Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation

By Dharma Master Huijing

English translation by Householder Jingpu,
edited by the Pure Land School Translation Team

Published by Chinese Pure Land Buddhist Association

41, Alley 22, Lane 150, Sec 5, Shin-Yi Road, Taipei 11059, Taiwan
Tel: 886-2-27580689
Fax: 886-2-87807050
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.purelandbuddhism.org

Printed February 2019

(c) 2019 by Chinese Pure Land Buddhist Association

This book is for free distribution; it is not for sale
Printed in Taiwan
Table of Contents

1. Preface…………………………………………5

2. Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through

Amitabha-Recitation ………………………… 9

3. Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through

Amitabha-Recitation (simplified version) ……45
Preface

The rite contained in this booklet is special, different

from any other that’s comparable in some way. It is
unique because the entire text is based on the three Pure
Land sutras and the teachings of Master Shandao, de
facto founder of Buddhism’s Pure Land School.

Both concise and precise, the rite is easy for

participants to understand and follow. It takes a direct,
straightforward approach to convey a powerful message,
guiding bewildered, just-deceased persons as they seek
deliverance at this critical moment.

During the ritual, the deceased, wherever and

whatever his or her current form, will approach for a close
counter with Amitabha Buddha, who will immediately
comfort, embrace and protect the person with his light.
With recourse to Amitabha's inconceivable vow power,
the deceased naturally will be received and welcomed by
a multitude of sacred beings and be reborn in Amitabha’s

Preface 5
 Land of Bliss.

Though it is a rite, it is not rigidly ritualistic. It can be

presented and conducted by a monastic, a householder or
even a layperson, and can help all needy people. Sincerity
and faith are the key factors of success in performing the
rite. A simplified or “fast-track” version is also included
in this booklet to facilitate use by those constrained by
environmental or other circumstances.

The service most directly benefits deceased persons

still in the state of Bardo – within 49 days of death. They
can expeditiously be reborn in the Pure Land if they
accept Amitabha’s deliverance and recite his name, as the
ritual explains. The effects will be enhanced if the rite
is conducted by family members of the deceased. The
service helps those who passed away longer than 49 days,
enabling them to encounter the Buddha’s teachings more
easily.

Nor are the rite’s benefits confined to the deceased;

they extend to the living as well. All sentient beings can
profit from the elimination of their karmic offenses in past
and present lives through Amitabha-recitation, increasing
their good fortune and extending their lives.

6 Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation

 The translation of the ritual text bears a significant
meaning to the world’s English-speaking communities. It
is because Amitabha’s deliverance is truly transcendental
and absolutely equal. It is not confined to any period
of time or any particular place in the worlds of the ten
directions. Nor is it restricted to any species of living
beings, race, nation or religion. Amitabha Buddha, in his
infinite compassion, reaches out to all beings, in all places
and at all times, forever embracing them with his light.

Namo Amitabha Buddha!

Preface 7
 Rite of Transcendental
Deliverance Through Amitabha-
Recitation
 -- Three prostrations before Amitabha Buddha;

-- Silent recitation: “I, (name), lacking in wisdom and

blessings, pray that the compassionate Buddha will pity,
not forsake, protect, and allow me to stay with the lotus
assembly, as vast as the ocean, and perform this Buddhist
rite.”

I. Praise of the Lotus Pond (recite “Namo

Amitabha Buddha,” from ten to a hundred times):

In this lotus pond assembly, as vast as the sea,

May Amitabha Tathagata, Avalokitesvara and
Mahasthamaprapta, on lotus platforms,
Lead beings to ascend the golden steps;
As the Great Vow unfolds, may they all
Wish to take leave of defilements.
Homage to the lotus pond assembly of Buddhas
and Bodhisattvas as vast as the sea (three times)

10
II. Dharma Teachings
The banquet of Amitabha’s deliverance is open
now;
A multitude of pure Bodhisattvas descends and
arrives.
They will deliver numerous sentient beings to the
Land of Bliss;
All Buddhas joyfully expound their original intent
[of deliverance].

With a sincere heart, I address you, the spirit of ------

(sentient beings in the spirit realm/all ancestors surnamed
----- ): We are followers of the Buddha. Because we had
profound karmic connections with the ----- family and are
its descendants, we received a physical body.

It is also precious for us to hear and believe in

the Buddhist teachings in this life. Thus, we know the
principle of the retribution of good and evil karma, the
Law of Cause and Effect in the three periods of time,
and reincarnation within the Six Realms. We also know
the way to attain ultimate emancipation by rebirth in the

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 11

 Land of Bliss through reciting Amitabha’s name. To repay
the grace of all ancestors, and fulfill my moral duty, I now
stand before all relatives and families of ancestors in the
past, I respectfully explain the truths of Buddhism, and
reverently describe the wonderful teaching of deliverance.

I hope the spirit of ------ (sentient beings in the spirit

realm/all ancestors surnamed -----) can recite Amitabha’s
name, and, relying on Amitabha’s vows, merit and
virtues, leave the sea of suffering and reincarnation in
the cycle of birth-and-death forever, and be reborn in the
Land of Bliss and eternal nirvana.

III. Inviting the Sacred Beings

With a sincere heart, I reverently invite the
greatly compassionate Amitabha Buddha to be
present.
With a sincere heart, I reverently invite the
greatly merciful Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva to be
present.
With a sincere heart, I reverently invite the
greatly powerful Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva
to be present.

12
 With a sincere heart, I reverently invite the
ocean-wide assembly of pure Bodhisattvas to
be present.

I pray that Amitabha and a multitude of sacred

beings, adhering to their vows, will take pity on us and
come to this ceremony now and receive the spirit of ------
(sentient beings in the spirit realm/all ancestors surnamed
----- ) so that they can leave the Three Domains and the
Six Realms. Let them never again suffer reincarnation in
the cycle of birth-and-death, but attain rebirth in the Land
of Bliss, and realize true suchness and nirvana.

IV. Calling the Spirits

With a sincere heart, I call and invite: Seeing the
colors of distant mountains, hearing the silence in flowing
water; flowers bloom though spring is gone, and birds
do not scatter though people approach. This is the initial
offering of incense to call the spirit of ----- (and all family
members). I pray that they come here now, and through
reliance on the vows, merit and virtues of Amitabha
Buddha, accept his deliverance and attain rebirth in the
Land of Bliss!

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 13

 With a sincere heart, I call and invite: The black crow
flying like an arrow, and the white rabbit running like a
shuttle; they are now separated and no longer can see or
hear one another. This is the second offering of incense
to call the spirit of ----- (and all family members). I pray
that they come here now, and through reliance on the
vows, merit and virtues of Amitabha Buddha, accept his
deliverance and attain rebirth in the Land of Bliss!

With a sincere heart, I call and invite: It is easy to

fall into the Three Wretched Realms, and it is difficult
to leave the Six Realms. Without relying on Amitabha’s
compassion, it is hard to find the way to transcendental
liberation. This is the third offering of incense to call the
spirit of ----- (and all family members). I pray that they
come here now, and through reliance on the vows, merit
and virtues of Amitabha Buddha, accept his deliverance
and attain rebirth in the Land of Bliss!

To the spirit of ----- (and all family members): take

heed!

Because of the power of Amitabha’s Vow, you can

now encounter this splendid Dharma banquet!

14
 Contemplating this rare opportunity, you should
admire the joys of the Land of Bliss, and renounce the
suffering of the Saha world. Let us together recite Namo
Amitabha Buddha, and aspire to be reborn in the Land of
Bliss!

V. Offerings (incense, flowers, fruit and food)

VI. Prayer Message

Amitabha delivers sentient beings with great
compassion and unfathomable wisdom.

His light permeates the ten directions, unimpeded

throughout the realms of “yin” and “yang”.

To the spirit of ----- (and all family members): You

have encountered this splendid Dharma banquet.

You should be sincere and respectful in this place

and listen reverently to the wonderful teaching.

You should recite Amitabha’s name sincerely and

aspire to rebirth in the Pure Land through Amitabha’s
deliverance!

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 15

 VII. Discourse
1. Brief Description of the Land of Bliss, and
Leading Sentient Beings to Amitabha-
Recitation

Your gold is gone and silver dispersed. Could

you still grasp them in the realm of death?
Your wife is gone and your son departed. You
won’t meet them again, not even on the path to
the netherworld.

The Buddha says: “Traveling westward from here,

there is a land called Bliss, wherein dwells a Buddha
named Amitabha. He is teaching the Dharma now. In the
Land of Bliss, beings suffer no pain but only experience
joy of various kinds. For this reason, it is called ‘the
Land of Bliss’.” The inhabitants there suffer no vexations
of body and mind, but know infinite happiness and
pure joy. They do not suffer reincarnation within the
Three Domains and the Six Realms, but have eternal,
unimpeded freedom in body and mind.

This Land of Bliss is established by Amitabha

Buddha for sentient beings of the ten directions. It pains

16
Amitabha Buddha to see them reincarnating in the Six
Realms and sinking into the Three Wretched Realms.
They commit karmic offenses and suffer endlessly, life
after life. So Amitabha makes compassionate vows
to deliver all iniquitous, suffering sentient beings --
proactively, equally and unconditionally. All who inhabit
the Six Realms -- regardless of their status as heavenly
or human beings, regardless of their being good or evil
people, regardless of their being caught in the Three
Wretched Realms in Four Modes of Birth – if they recite
Namo Amitabha Buddha, Amitabha will immediately
appear to embrace and protect them. In a flash, they will
be reborn in the Land of Bliss so that they can part from
birth-and-death forever, never again to reincarnate. They
will possess the fullness of joy and peace, and speedily
achieve Buddhahood.

Those who recite Amitabha’s name will be

immediately delivered by the Buddha. Spirit of ----
- (and all family members), you have now encountered
these auspicious conditions, so please follow the sound
of my/our Amitabha-recitation. Recite sincerely with the
aspiration to be reborn in the Land of Bliss!

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 17

 Flowers blossom every day in the lotus pond.
Auspicious light in four colors reflects on the
jeweled altar.
In earnest, the golden arm reaches out to grasp
the pitiful ones.
Why do sentient beings not think of coming here?

Namo Amitabha Buddha! (ten, a hundred, or a

thousand times)

2. Description of the Six Realms, and Leading

Sentient Beings to Renounce Them

The five marks of decay appear in the beings of

the Six Heavens of Desire.
Those who dwell in the Third Dhyana Heaven
still suffer the devastation of wind.
Even if you can achieve the Heaven of Neither-
Perception-nor-Non-Perception,
It is much better to return to the Land of Bliss.

The Buddha says, “There is no peace in the Three

Domains. It is like a burning house, full of countless

18
and horrible sufferings!” The Six Realms are those of
heavenly beings, humans, asuras, animals, hungry ghosts
and hell-beings.

The Six Realms are worlds of retribution resulting

from the karma of sentient beings. Because of their
unresolved karma, sentient beings must suffer the endless
cycle of birth-and-death. Thus, it is called reincarnation
in the Six Realms. Those practicing virtues are reborn
in the Three Wholesome Realms (the Heavenly Realm,
Human Realm and Asura Realm), and those committing
evil offences will fall into the Three Wretched Realms (the
Animal Realm, Hungry Ghost Realm and Hell Realm).

In life, some people have more virtues and fewer

offenses, while some have more offenses and fewer
virtues. Some are plentiful in both virtues and offenses,
while some are scant in both virtues and offenses. But
no one has virtues alone, with no offenses. Generally,
ordinary beings have more offenses and fewer virtues, so
most of them will fall into the Three Wretched Realms.
Not many are reborn in the Human Realm, and only a
few can ascend to the Heavenly Realm. Thus the Buddha
says: “The chances of receiving human form are as few

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 19

 as the sand grains in my palm, but the chances of losing
human form are as great as all the flecks of soil in the
land.” He also says, “Once we lose our human body, it
takes 10,000 kalpas to recover one.”

Nevertheless, within the Three Domains and the

Six Realms -- from the human worlds to the celestial
heavens – all is suffering. It includes the sufferings of
body and mind, environment, reincarnation, large and
small scale, long and short duration, as well as pain
without boundaries and beyond description. Since these
sufferings are due to our vexations and anxieties, they
are terrible and frightening, and the Buddha compares
them to a burning house. Sentient beings who have not
escaped from the Three Domains and the Six Realms will
scorch in the flames of the fiery house. They are forever
drowning in an ocean of sufferings.

You, spirit of ----- (sentient being in the spirit realm,

and all family members): if you have fallen into in the
realms of hell or hungry ghosts, you have personally
experienced the pains of this burning house. Though you
may be reborn in the heavenly realms, you will inevitably
suffer the bitterness of falling from your station when

20
your life ends. The Buddha says, “Though you can
recover your body in Brahma Heaven, or even in the
Heaven of Neither-Perception-nor-Non-Perception, you
will fall into the Three Wretched Realms when your life
ends.” He also says, “To be reborn in the hells from the
heavens; to be reborn in the heavens from the hells.” So,
we know the Three Domains are like a burning house.
Their pain is inconceivable and indescribable.

It is Amitabha’s compassionate vow to save all

suffering beings. He calls to us: “All beings in the
wretched realms of hell, hungry ghosts and animals,
please come to be reborn in my land. Receive my Dharma
teaching that you may soon become Buddhas.”

He also says: “All beings in the various reincarnated

realms come to be reborn in my land and receive the
fullness of joy! My compassionate heart exerts itself to
rescue all sentient beings and endlessly deliver them from
Avici Hell.”

He also says, “If I attain Perfect Enlightenment, my

Buddha name will be called Infinite Life. All sentient
beings who hear this name can come to my land.” Their
bodies will be gold-colored like the Buddha and their

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 21

 forms will be splendid, perfect and complete. Moreover,
they will benefit all the various kinds of sentient beings
with the mind of great compassion.

Because there exists the deliverance of Amitabha

Buddha and a Land of Bliss, you, spirit of ----- (all
sentient beings in the spirit realm and all family
members), should take this splendid opportunity. So,
please follow the sound of my (our) Amitabha-recitation,
and recite sincerely with aspiration to be reborn in the
Land of Bliss.

Committing the Ten Evil Deeds and the Five

Gravest Transgressions,
They are trapped in the Six Dusts for countless
kalpas .
Should they recite Amitabha’s name but once,
They would reach that Land and attain a Dharma
body like the Buddha’s.
(Recite Namo Amitabha Buddha ten, a hundred, or a
thousand times)

22
3. Description of the Splendidness of the
Beings in the Land of Bliss

Contemplating the Pure Land of Bliss;

Vast and great, wide and level, formed by
countless jewels.
From the 48 Vows sublime adornments arise,
Transcending all Buddha-lands.

The Land of Bliss is pure and splendidly adorned,

surpassing all worlds in the ten directions. Names
associated with the Three Wretched Realms aren’t even
found there -- only natural sounds of joy. It is wide open,
vast and sublime. Everything is permanent, subject to
neither decay nor change. In its form, it is a wondrous
realm, foremost in ultimate truth.

In the Land of Bliss, all is pure. The immeasurable

and inconceivable Buddha-lands of the ten directions
can be seen, as clearly as if we were looking at our own
reflection in a bright mirror.

The Land of Bliss is a realm of natural and

spontaneous manifestation. Food, dress, lodging,

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 23

 transport, study, recreation and every sort of daily need
are readily available according to our thoughts. They
come and go as we wish.

Food in the Land of Bliss: All is readily available as

we wish, like chairs, tables, bowls and utensils made of
the seven jewels. They appear before us naturally, filled
with food of a myriad flavors. Having taken the meal, we
feel relaxed and soft, and unattached to the taste of the
food. Our energy is replenished, and the body excretes
no waste. Once the meal is finished, the tables, bowls and
utensils disappear, only to re-appear as we wish. There is
no labor or effort involved.

Clothes in the Land of Bliss: Wonderful and

beautiful clothing appears whenever we wish for it. It
naturally appears on our body and fits perfectly without
any sewing, measurement, dyeing or washing. Whatever
decorative ornaments we wish will naturally manifest on
our person. Their splendor and beauty are such that they
cannot be described through comparison or analogy.

Lodging in the Land of Bliss: The lecture halls,

practice rooms, palaces, mansions and pagodas are
adorned with the seven jewels. They manifest naturally,

24
and their splendor far surpass that of any heavenly palace.
All structures in the Land of Bliss, whether large or small,
many or few, above or below, coming or going, appear
before us as we please. All furniture and fixtures manifest
as we wish.

Material in the Land of Bliss: All materials are pure

and bright, and unique in form and shape. Their wondrous
splendor is such that it cannot be explicitly described.

Climate in the Land of Bliss: There are no four

seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. Neither
cold nor hot, it is always clear and cool, soft and
moderate, and extremely agreeable. Never are there
natural disasters or earthquakes. One is always safe and
secure.

Terrain in the Land of Bliss: The ground can be

of gold, or the seven jewels, or other various jewels. It
is wide, open and infinitely expansive. The jewels are
naturally bright, resplendent and pure, without any flaw.
The ground is flat like the palm of our hand, and no high
mountains and deep seas are to be found there. We can
see it all according to our wish.

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 25

 Ponds in the Land of Bliss: The wondrous seven-
jeweled ponds are everywhere, which hold the water of
the eight virtues. It causes karmic offences to diminish,
wisdom to brighten, obstructions to end, and blessings to
accumulate.

Water in the Land of Bliss: When we enter the

jeweled ponds, the water naturally pours over the
body, and will also recirculate if we wish. The water
temperature spontaneously adjusts to our comfort. It
energizes the body, opens and gladdens the spirit, and
eradicates all mental defilements.

Flowers in the Land of Bliss: In the ponds, there

are various kinds of lotus flowers composed of many
jewels. They are as large as chariot-wheels -- the blue
ones radiating a blue light, the yellow a yellow light, the
red a red light and the white ones a white light. They are
resplendent like the sun and moon; fine and splendid,
fragrant and pure.

Sky in the Land of Bliss: During the six periods of

the day and night, wondrous celestial flowers rain down.
They shine brightly, emitting a pure fragrance. They are
soft, with an infinite array of color. Those who see the

26
flowers feel rejuvenated and joyful in body and mind.
Their merit and virtues are immeasurably enriched.

Fragrance in the Land of Bliss: Sky, palaces,

pagodas, ponds, trees and all things on the land are made
of immeasurable and assorted jewels and emit hundreds
of thousands of different kinds of fragrance. These
things are wonderfully adorned, surpassing those in the
heavens. The fragrance permeates the worlds of the ten
directions. When Bodhisattvas smell this fragrance, they
spontaneously cultivate Buddhist practices.

Trees in the Land of Bliss: There are many different

kinds of trees everywhere -- trees of gold, silver, lapis
lazuli, crystal, coral, carnelian and rosy pearl. They
are resplendent and bright, supreme in their majesty.
When a breeze passes through them, they naturally and
harmoniously produce the five tones of the musical scale.

The trees in Amitabha Buddha’s place of teaching

are 4 million li tall, with branches extending 200,000
li. All their assorted jewels are naturally formed. When
soft breezes waft through the rows of jeweled trees,
they produce infinitely subtle and wonderful music.
These melodies spread out to other Buddha-lands, and

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 27

 whoever hears them attains the profound “Perseverance
of Dharma” and dwells in the state of non-retrogression
until Buddhahood is achieved. Their six organs are clear
and sharp, without any vexation. Those who see these
trees attain the three kinds of perseverance.

Birds in the Land of Bliss: There are different kinds

of marvelous birds in the Land of Bliss. Birds of assorted
colors, white cranes, peacocks, parrots, sharis, kalavinkas
and jivamjivakas. Six periods of time during the day and
the night, these birds sing with melodious and elegant
voices, proclaiming the wondrous Dharma. On hearing
them, the people of that land become mindful of the
Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. Their bodies are
filled with immeasurable merit and virtues.

These birds are not born as retribution for evil karma.

The reason is that none of the Three Wretched Realms
exist in that Buddha-land. Even names associated with
these realms do not exist there; how much less the realms
themselves? These birds are manifested by Amitabha
Buddha so that their singing can proclaim and spread the
Dharma to render joy and benefit to sentient beings.

Music in the Land of Bliss: That land spontaneously

28
fills with infinite, boundless and wondrous music. This
music manifests the sounds of the Dharma, melodious
and delicate, for the benefit of all the beings there. It is the
most sublime music in the worlds of the ten directions.
Upon hearing these wonderful melodies, all wretched
afflictions are immediately extinguished and replaced
by innumerable virtuous teachings that lead toward
unsurpassed perfect enlightenment.

Teaching in the Land of Bliss: Before Amitabha

Buddha teaches the Dharma to Sravakas, Bodhisattvas
and celestial beings, they gather in the seven-jeweled
lecture hall. Once Amitabha Buddha expounds the
marvelous teachings and explains the wonderful Dharma,
all beings in that land joyfully attain the Way.

No sufferings in the Land of Bliss, immeasurable

joy only.
No reincarnation, aging, illness or death.
Delicate food comes naturally, and heavenly
clothing appears with the speed of thought;
In celestial palaces, large and small, things
manifest accordingly.

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 29

 The climate is temperate and mild, the ground is
of sundry jewels.
Water of eight virtues, sweet and refreshing,
clear all mental defilements.
Rain of heavenly flowers, whose fragrance
reaches the ten directions.
Birds and trees preach the Dharma. Whoever
perceives will realize “Perseverance of Non-
arising.”

The Land of Bliss is so pure, splendid and blissful!

Spirit of ------ (sentient beings in the spirit realm/all
ancestors under the family name of ----- ), you have now
encountered these splendid conditions. Please arouse your
sincerity, and follow my voice in reciting Amitabha’s
name and aspire to be reborn in the Land of Bliss.

Amitabha Buddha-land pure and splendid,

Absent names from the Three Wretched Realms
and the Six Realms.
Everything is adorned by inconceivable virtues,
And every kind of refined marvel.

30
 Namo Amitabha Buddha (ten, a hundred or a
thousand times)

4. Description of the Splendidness of the

Environment in the Land of Bliss

People can complete the Buddhist path because

of the purity of the Land of Bliss.
Habitual karma from the Saha world will cease
instantly,
And the reincarnation cycle ends thereafter.
Afflictions of birth and death cannot bind
anymore.

Any sentient being, once reborn in the Land of Bliss,

ceases to reincarnate in the Three Domains and the Six
Realms. Forever terminated are the sufferings of physical
and mental afflictions – no suffering of birth, aging,
illness, death, separation from loved ones, encounters
with enemies, thwarted desire, and suffering of the Five
Aggregates. For those in the Land of Bliss, these eight
kinds of suffering (and all other kinds of suffering) cease
forever, while happiness abounds.

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 31

 The facial appearance and bodily form of the
inhabitants of the Land of Bliss are splendid and perfect,
exactly the same as those of Amitabha Buddha. They
realize the same infinite auspicious marks, infinite light,
infinite life, infinite wisdom, infinite compassion, infinite
merit and virtues, great deep vows, extensive supernatural
powers and unimpeded eloquence. All are natural and
freely attained.

As a scripture says: “All sentient beings born in the

Land of Bliss dwell in the Stage of Non-Retrogression.
Many are in the Stage of Becoming a Buddha After One
More Life. Such Bodhisattvas transcend the course of
practice of ordinary Bodhisattvas, manifest the practices
of all Bodhisattva stages, and cultivate the virtues of
universal benevolence. Their bodies are golden in color
like the Buddha’s, and their forms are splendid, perfect
and complete. Moreover, they benefit various kinds of
sentient beings with the mind of great compassion. They
have 32 marks and 80 kinds of splendor like the Buddha.
They can also expound the teachings and practice the
Bodhisattva path like the Buddha.”

32
 The scripture continues: “That Buddha-land, second
to the realm of unconditioned nirvana, is pure and serene,
resplendent and blissful. The Sravakas, Bodhisattvas,
heavenly beings and humans there have lofty and brilliant
wisdom, and are masters of supernatural powers. They are
called 'heavenly beings' and 'humans' in accordance with
their states of existence in former lives, but are all of one
form without any differences separating them. They are
of noble and majestic countenance, rare in all the worlds;
their appearance is superb, unmatched by any heavenly
or human being. They are all endowed with bodies of
naturalness, emptiness and infinity.”

Those born in the Land of Bliss are “endowed with

bodies of naturalness, emptiness and infinity.” That
means they have realized the state of nirvana. They
have achieved and completed the Buddhist path. They
eradicated all traces of ignorance and cut off all delusive
karma. Their life is eternal -- no decay, extinction, or
suffering of birth, aging, illness and death; no worry,
sadness, pain or affliction. Their compassion, wisdom
and vow power are great and deep, and their supernatural
powers are unimpeded and free. They can travel to the
worlds of the ten directions with the speed of thought,

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 33

 and can reach them all simultaneously. They can come
and go as they wish. If they want to see their parents or
children in this present life, relatives from past lives, they
can see and deliver them in any expedient form. They
can transform their bodies as they wish, and expound the
wonderful teachings to widely deliver sentient beings.

Sentient beings of different kinds: Be reborn in

the Land of Bliss,
Leave behind the pain of reincarnation, be free
of the Eight Sufferings;
Delusive karma, affliction and ignorance are cut
off;
Attain three kinds of thorough understanding, six
kinds of supernatural powers,
And hundreds of thousands of Dharani;
Come and go among all worlds in a single
thought;
Manifest under any condition, teach Dharma
appropriate to the hearers;
Body golden like the Buddha’s, form splendid,
perfect and complete;

34
 Deliver sentient beings comprehensively with the
mind of great compassion.

A lineage master says, “Humans or heavenly beings,

wholesome or unwholesome beings – all shall be reborn.
In the Pure Land, no differences separate them. They all
walk on an irreversible path to Buddhahood.” Spirit of ---
--- (sentient beings in the spirit realm/all ancestors under
the family name of ----- ), you have encountered these
splendid conditions. Please arouse your sincerity, follow
my voice in reciting Amitabha’s name, and aspire to be
born again in the Land of Bliss!

The bodies of Amitabha Buddha and the

multitudes of sages are golden in color;
Minds interconnect because their lights shine on
one another;
Their forms are equally splendid, as they were
formed by Amitabha’s Vow.
All is accomplished through Amitabha’s power.

Namo Amitabha Buddha (ten, a hundred or a

thousand times)

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 35

 5. Description of the Land of Bliss, and the
Direct Cause of Rebirth

The Land of Bliss is a realm of unconditioned

nirvana;
It is hard to be reborn there by practicing
assorted virtues according to circumstances.
The Tathagata selects the key method –
He teaches us to recite Amitabha’s name with
two-fold exclusivity.

The Land of Bliss is a realm of unconditioned

nirvana, pure and magnificent, surpassing all the worlds
of the ten directions. But how can all people, good and
evil, attain rebirth?

The primary cause of rebirth is “exclusive recitation

of Amitabha’s name.” Any sentient being who aspires
to be reborn in the Land of Bliss and exclusively recites
Amitabha’s name is assured of rebirth through the power
of the Buddha’s Vow. Once reborn, they are assured of
attaining Buddhahood.

Amitabha says in his Vow: “If sentient beings in the

36
lands of the ten directions who sincerely and joyfully
entrust themselves to me, wish to be born in my land, and
call on my name, even ten times, should fail to be born
there, may I not attain perfect enlightenment.”

The lineage master explains: “Today Amitabha is

before us, having achieved Buddhahood. We should
know that his Fundamental Vow has been unequivocally
fulfilled. If sentient beings recite his name, they will
certainly be reborn in the Land of Bliss.”

“Sentient beings of the ten directions” refers to

all beings, including sages and mortals, good and evil
people, celestial and human beings, those coming across
the teaching during their lifetime, and near the end of life
-- and even those in the transitional body (or ‘Bardo’),
in the hell realm, the hungry ghost realm and the animal
realm. They are the focus of Amitabha’s compassionate
deliverance.

Ten kalpas have passed since Amitabha Buddha

attained enlightenment. He extends his golden arm
and calls out to sentient beings of the ten directions,
particularly those who suffer in the Three Wretched
Domains. The Buddha says: “All beings in the various

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 37

 reincarnated realms come to be reborn in my land and
receive the fullness of joy! My compassionate heart
exerts itself to rescue all sentient beings and deliver them
from Avici Hell.”

So, spirit of ------ (sentient beings in the spirit realm

of/all ancestors under the family name of ----- ), you are
the focus of Amitabha’s deliverance. Right now, just
recite Amitabha’s name, and you will immediately attain
rebirth in the Land of Bliss!

The lineage master says: “With Amitabha’s

vow power, all those who commit the Five Gravest
Transgressions and the Ten Unwholesome Deeds will
be cleared of their offences and be reborn in the Land of
Bliss. All those who slander the true Dharma and have no
roots of virtue can be reborn if they turn their minds to
the Buddha.”

Also, what is the meaning of Amitabha’s name? The

Amitabha Sutra says, “It is the name of immeasurable
and boundless, inconceivable merit and virtues.”

The Infinite Life Sutra says: “If there are persons

who hear the name of [Amitabha] Buddha, rejoice so

38
greatly as to dance, and recite his name even once, then
you should know that they have gained great benefit by
receiving the unsurpassed virtue.”

The Contemplation Sutra says: “With a sincere

heart, he continuously recites [the Buddha's name], thus
completing ten recitations of Namo Amitabha Buddha.
The evil karma that he has committed during 80 kotis of
kalpas of samsara in the past is extinguished by his every
recitation.”

We should know: Amitabha’s name contains

immeasurable, boundless, inconceivable, profound,
hidden, splendid and unsurpassed merit and virtues. No
matter who you are, all sentient beings who exclusively
recite Amitabha’s name can attain great benefits and
unsurpassed splendid merit and virtue immediately.
They can eradicate the heavy karmic offenses of eight
billion kalpas in the past. They can leave the cycle of
reincarnation within the Six Realms, and be reborn in the
Land of Bliss to become Buddhas.

The lineage master explains: “Sentient beings who

recite his name will immediately clear the offenses of
many kalpas. Moreover, at the end of their lives, they will

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 39

 be welcomed by the Buddha and a multitude of sacred
beings without them being invited. They will not be
impeded by any deviant or evil karmic forces [preventing
them from being reborn in the Land of Bliss].”

The Amitabha Sutra also says, “That Buddha’s light

is boundless, illuminating the lands of the ten directions
without obstruction. This is why he is called Amitabha.”

The Contemplation Sutra says: “The light [of

Amitabha] permeates all worlds, always embracing those
who recite his name.”

The lineage master combines the two texts and

explains: “That Buddha’s light is infinite, illuminating all
lands in the ten directions without any obstruction. He
watches over the Amitabha-reciters, and embraces them
always. That is why he is called Amitabha.”

Also: “For those sentient beings who exclusively

recite Amitabha Buddha’s name, the light of the Buddha
always shines upon them, protecting and embracing them,
never forsaking them; it does not shine upon and embrace
those who perform miscellaneous practices.”

40
 Further: “Amitabha Buddha made a profound,
weighty vow to embrace all beings with his light and
transform them with his name, asking only that they have
faith, aspire to rebirth in the Pure Land and recite his
name. Whether one recites an entire lifetime, or merely
ten times, or even just once, rebirth is easy because of the
power of Amitabha’s vow.”

Thus all sentient beings who recite Amitabha’s name

exclusively are certainly embraced and protected by
Amitabha’s light. They assuredly attain rebirth in the Pure
Land of Bliss in this lifetime.

The Infinite Life Sutra says, “If sentient beings

encounter his light, their three defilements (greed, anger
and delusion) are removed; they feel tenderness, joy and
pleasure, and good thoughts arise. If sentient beings,
desperately caught in the Three Wretched Realms, see his
light, they will all be relieved and freed from affliction.
At the end of their lives, they are all delivered.”

Thus, spirit of ------ (sentient beings in the spirit

realm/all ancestors under the family name of ----- ), if
you are caught in the Three Wretched Realms, this is the
best time to recite Amitabha’s name! Seek the embrace

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 41

 and protection of Amitabha’s light, so that you can be
liberated from the sufferings there, and attain rebirth in
the Land of Bliss.

Amitabha’s name contains immeasurable merit

and virtues;
Amitabha’s light embraces [all Amitabha-
reciters] without any obstructions.
Amitabha compassionately delivers sentient
beings of the ten directions.
Amitabha receives sentient beings with lotus
altar in hand.
Now is the best time for sentient beings to recite
Amitabha’s name.
They will be received by Amitabha and be reborn
in his Pure Land.

I request the assembly here, and the spirit of -----

- (sentient beings in the spirit realm/all ancestors under
the family name of ----- ), to follow my voice and recite
Amitabha’s name sincerely and earnestly, and aspire to be
reborn in the Land of Bliss!

42
 The body of Amitabha is like gold mountains.
The splendor of his marks illuminates the ten
directions.
Only those who recite his name are embraced by
his light.
His Fundamental Vow is the most powerful.
Tathagatas of the Six Directions extend their
tongues to attest:
By reciting Amitabha’s name exclusively,
Sentient beings will arrive at the Western Land of
Bliss.
Once born there in a blooming lotus,
One can listen to the wondrous Dharma
teachings.
The aspiration and practice of the ten
Bodhisattva stages manifest naturally.

Namo Amitabha Buddha of great kindness and great

compassion in the Western Land of Bliss!

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 43

 VIII. Recitation of Amitabha’s Name
(Sincerely and earnestly, recite Namo Amitabha
Buddha!)

IX. Dedication
May all sentient beings recite Amitabha’s name,
And be reborn in the Land of Bliss as life ends.
Family and loved ones can gather together
forever,
With light and life equal to those of the King of
Vows.

May the resulting merit be transferred to the spirit

of ------ (sentient beings in the spirit realm/all ancestors
under the family name of ----- ), and be distributed
everywhere without discrimination. May we all aspire to
perfect enlightenment for the sake of other beings, and be
reborn in the Land of Peace and Joy.

44
 Rite of Transcendental
Deliverance Through Amitabha-
Recitation
(simplified version)
 -- Three prostrations before Amitabha Buddha;

-- Silent recitation: “I, (name), lacking in wisdom and

blessings, pray that the compassionate Buddha will pity,
not forsake, protect, and allow me to stay with the lotus
assembly, as vast as the ocean, and perform this Buddhist
rite.”

I. “Namo Amitabha Buddha” (Repeat ten

times)

II. Dharma Teachings

The banquet of Amitabha’s deliverance is open
now;
A multitude of pure Bodhisattvas descends and
arrives.
They will deliver numerous sentient beings to the
Land of Bliss;
All Buddhas joyfully expound their original intent
[of deliverance].

With a sincere heart, I address you, the spirit of ------

46
(sentient beings in the spirit realm/all ancestors surnamed
----- ): We are followers of the Buddha. Because we had
profound karmic connections with the ----- family and are
its descendants, we received a physical body.

It is also precious for us to hear and believe in

the Buddhist teachings in this life. Thus, we know the
principle of the retribution of good and evil karma, the
Law of Cause and Effect in the three periods of time,
and reincarnation within the Six Realms. We also know
the way to attain ultimate emancipation by rebirth in the
Land of Bliss through reciting Amitabha’s name. To repay
the grace of all ancestors, and fulfill my moral duty, I now
stand before all relatives and families of ancestors in the
past, I respectfully explain the truths of Buddhism, and
reverently describe the wonderful teaching of deliverance.

I hope the spirit of ------ (sentient beings in the spirit

realm/all ancestors surnamed -----) can recite Amitabha’s
name, and, relying on Amitabha’s vows, merit and
virtues, leave the sea of suffering and reincarnation in
the cycle of birth-and-death forever, and be reborn in the
Land of Bliss and eternal nirvana.

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 47

(simplified version)
 III. Inviting the Sacred Beings
With a sincere heart, I reverently invite the
greatly compassionate Amitabha Buddha to be
present.
With a sincere heart, I reverently invite the
greatly merciful Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva to be
present.
With a sincere heart, I reverently invite the
greatly powerful Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva
to be present.
With a sincere heart, I reverently invite the
ocean-wide assembly of pure Bodhisattvas to be
present.

I pray that Amitabha, with a multitude of sages,

without breaking their vows, will take pity on us and
come to this ceremony now and receive the spirit of ------
(sentient beings in the realm of spirit / all ancestors under
the family name of ----- ) so that they can leave the Three
Domains and the Six Realms. Let them never again suffer
reincarnation in the cycle of birth-and-death, but attain
rebirth in the Land of Bliss, and realize true suchness and
nirvana.

48
IV. Calling the Spirits
With a sincere heart, I call and invite the spirit
of ----- (sentient beings in the realm of spirit / all
ancestors under the family name of ----- ). I pray
that they come here now, and through reliance
on the vows, merits and virtues of Amitabha
Buddha, accept his deliverance and attain rebirth
in the Land of Bliss!

(three times)

V. Discourse (Brief Description of the Land

of Bliss, and Inducing Sentient Beings to
Recite Amitabha’s Name and Seek Rebirth
in the Land of Bliss)
This Land of Bliss is established by Amitabha
Buddha for sentient beings of the ten directions.
No sufferings in the Land of Bliss, immeasurable
joy only.
No reincarnation, aging, illness or death.
Delicate food comes naturally, and heavenly
clothing appears with the speed of thought;

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 49

(simplified version)
 In celestial palaces, large and small, things
manifest accordingly.
The climate is temperate and mild, and the
ground is of sundry jewels.
Water of eight virtues, sweet and refreshing,
clear all mental defilements.
Rain of heavenly flowers, whose fragrance
reaches the ten directions,
Birds and trees preach the Dharma. Whoever
perceives will realize “Perseverance of Non-
arising.”
Sentient beings of different kinds: Be reborn in
the Land of Bliss,
Leave behind the pain of reincarnation, and be
free of the Eight Sufferings;
Delusive karma, affliction and ignorance are cut
off;
Attain three kinds of thorough understanding, six
kinds of supernatural powers,
And hundreds of thousands of Dharani;

50
 Come and go among all worlds in a single
thought;
Manifest under any condition, teach Dharma
appropriate to the hearers;
Body golden like the Buddha’s, form splendid,
perfect and complete;
Deliver sentient beings comprehensively with the
mind of great compassion.

Within the Three Domains and the Six Realms --

from the human worlds to the celestial heavens – all is
suffering. It includes the sufferings of body and mind,
environment, reincarnation, large and small scale, long
and short duration, as well as pain without boundaries
and beyond description.

It pains Amitabha Buddha to see them reincarnating

in the Six Realms and sinking into the Three
Wretched Realms. They commit karmic offenses and
suffer endlessly, life after life. So Amitabha makes
compassionate vows to deliver all iniquitous, suffering
sentient beings -- proactively, equally and unconditionally.
All who inhabit the Six Realms -- regardless of their

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 51

(simplified version)
 status as heavenly or human beings, regardless of their
being good or evil people, regardless of their being
caught in the Three Wretched Realms in Four Modes of
Birth – if they recite Namo Amitabha Buddha, Amitabha
will immediately appear to embrace and protect them. In
a flash, they will be reborn in the Land of Bliss so that
they can part from birth-and-death forever, never again
to reincarnate. They will possess the fullness of joy and
peace, and speedily achieve Buddhahood.

Amitabha says in his Vow: “If sentient beings in the

lands of the ten directions who sincerely and joyfully
entrust themselves to me, wish to be born in my land, and
call on my name, even ten times, should fail to be born
there, may I not attain perfect enlightenment.”

Ten kalpas have passed since Amitabha Buddha

attained enlightenment. He extends his golden arm
and calls out to sentient beings of the ten directions,
particularly those who suffer in the Three Wretched
Domains. The Buddha says: “All beings in the various
reincarnated realms come to be reborn in my land and
receive the fullness of joy! My compassionate heart
exerts itself to rescue all sentient beings and deliver them
from Avici Hell.”

52
 The lineage master says: “With Amitabha’s
vow power, all those who commit the Five Gravest
Transgressions and the Ten Unwholesome Deeds will
be cleared of their offences and be reborn in the Land of
Bliss. All those who slander the true Dharma and have no
roots of virtue can be reborn if they turn their minds to
the Buddha.”

So, spirit of ------ (sentient beings in the realm of

spirit / all ancestors under the family name of ----- ), all of
you are the focus of Amitabha’s deliverance. Right now,
just recite Amitabha’s Name, and you will immediately
attain rebirth in the Land of Bliss! Please follow the
sound of my Amitabha-recitation. Recite sincerely with
the aspiration to be reborn in the Land of Bliss!

Namo Amitabha Buddha! (ten, one hundred, or one

thousand times)

VI. Gatha in Praise of Amitabha Buddha

The body of Amitabha is like gold mountains.
The splendor of his marks illuminates the ten
directions.

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 53

(simplified version)
 Only those who recite his name are embraced by
his light.
His Fundamental Vow is the most powerful.
Tathagatas of the Six Directions extend their
tongues to attest:
By reciting Amitabha’s name exclusively,
Sentient beings will arrive at the Western Land of
Bliss.
Once born there in a blooming lotus,
One can listen to the wondrous Dharma
teachings.
The aspiration and practice of the ten
Bodhisattva stages manifest naturally.

Namo Amitabha Buddha of great kindness and great

compassion in the Western Land of Bliss!

54
VII. Amitabha-Recitation
(Recite sincerely and earnestly “Namo Amitabha
Buddha” ten, one hundred, or one thousand times)

VIII. Dedication
May all sentient beings recite Amitabha’s name,
And be reborn in the Land of Bliss as life ends.
Family and loved ones can gather together
forever,
With light and life equal to those of the King of
Vows.

May the resulting merit be transferred to the spirit

of ------ (sentient beings in the spirit realm/all ancestors
under the family name of ----- ), and be distributed
everywhere without discrimination. May we all aspire to
perfect enlightenment for the sake of other beings, and be
reborn in the Land of Peace and Joy.

Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation 55

(simplified version)