临终哀叹者之十个安慰
[40] Ten Consolations For Those Dying With Lamentations
知道死亡将近的好处
Benefits Of Knowing Death Is Imminent
[1] Preparation: Since we all have to depart, it is better to roughly know when we will do so, so that we can attend to loose ends in this life first, and prepare for reaching Āmítuófó’s (阿弥陀佛) Pure Land (净土) in time. This contrasts with departing suddenly, with regrets unresolved and practice inadequate.
[2] Clarification: There are opportunities now, to voice and clarify any remaining doubts in the Pure Land teachings, so as to strengthen Faith and Aspiration (信愿), for more sincere Practice (行) of mindfulness of Buddha (念佛).
[3] Support: There can be more careful planning, and less rushed arranging, for others to offer guidance (开示) and support-chanting (助念), since there is estimated knowledge of when we will be departing.
[4] Alleviation: As long as there is ongoing sincere mindfulness of Āmítuófó’s name, there will be ongoing lightening of otherwise heavier evil karmas, to have lighter retribution (重业轻报), to decrease otherwise worse suffering, and increase connection to Āmítuófó, for greater peace and bliss (安乐).
[5] Expedition: Since there is increasing pain and suffering, it is better to reach Pure Land earlier than later, as there will be complete healing faster, to be free from sicknesses forever, and immeasurable life sooner, to be free from the cycle of re/death.
[6] Repayment: Since being very sick and weak now, it is better to reach Pure Land sooner, to be in better position as a Bodhisattva (菩萨), and even Buddha, to continue caring for all loved ones, blessing them for all time, to repay their kindness too.
[7] Peace: Since there can be reaching of Pure Land first, which is the most fortunate place, there should be peace of mind with acceptance and gladness, not any sense of indignation or unfairness, wondering why others deemed ‘less good’ are still ‘well’. It is truly good fortune that immeasurable life and liberation (解脱) can be received sooner. (Also, the best victory and ‘revenge’ in life is to have the best departure.)
[8] Example: This is a golden opportunity to be amply accumulate the Three Provisions (三资粮) of Faith, Aspiration and Practice (信愿行), so as to depart blissfully, to be excellent examples for everyone else, who will witness and hear about our smooth departures, that can be recorded for the ages, thus inspiring many more to be mindful of Buddha too. This is the last yet best thing we can do to benefit everyone.
[9] Blessings: Most other people lack blessings to know the precious Pure Land teachings, thus lacking purposefulness in this life and direction at the end of life. We are thus already very blessed now. Even if others have longer lives with better health, they might be creating more evil karmas. They will thus have great misfortune later. Therefore, we should count our blessings, and not squander them with any negative attitude.
[10] Dedication: There should be regular reflection upon these ten consolations as reminders, that many do not encounter, making full use of them, to be motivated positively, so as to strive on with sincere and diligent mindfulness of Āmítuófó’s name. There should also be dedication (回向) of the meritorious virtues (功德) created for the welfare of all beings, many of whom are suffering much more. Doing so with great compassion and generosity will create more blessings for one and all.
相关教理
Related Teachings:
死亡前后与丧礼中后的诵念
Chanting When Dying, After Death, During And After Wakes
https://purelanders.com/wake
《临终三大要》
The Three Great Essentials When Approaching Death
https://purelanders.com/now
净土教理十大系列
Pure Land Teachings’ Top Ten Series
https://purelanders.com/shida
