What Remains When the Breath Stops?

The Illusion of Worldly Attachments

When the final breath leaves your body, you will realise that you cannot hold onto anything in this world. Your spouse, your children, your friends, and your loved ones—when the karmic conditions are exhausted, all these relationships must eventually dissolve. Your houses, your insurance policies, your real estate, and your bank savings—none of these can be taken with you. The blessings you have accumulated in this life will simply remain behind for others. It is far better to practise Generosity while you are still alive, using your resources to benefit the world and leave behind a legacy of true Goodness.

The True Inheritance of the Soul

When that final breath ceases, only three things will follow you into the next life: your merits, your blessings, and the weight of your karmic deeds, both good and bad. In the afterlife, you will face the judgment of the King of Yama, where your future destination—whether it be the six realms of existence or the hells—will be determined entirely by your karmic record. However, if you diligently chant the name of Namo Amituofo, you will be led to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. There, you will be freed from the cycle of rebirth and the entanglements of your past karma.

The Path to True Purity

You have come to this human world for a brief visit. What will you leave behind? Seeking to leave behind worldly achievements or a famous name is ultimately an illusion. To leave nothing behind is the path to true purity. Instead, dedicate your body, mind, and spirit to all beings. Cultivate your Wisdom, your compassion, and your mind-capacity, so that you may bring benefit to all beings in the human and heavenly realms.

A Legacy of Awakening

Youth and beauty are fleeting and cannot be held. Eventually, the body will succumb to the signs of ageing and illness. Therefore, in every action—whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down—do not let your mind stray from the Buddha. If you practise with sincerity, you will know when your time has come, and Namo Amituofo will arrive to lead you to the Western Pure Land.

Through diligent practice and persistent effort, you will realise your true self. With your Dharma Body, you will be able to perform Chao Du to save infinite suffering beings. You will be free to depart for the West without disturbing others. What you leave behind in this world is a living example of the Truth. By becoming a model for other disciples to follow, you show them the way to the Western Pure Land. This is what it means to be a true and excellent disciple of the Buddha.