before too sick or having a sudden death. What do you think?
Answer: It is alright to plan first, for saving more money, so that more of the rest can go to doing good, which benefits others while creating merits. It is not inauspicious to plan for death as we all have to die for sure. However, you should not choose a coffin with the idea that you will like it – even when dead. This is to prevent attachment to it after death. After all, you are not supposed to live in it. It will either decay or be cremated too. Instructions for what to do should be related to family members too. They can be seen at www.purelanders.com/passport, as taught in further detail in this course: http://thedailyenlightenment.com/2016/12/destination-pureland-how-to-have-the-best-rebirth-6th-run
That said, do not be attached to what happens to your body after death. Simply be wholeheartedly mindful of the name of Amitabha Buddha (Amituofo) through Nianfo, even when dying, to secure the safest and best rebirth for swift progress to Buddhahood. With adequate sincere, diligent and regular practice in everyday life, possible karmic causes for becoming very sick or having sudden death will be lessened or eradicated too, as Nianfo dilutes negative karma.
