Special Topics

Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q6: Is the "Amitabha Sutra" a sutra chanted exclusively for the deceased?

A: As mentioned in the sutra, if one can have deep faith, make vows, and recite the name of Buddha Amitabha wholeheartedly without distractions, one will be reborn in the Pure Land at the end of one's life. Since ancient times, followers of Chinese Buddhism have recited Buddha Amitabha's name and the Amitabha Sutra as a Dharma method to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss after death.
However, we shouldn't think that the practice method of reciting the Buddha's name mentioned in the Amitabha Sutra is only used at the end of one's life. As the ancient saying goes: "What is the most incredible thing in life? It's the fact that everyone will die one day, but everyone pretends that they will never die." Life happens between breaths. The truth of impermanence that Buddhism describes not only happens at the end of one's life, but also in everyday life, at every moment, and in every breath.
Therefore, the Amitabha Sutra should not be recited only at the end of one's life; rather, it should be a part of our regular daily practice. One should contemplate how to face death in one's daily life. In this way, when facing the dissolution of the Four Great Elements that make up our physical body (earth, water, fire and air) at the end of our life, we will not be completely unprepared and frightened by death.



Extended Reading:

The Amitabha Sutra (the Shorter Sukhavativyuha Sutra)

Practice Method of Amitabha Buddha

Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q1: Why did the Buddha expound the Amitabha Sutra without being asked?

Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q2: Why is Amitabha Buddha's land called "World of Ultimate Bliss"?

Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q3: Why are the teachings expounded by the Lord Buddha in the Amitabha Sutra difficult to believe?

Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q4: Why is it possible to be reborn in the Pure Land by reciting a single Buddha's name?

Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q5: Why is "Amitofuo" considered a phrase for blessing?

Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q6: Is the "Amitabha Sutra" a sutra chanted exclusively for the deceased?


Resource: Issue 344 of Life Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Photos: Issue 344 of Life Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Translation: Glen Sha    
Editing: YKL, Keith Brown