As long as one is born into this human world, there will inevitably come a time when one must face the end of life. The quality of how you live your life today is not merely a matter of current comfort; it is the very foundation that determines the destination of your spirit in the next life. In this world, everything we encounter—be it status, relationships, or material possessions—is ultimately transient. We cannot hold onto these things, and when the time comes to depart, we cannot take a single thing with us.
The Agony of the Four Elements
The suffering associated with death is profound. It arises when the physical body begins to break down, and the four elements—earth, water, fire, and wind—begin to separate. As the spirit struggles to leave the physical form, experiences a level of agony that can be likened to being cut by knives or the excruciating sensation of a turtle having its shell forcibly removed. This is why it is of the utmost importance that the family members of the deceased do not touch the body for eight to twelve hours after the breath has ceased. Touching the body during this delicate transition can intensify the physical pain, causing the deceased to experience a surge of anger. If this anger takes hold, the spirit may fall into the hells to endure further suffering.
The Journey Through the Intermediate State
Once the spirit has left the body, it must travel toward its next destination, entering different realms of existence. Unless the spirit is guided by a higher power or a compassionate being, it will initially find itself in a state of deep confusion and darkness. Many spirits do not even realise that they have passed away; this state is commonly known as the intermediate state. At this moment, the deceased is separated forever from their loved ones and family members. No matter how much wealth they accumulated during their lifetime, it cannot summon them back to this world for even a single second. All the riches and the most elaborate funeral arrangements in the world cannot help the deceased carry even a fraction of their worldly gains into the next life.
The Six Realms of Rebirth
Generally, after the spirit leaves the body, it continues to drift within the six realms of rebirth. These realms are divided into two categories:
The Three Good Realms: The heavenly realm, the human realm, and the asura realm.
The Three Evil Realms: The hell realm, the hungry ghost realm, and the animal realm.
Rather than waiting until the final moment, it is far wiser to prepare for death while you are still alive and healthy. For those who are practitioners, the most vital preparation is to chant with the utmost sincerity and a focused heart.
The Path to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss
When a practitioner reaches the end of their life, they may receive the compassionate grace of Namo Amituofo. The Buddha will come to lead them, bringing with Him the lotus flower that the practitioner has nurtured through their daily practice of chanting. At this moment, the spirit of the dying person will leave the body through the crown of the head. Because of this divine connection, they do not need to endure the agony of the spirit being forcibly separated from the body. Instead, the spirit ascends directly onto the lotus pedestal. In this way, the spirit does not truly die, and the suffering of death is completely avoided. Guided by Namo Amituofo, the practitioner enters directly into the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Furthermore, Practitioner Su, through his awakened , possesses the ability to guide the spirits of those who have chanted Namo Amituofo into the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, ensuring they find their true home.
