Question: Can assisted recitation help a person at life’s end, who is in the Bardo state, to gain a vision of Amitabha Buddha? Can that person be immediately reborn?

Answer: Whether or not a person is reborn immediately depends upon that person. In typical circumstances, rebirth is very easy and swift. People’s karmic outcomes will vary. If one’s karma is very good, then there will be many people to offer assisted recitation, indicating that one has the causal conditions [for immediate rebirth]. If one’s karma is not particularly heavy, then in the Bardo body, in response to the calling, Amitabha would be seen. When the Buddha appears, his living body is immaculate, soothing, and loving. At this time, it is natural for the person to be drawn in. The Bardo body, amid suffering and panic, will instinctually gravitate towards light and tranquility upon encountering it. It is just like when we are in a cold place. If a heater is near, we incline towards it. This is life’s innate tendency. In the midst of fear, comfort appears. Imprisoned by darkness, light unlocks it. Thus, nothing obstructs our Pureland rebirth. Naturally, our minds bend towards Buddha. Naturally, our hearts aspire to rebirth. If this is so, there is assured immediacy of rebirth.

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