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Crossing the Ocean of Life and Death
- Book 163: Crossing the Ocean of Life and Death
- Chapter 30:
Care for the Dying (1)
- Written by Sheng-yen Lu
- Translated and edited by True Buddha Foundation
- Translation Team (Cheng Yew Chung, Satch)
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I personally feel that an environment where supportive recitation is given to the dying is very important, as a place that is too complicated is really not suitable. A noisy place is best avoided.
Whether it is the hospital or one`s home, the place should be clean. It would be essential to first have the place cleansed and purified by the master and monks. It would be ideal if there are the statues or images of the Three Sages of the Western Paradise. If they are not available, we can have their names written and erected at a place where the dying can see them. Otherwise we can also work with the principal deity of the dying.
The supportive recitation group must be aware of the principal deity of the dying or the very Pure Land which the dying aspires to be reborn in. If the dying has an affinity in reciting the epithet of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva or Guan Yin, then the group should recite this epithet. If the principal deity of the dying is Padmasambhava, then the group should recite the Heart Mantra of Padmasambhava. If the dying has been reciting the epithet of Amitabha Buddha all along, then the group should recite `Amitabha Buddha.` There are those whose principal deity is Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, so the group must recite `Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.` Do not make the mistake of reciting the wrong epithet in performing supportive recitation for the dying.
Can we play the audio recording of the recitation of the Buddha`s name and mantra? The answer is yes. However, the cause and condition must be fitting: in the the case of a person who wishes to be reborn to the Maha Twin Lotus Ponds, it would be inappropriate to play the audio recitation of a Wealth Deity`s Mantra. The definitive mantra to be played would be the Heart Mantra of Padmakumara or the True Buddha Sutra. There is however a mantra which is appropriate for playing to all who are dying, and that is the Deliverance Mantra.
I feel that the playing of the audio tape of recitation and the single-minded supportive recitation are complementary to one another. When the spirit of the dying is about to leave the physical body, or after it leaves the physical body, the great benevolent friend may guide the individual by speaking into his ear to awaken his mind, teach the dharma, advise him, caution him and console him. The most important messages to relate to the dying individual would be:
`Stay undistracted; do not attach to the self; perceive all phenomena as illusory; recite the Buddha`s name; recite his mantra; merge into the Clear Light; let go of all afflictions, likes and dislikes, wealth, lust, and fame, etc.`
The great benevolent friend must guide the dying to walk the path of light on rebirth. Remember this well! Never suggest to the dying to return to meet on earth. The best time for performing supportive recitation should be carried out prior to the dying person`s last moment and immediately after it. The longer the duration of recitation, the better it is. The group may also recite at the wake of the deceased.
When the supportive recitation group is reciting, the family and descendants of the deceased should not stand around to watch, but should actually put their palms together and recite along. Some advocate reciting `Namo Amitabha Buddha,` and some advocate `Amitabha Buddha.` I feel that both will work.
Due to the long duration of supportive recitation, lasting sometimes ten to twenty hours, it is appropriate to take rotating shifts. Everyone take turns to recite the Buddha`s name and mantra, keeping the intonation serene, graceful and composed. The important thing is to make the dying feel at ease.
We know that the body and mind of the deceased are subjected to much suffering. To help the dying feel more relaxed and calm in his body and mind, it is advisable that the family refrains from crying, being noisy, arguing, screaming, and disturbing the dying`s peace of mind. We should let the ear consciousness of the dying hear the epithet of the Tathagata, and allow him to recite along in his mind, or chant verbally, or respond through his spiritual consciousness. This would be the most natural gift of gratitude.
The supportive recitation group would need to prepare these:
1. Liu-yin [a ritual instrument with a handheld brass gong attached to a wooden handle and stringed to a striker, which produces a bell-like tinkle sound when struck]
2. A small wooden fish
3. The statutes of the three sages
4. Pen and paper
5. Recitation audio tape and a mini cassette player
6. Offerings made to the guru
7. If recitation of scriptures is performed, bring along the sutras
8. Dharma robe, a Deliverance Blanket, nectar pills, mandala sand and so forth
There is one more thing which is important. Most of the dying are still carrying some burdens in this world which they are unwilling to let go of. Therefore, the family members must find out from the dying what they are while he is still fully conscious and can express himself, and promise the dying that the matters would be taken care of so as to allow the dying to leave in peace.
It is likely that the dying could think of anyone, anything, any kindness he received, any resentments he has, any likes and dislikes: this is best avoided. The great benevolent friend would have to explain clearly:
`Lotus practitioner, I ask you to not worry about worldly matters, because they are now erased. Just focus your attention clearly on listening to the holy epithet. The Buddha says that it is only natural that we have worries in life, and no one is immune from this. If we allow ourselves to let go of everything, be detached from everything, focus single-mindedly on the Maha Twin Lotus Ponds in the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss, and know that we can be reborn into this peaceful Pure Land, that would certainly be the most happy thing ever. You should now seek rebirth in the Buddha`s Pure Land, and recite the holy epithet along with the rest, and your principal deity will appear to receive you.`
At this time, Amitabha Buddha (Padmakumara) will definitely appear to receive you.
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