Question: Will one who has a terminal illness, who chooses not to have treatment affect the reaching of Amituofo’s Pure Land?
Answer: Nowadays, many illnesses deemed terminal are not really so. As such, it is wise to get a second opinion, especially from holistic points of view. Unless there is truly no strong hope, there should be encouragement of seeking reasonable treatment as this precious human rebirth, which is a good vehicle for Dharma practice is not easy to come by.
On the question, the answer is that it depends on how proficient one is in Nianfo practice (of mindfulness of the name of Amitabha Buddha – ‘Amituofo’). If one is not ready to depart, life would simply be cut short too soon. Upon death, karma can force one to be reborn elsewhere quickly. This is while treatment might lead to recovery, or buy more time for adequate learning and practice.
Q: Will one who refuses in advance to be on life support and major operations affect the reaching of Pure Land?
A: Again, the answer is that it depends on how proficient one is in Nianfo practice. If one is not ready to depart, life would simply be cut short too soon. This is while reasonably worthwhile operations might lead to recovery, or buy more time for adequate learning and practice. Though life support systems do not lead to actual recovery, if they are not painful in nature, they can be considered, also for buying more precious time, to guide the person to Nianfo sincerely, to swiftly depart for Pure Land.
Q: Will one who signs the authorisation for the above create negative karma?
A: It depends on whether the intention is good (out of compassion and wisdom) or bad (out of greed, hatred and delusion). We should learn the implications well first, so as to make the best decision. If conditions allow, with proper treatment, changing to a Maha-vegan diet and sincere Nianfo, some cases with terminal illness can be fully cured.
In the first place, we should prevent illness now, by consuming no (or less) non-Maha-vegan foods (by avoiding meat, animal products, the five pungent roots and alcohol). Sincere, regular and diligent Nianfo practice in everyday life helps to eradicate negative karma that causes serious illnesses too. Even if one becomes ill, its negative effects will be lessened by Nianfo.
Related Articles:
Should I Let Karma Take Its Course When Sick?
https://purelanders.com/2016/06/01/should-i-let-karma-take-its-course-when-sick
Life-Sustaining Treatment (Life Support)
https://purelanders.com/2015/12/30/important-guidelines-1-before-dying-pure-land-passport-section-4a
How To Handle Pain With Nianfo
https://purelanders.com/2016/01/13/how-to-handle-pain-with-nianfo
