We often hear fellow Pure Land practitioners say, “Oh, so-and-so passed away with such auspicious signs—their face was radiant and their body was so soft and flexible. How wonderful! He must have achieved this through diligent practice throughout his life. I should practice just as hard so that I too may have such a peaceful passing in the future.”

       Instead, we should look at it this way: “He is an ordinary being, and so am I. If he can attain rebirth, so can I. Since Amitabha Buddha delivered him, he will surely deliver me too.”

       Recognizing that our rebirth depends entirely on Amitabha’s vow brings light and hope to our path. With our minds set at ease, our confidence multiplies a hundredfold, filling us with total trust—and we naturally recite Amitabha’s name with joyful vigor.

       Without understanding the true nature of the Pure Land path, we easily fall into the trap of self-power, focusing solely on our own side of things—how to practice harder, faster, and better. While such diligence is admirable, missing the core of Amitabha’s compassionate vow means our entire direction and method are completely off course.

       If you practice the Pure Land path but are still caught up in relying on your own hard work, you have missed the entire point. By failing to board the ship of Amitabha’s great vow, you lose out on the peace and ease this path actually offers—leaving you anxious and fearful instead. How can that be called the Easy Path?

       As practitioners, we must look deeper than just Amitabha’s compassion; we must recognize the true power behind our rebirth. The reason the Pure Land path surpasses all other paths doesn't come from what we achieve on our side—it rests entirely on Amitabha's side.

(Translated by the Pure Land School Translation Team;
edited by Householder Fojin)