Facing Mortality, No-Self & Pure Land: A Conversation
Soh

Context (paraphrased)

A friend facing worsening health reflected on death and the after-life. They noticed a thought—“I’ll be seeing you all soon”—and questioned whether that’s really how it works. They reasoned that no-self doesn’t necessarily mean no individuality: just as a room can be empty of cows, an individuality can be empty of a self. Perhaps a mind-stream continues, maybe even through a personalized after-death experience. Recently they’ve felt “divine energy,” dream-like intimations of welcoming figures (angels, avatars, archetypes) and a sense of being received “Home.”


They’ve also been contemplating Pure Land Buddhism—not as a permanent escape from samsara, but as a way to avoid involuntary rebirth. From where they stand, the human world feels like “hell” (dukkha), yet there is also stillness amid activity; “both this and that.” They wonder if liberation is experienced differently for different systems, and they’re struck by how medical hardships sometimes catalyze awakening.

My Response

I’ve encountered Tārā, Avalokiteśvara, and other beings. I’m personally convinced that Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and various presences exist—both in this realm and beyond. If Pure Land resonates, I encourage exploring it.

Although Western nondual circles often emphasize Advaita-style inquiry, there are bridges. For example, Greg Goode (well known in Western nonduality) also studied Pure Land and Madhyamaka within Master Yin-Shun’s lineage, which shows there’s serious cross-pollination between these worlds. Stillness Speaks

For a deep, authoritative treatment of Pure Land, I recommend Grandmaster Ōuyi Zhìxū’s classic commentary on the Amitābha Sūtra (English tr. J. C. Cleary). You can read it online or as a PDF:

A Note of Encouragement

May your reflections be supported by wisdom and compassion. If Pure Land practice speaks to you, even simple, sincere nianfo (recitation of Amituofo) can be a profound anchor—especially when health is fragile. Grandmaster Ōuyi’s commentary beautifully situates faith, vow, and practice within the Mahāyāna path. Urban Dharma+1

Namo Amituofo.

Further Reading


Labels: | edit post
0 Responses
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)