The Lesson of the Last Breath

📖Master’s Reading

Death was never a sudden exam but the final summary of a lifetime of practice. The truth of the dharmadhātu is: many do not learn Buddhism in ordinary time, and at life's last moment, facing the unknown darkness and karmic collection, can only drift in fear. Facing the supreme esoteric Dharma of life and death, in fact just remember: when breathing is about to stop, recite "Oṃ Maṇi Padme Hūṃ — relinquish," and fly out from the crown.

"Oṃ Maṇi Padme Hūṃ" firmly refuses to enter the six realms, and the syllable "relinquish" clearly marks the soul's destination — the home of Avalokiteśvara. This is not only a self-rescue code but the simplest way to deliver kin. For elders without practice, in ordinary time just patiently teach them to recite these seven syllables, imprinting the mantra deep in the subconscious.

When they pass and stop breathing, for eight hours the consciousness is still alive and can hear everything. At this time, just gently remind them at the ear: "Recite with me, Oṃ Maṇi Padme Hūṃ — relinquish, and then think of your crown." The consciousness follows the mantra's sound out from the crown chakra and can safely meet Avalokiteśvara. The stability at the great pass of life and death can never be crammed at the deathbed. As you practice in ordinary time, so you go at the end. Only by practicing every day can the last moment be fearless, rushing straight to the Pure Land.

🌱Reflection for Daily Life

• As you practice in ordinary time, so you go at the end.
• Death is the summary of a lifetime of practice.
• Recite the Great Bright Mantra plus relinquish before the last breath.
• Within eight hours, gently remind them to recite mantra.
• As you practice in ordinary time, so you go at the end.