Rite of Transcendental Deliverance Through Amitabha-Recitation

By Dharma Master Huijing

English translation by Householder Jingpu
Edited by the Pure Land School Translation Team

(Three prostrations before Amitabha Buddha)

I. Praise of the Lotus Pond

In this Lotus Pond assembly, as vast as the ocean,

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 ocean (Repeat three 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 ------ (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.

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 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!

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!

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!

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 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!

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 (Recite 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 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 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 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 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.

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

3. Description of the Splendidness of the Environment 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, 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, 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.

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
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 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 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.

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.

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

4. Description of the Splendidness of the Beings 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.

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.”

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, 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;

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 (Recite ten, a hundred or a thousand times)

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 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 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 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 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.”

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 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!

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.

VIII. Recitation of Amitabha’s Name

(Sincerely and earnestly, recite Namo Amitabha Buddha.)

IX. THE SUTRA ON AMITĀYUS BUDDHA DELIVERED BY
ŚĀKYAMUNI BUDDHA
(Translated into Chinese during the Yao-Qin Dynasty
by Tripiṭaka Master Kumārajīva of Kucha
Translated from Chinese by Hisao Inagaki)

Homage to the Lotus Pond Assembly of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas as vast as

the ocean. (Repeat three times)

The Sutra on Amitāyus Buddha Delivered by Śākyamuni Buddha

1 Thus have I heard. At one time the Buddha was staying in the Jeta Grove
monastery of Anāthapiṇḍada’s Garden at Śrāvastī, together with a large
assembly of twelve hundred and fifty monks who were all great arhats well
knownto the people. Among them were great disciples such as the elders
Śāriputra, Mahāmaudgalyāyana, Mahākāśyapa, Mahākātyāyana,
Mahākauṣṭhila, Revata, Śuddhipanthaka, Nanda, Ānanda, Rāhula,
Gavāṃpati, Piṇḍola-Bhāradvāja, Kālodayin, Mahākapphiṇa, Vakkula, and
Aniruddha. He was also accompanied by many bodhisattva mahāsattvas, such
as Dharma Prince Mañjuśrī, Bodhisattva Ajita, Bodhisattva Sweet-smelling
Elephant, and Bodhisattva Constant Endeavor, and by innumerable devas,
including Śakra, lord of the gods, and many others.

2 The Buddha then said to Elder Śāriputra: “If you travel westward from
here, passing a hundred thousand koṭis of buddha lands, you will come to the
land called Utmost Bliss, where there is a buddha named Amitāyus. He is
living there now, teaching the Dharma.

3 “Śāriputra, why is that land called Utmost Bliss? The beings in that land
suffer no pain but only enjoy pleasures of various kinds. For this reason, that
land is called Utmost Bliss. Again, Śāriputra, in the Land of Utmost Bliss
there are seven rows of balustrades, seven rows of decorative nets, and seven
rows of trees. They are all made of four kinds of jewels and extend over the
whole land, encompassing everything. For this reason, that land is called
Utmost Bliss. Again, Śāriputra, in the Land of Utmost Bliss there are seven-
jeweled ponds filled with water possessing the eight excellent qualities. The
beds of the ponds are covered solely with gold sand, and from the four sides
of each bed rise stairs of gold, silver, beryl, and crystal. Above these stand
pavilions adorned with gold, silver, beryl, crystal, sapphire, rosy pearls, and
cornelian. In the ponds are lotuses 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 a white light. They are marvelous and beautiful, fragrant and pure.
Śāriputra, the Land of Utmost Bliss is filled with such splendid adornments.
“Again, Śāriputra, in that buddha land heavenly music is played continually.
The ground is made of gold. Six times during the day and night māndārava
flowers rain down from the sky. Every day, in the serenity of early morning,
the people of that land fill the hems of their robes with exquisite flowers and
go to make offerings to a hundred thousand koṭis of buddhas dwelling in the
worlds of all the other directions. Then they return to the Pure Land for their
morning meal. After the meal they enjoy a stroll. Śāriputra, the Land of
Utmost Bliss is filled with such splendid adornments.
“Again, Śāriputra, in that land there are always many kinds of rare and
beautiful birds of various colors, such as white geese, peacocks, parrots, śāris,
kalaviṅkas, and jīvaṃjīvakas. Six times during the day and night birds sing
with melodious and delicate sounds, which proclaim such teachings as the
five roots of good, the five powers, the seven practices leading to
enlightenment, and the Noble Eightfold Path. On hearing them, all the people
of that land become mindful of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. But,
Śāriputra, you should not assume that these birds are born as retribution for
evil karma. The reason is that none of the three evil realms exists in that
buddha land. Śāriputra, even the names of the three evil realms do not exist
there; how much less the realms themselves! These birds are manifested by
Amitāyus so that their singing can proclaim and spread the Dharma.
“In that buddha land, Śāriputra, when soft breezes waft through the rows of
jeweled trees and jeweled nets they produce subtle, wonderful sounds. It is as
if a hundred thousand musical instruments were playing together. Everyone
who hears the sounds spontaneously becomes mindful of the Buddha,
Dharma, and Sangha. Śāriputra, that buddha land is filled with such splendid
adornments.

4 “For what reason, Śāriputra, do you think that buddha is called Amitābha?
Śāriputra, the Buddha’s light shines boundlessly and without hindrance over
all the worlds of the ten directions. It is for this reason that he is called
Amitābha. Again, Śāriputra, the lives of the Buddha and the people of his
land last for innumerable, unlimited, and incalculable kalpas. It is for this
reason that the buddha is called Amitāyus. Śāriputra, ten kalpas have passed
since Amitāyus attained enlightenment. Moreover, Śāriputra, he has an
immeasurable and unlimited number of śrāvaka disciples, all of them arhats,
whose number cannot be reckoned by any means. His assembly of
bodhisattvas is similarly vast. Śāriputra, that buddha land is filled with such
splendid adornments.

5 “Again, Śāriputra, all sentient beings born in the Land of Utmost Bliss
dwell in the stage of non-retrogression. Many of them are in the stage of
becoming a buddha after one more life. Their number is so great that it is
beyond reckoning; it can only be described as innumerable, unlimited, and
incalculable.
“Śāriputra, those sentient beings who hear of that land should aspire to be
born there. Why? Because they will be able to meet such sages of supreme
virtue. Śāriputra, one cannot attain birth in that land with few roots of good or
a small store of merit. Śāriputra, if a good man or woman who hears of
Amitāyus holds fast to his Name even for one day, two days, three, four, five,
six, or seven days with a concentrated and undistracted mind, then, at the
hour of death, Amitāyus will appear with a host of holy ones. Consequently,
when their life comes to an end, the aspirants’ minds will not fall into
confusion and so they will be born immediately in the Land of Utmost Bliss
of Amitāyus. Śāriputra, perceiving these benefits, I say: All sentient beings
who hear this teaching should aspire to birth in that land.

6 “Śāriputra, just as I praise the inconceivable virtue of Amitāyus, so do the

buddhas in the eastern direction as numerous as the sands of the Ganges
River, such as Akṣobhya Buddha, Merudhvaja Buddha, Mahāmeru Buddha,
Meruprabhāsa Buddha, and Mañjusvara Buddha. While dwelling in their own
lands, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the
universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth:
Sentient beings should accept this sutra entitled ‘Praise of the Inconceivable
Virtue and Protection by All Buddhas.’

7 “Śāriputra, there are in the southern direction buddhas as numerous as the

sands of the Ganges River, such as Candrasūryapradīpa Buddha, Yaśasprabha
Buddha, Mahārciskandha Buddha, Merupradīpa Buddha, and Anantavīrya
Buddha. While dwelling in their own lands, they extend their long, broad
tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million
worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should accept this
sutra entitled ‘Praise of the Inconceivable Virtue and Protection by All
Buddhas.’

8 “Śāriputra, there are in the western direction buddhas as numerous as the

sands of the Ganges River, such as Amitāyus Buddha, Amitaketu Buddha,
Amitadhvaja Buddha, Mahāprabha Buddha, Mahāprabhāsa Buddha, Ratna-
ketu Buddha, and Śuddharaśmiprabha Buddha. While dwelling in their own
lands, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the
universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth:
Sentient beings should accept this sutra entitled ‘Praise of the Inconceivable
Virtue and Protection by All Buddhas.’

9 “Śāriputra, there are in the northern direction buddhas as numerous as the

sands of the Ganges River, such as Arciskandha Buddha, Vaiśvānaranirghoṣa
Buddha, Duṣpradharṣa Buddha, Ādityasaṃbhava Buddha, and Jālinīprabha
Buddha. While dwelling in their own lands, they extend their long, broad
tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million
worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should accept this
sutra entitled ‘Praise of the Inconceivable Virtue and Protection by All
Buddhas.’

10 “Śāriputra, there are in the nadir buddhas as numerous as the sands of the
Ganges River, such as Siṃha Buddha, Yaśas Buddha, Yaśasprabhāsa Buddha,
Dharma Buddha, Dharmadhvaja Buddha, and Dharmadhara Buddha. While
dwelling in their own lands, they extend their long, broad tongues and,
encom- passing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds,
pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should accept this sutra
entitled ‘Praise of the Inconceivable Virtue and Protection by All Buddhas.’

11 “Śāriputra, there are in the zenith buddhas as numerous as the sands of the
Ganges River, such as Brahmaghoṣa Buddha, Nakṣatrarāja Buddha,
Gandhottama Buddha, Gandhaprabhāsa Buddha, Mahārciskandha Buddha,
Ratnakusumasaṃpuṣpitagātra Buddha, Śālendrarāja Buddha, Ratnotpalaśrī
Buddha, Sarvārthadarśa Buddha, and Sumerukalpa Buddha. While dwelling
in their own lands they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing
with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words
of truth: Sentient beings should accept this sutra entitled ‘Praise of the
Inconceivable Virtue and Protection by All Buddhas.’
12 “Śāriputra, why do you think this teaching is called the ‘Sutra of
Protection by All Buddhas’? Śāriputra, all good men and women who hear
this sutra and hold fast to it, and also those who hear the names of those
buddhas, are protected by all the buddhas and dwell in the stage of non-
retrogression for realizing highest, perfect enlightenment. This is why,
Śāriputra, you should accept my words in faith and the teachings of all the
buddhas. “Śāriputra, those who have already aspired, now aspire, or in the
future will aspire to be born in the land of Amitāyus Buddha all dwell in the
stage of non-retrogression for realizing highest, perfect enlightenment. They
have already been born, are now being born, or will be born in that land.
Hence, Śāriputra, good men and women of faith should aspire to birth there.

13 “Śāriputra, just as I now praise the inconceivable virtue of other buddhas,

they also praise my inconceivable virtue, saying, ‘Śākyamuni Buddha, you
have accomplished an extremely difficult and unprecedented task. In this
Sahā world, during the evil period of the five defilements—those of time,
views, passions, sentient beings, and lifespan—you have attained highest,
perfect enlightenment and, for the sake of sentient beings, have delivered this
teaching which is the most difficult in the world to accept in faith.’
“Śāriputra, you must realize that I have accomplished this difficult task
during the period of the five defilements. That is to say, having attained high-
est, perfect enlightenment, I have for the sake of the world delivered this
teaching, which is so hard for [people] to accept in faith. This is indeed an
extremely difficult task.”

14 When the Buddha had delivered this sutra, Śāriputra and all the monks,
together with beings of the whole world, including devas, humans, and
asuras, rejoiced at what they had heard and reverently accepted it. Having
worshiped him, they departed.

End of The Sutra on Amitāyus Buddha Delivered by Śākyamuni Buddha

X. Uprooting all Karmic Hindrance and Attaining Rebirth to the Pure
Land Dharani

Na Mo A Mi Duo Po Ye, Duo Ta Qie Duo Ye,

Duo Di Ye Ta, A Mi Li Duo Po Po,

A Mi Li Duo, Xi Dan Po Pi,

A Mi Li Duo, Pi Jia Lan Di,

A Mi Li Duo, Pi Jia Lan Duo,

Qie Mi Ni, Qie Qie Na,

Zhi Duo Jia Li, Suo Po He. (Repeat three times)

XI. Food Conversion Mantra

Na Mo Sa Wa Dan Tuo Ye Duo,

Wa Lu Zhi Di, An, San,

Bo La, San, Bo La, Hong. ( Repeat three times)

XII. Amrta Mantra

Na Mo Su Lu Po Ye, Dan Tuo Ye Duo Ye,

Dan Zhi Tuo, An, Su Lu, Su Lu, Bo La Su Lu, Bo La Su Lu, Suo Po He.
(Repeat three times)

XIII. Universal Offering Mantra

An, Ye Ye Nang, San Po Wa, Fa Ri La, Hong. (Repeat three times)

XIV. The Buddha Is With You

When you are crying, he is in tears, Amitoufo Amitoufo Namo Amitoufo 


When you are rejoicing, he too is smiling, Amitoufo Amitoufo Namo

Amitoufo 


Buddha-reciters should know, whenever and wherever you are, the Buddha
is always with you, feels for you, shares your happiness and sorrows,
Namo Amitoufo


Namo Amitoufo! Namo Amitoufo! Amitoufo! Amitoufo! Namo Amitoufo!

(Taking down prayer plaques while reciting Amitoufo - then returning to the
Buddha Hall)

XV. Dedication - Parinamana

Wishing that all sentient beings will recite the Buddha's name,

And reborn into the Land of Ultimate Bliss upon death;

Where they and their families will be united forever,

Enjoying a lifespan as infinite as the King of the Great 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

Namo Amitoufo
Namo Amitoufo
Namo Amitoufo

(Three Prostrations before Amitabha Buddha) - End of Deliverance Service