According to the Infinite Life Sutra
Regarding the three grades of beings reborn in the Pure Land, the Infinite Life Sutra says:
“Those who attain rebirth in the highest grade are those who renounce household life, abandon attachment to worldly desires, shave their heads and become monks, arouse the Bodhi Mind, single-mindedly recite the name of Amitabha Buddha, cultivate every kind of wholesome merit, and dedicate those merits while aspiring for rebirth in the Western Pure Land.
“When such a person’s life comes to an end, Amitabha Buddha, together with the great assembly of pure Bodhisattvas, immediately appears before that person. He then follows Amitabha Buddha and is reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, where he is spontaneously born within a lotus flower made of the seven treasures. He immediately abides in the stage of non-retrogression, possesses penetrating wisdom, practices with courageous diligence, and freely exercises spiritual powers according to his wishes.
“Therefore, Ananda, if any sentient being wishes to behold Amitabha Buddha in this very life, that person should arouse the unsurpassed Bodhi Mind, cultivate every kind of wholesome merit, and vow to be reborn in that Pure Land.”
Next, those who attain rebirth in the middle grade are described as follows:
“If there are heavenly or human beings in the worlds of the ten directions who sincerely, deeply, and earnestly aspire to be reborn in that Pure Land, although they are unable to leave the household life and become pure monks or extensively cultivate every kind of merit, they should nevertheless arouse the unsurpassed Bodhi Mind, single-mindedly recite the name of Amitabha Buddha, cultivate whatever wholesome deeds they are able, observe the precepts and fasting practices, build stupas and Buddha images, offer meals to the monastic Sangha, hang banners and canopies, light lamps, scatter flowers, burn incense, and dedicate all these merits while aspiring for rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.
“When such a person’s life comes to an end, Amitabha Buddha manifests a transformation body possessing all the Buddha’s radiant marks and splendid characteristics, appearing exactly like the true Buddha, together with the great assembly of pure Bodhisattvas. The person immediately follows this transformation body of Amitabha Buddha and is reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, where he abides in the stage of non-retrogression. His merit and wisdom are, however, somewhat inferior to those of those reborn in the highest grade.
“As for those reborn in the lowest grade, if there are heavenly or human beings in the worlds of the ten directions who sincerely and deeply aspire to be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, but lack the ability to perform many meritorious deeds, they should nevertheless arouse the unsurpassed Bodhi Mind and single-mindedly recite the name of Amitabha Buddha. Even if they recite only ten times, while sincerely vowing to be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss, they will attain rebirth there. Their merit and wisdom are somewhat inferior to those of those reborn in the middle grade.”
Alternatively, if they hear this profound and difficult-to-believe Pure Land teaching, rejoice in it, faithfully accept it without giving rise to doubt, and even with a single pure thought recite the name of Amitabha Buddha while sincerely aspiring for rebirth in that Pure Land, then when their life comes to an end, they will dream of Amitabha Buddha and likewise attain rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.
According to the Visualization Sutra on Amitabha Buddha, rebirth is further classified into the Nine Levels. The upper six levels are generally encompassed within the Three Grades described in the Infinite Life Sutra. However, the lowest three levels in the Visualization Sutra on Amitabha Buddha refer to beings who have committed many evil deeds throughout their lives but, at the moment of death, repent with a single thought, turn their minds toward the Pure Land, and thereby accomplish rebirth. This category is not mentioned in the Three Grades of the Infinite Life Sutra.
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According to the Visualization Sutra on Amitabha Buddha
Regarding the Three Grades and Nine Levels of beings reborn in the Pure Land, the Visualization Sutra on Amitabha Buddha says:
THE HIGHEST GRADE OF REBIRTH
The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi, “In all, there are nine levels of sentient beings who are reborn in the Western Pure Land. The sentient beings in the highest level of the highest grade of rebirth are those who vow to be reborn there. By awakening the three kinds of mind they are reborn there. What are the three? The first is the most sincere mind, the second is the mind of deep faith, and the third is the mind which aspires for rebirth by transferring merit. Those who possess those three minds will be reborn in that land without fail.
“There are three other kinds of beings who will be reborn there. What are the three? First are the compassionate ones who refrain from killing and observe the precepts; second are those who read and recite the Mahayana Vaipulya Sutras; and third are those who cultivate the six kinds of mindfulness. Transferring the merit for rebirth, they vow to be reborn in that land. By accomplishing these virtuous acts for a period of from one to seven days, they immediately attain rebirth.
“When an aspirant is about to be reborn in that land, a result of unconquerable resolve, the Tathagata Amitabha appears along with Avalokitesvara, Mahasthamaprapta, countless transformation Buddhas, a great assembly of a hundred thousand bhiksus and sravakas, and countless heavenly beings in their seven-jeweled palaces.
“Holding a diamond pedestal, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara approaches the aspirant along with Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta. The Amitabha Buddha sends forth a great light that illuminates the aspirant’s body, and along with the Bodhisattvas, offers welcoming hands. Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta, along with countless other Bodhisattvas, then encourage the aspirant’s mind by offering praise. Upon seeing this the aspirant dances with joy, is self-seen seated atop the diamond pedestal, and, following after the Buddha, is reborn into that land as quickly as the snap of a finger.
“Once reborn in that land, the aspirants see the Buddha’s body and the perfection of the Buddha’s myriad characteristics. The perfection of the Bodhisattvas’ physical characteristics is also seen. The light of the jeweled forests widely proclaim the wondrous Dharma, and having heard it, the aspirants will instantly awaken the insight into the non-origination of all existence.”
“Then, in an instant, the aspirants will visit and venerate all the Buddhas of the Ten Directions, and in the presence of each Buddha receive a prediction of their future Buddhahood. Upon returning to the land from whence they came, they attain countless hundreds of thousands of Dharma-gates of dharanis. These are called the sentient beings in the highest level of the highest grade of rebirth.
“The sentient beings reborn in the middle level of the highest grade of rebirth do not necessarily uphold and recite the Vaipulya Sutras, but fully understand their meaning. Upon hearing the highest truth, their minds are not perplexed or shaken, and deeply believing in the principle of cause and effect, they do not slander the Mahayana. Transferring the merit of their virtuous acts, they vow to be reborn in the Realm of Ultimate Bliss.
“Those who perform these practices will, when their life is about to end, be met by Amitabha Buddha together with Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta; surrounded by a measureless, great host of attendant-followers, they hold a pedestal of purple-gold. The Buddha praises each aspirant, saying, ‘Dharma disciple, you have practiced the Mahayana and have realized the highest truth. For this reason we have now come to welcome you.’ With this, Amitabha Buddha and the thousands of miraculously created Buddhas offer their hands all at once.
“The practitioners see themselves seated on a pedestal of purple-gold, and with palms pressed together, praise the Buddhas. In the space of a single thought, they are reborn in that land in a seven-treasure lake. The pedestal of purple-gold is like a great jeweled flower, and after one night passes, the flower opens. Each practitioner’s body becomes the color of purple-gold, and under their feet there are lotus flowers made of the seven treasures. The Buddha and the Bodhisattvas all send forth rays of light to illuminate each practitioner’s body, causing their eyes to open, clear and wide. Because of the store of merit from their previous lives, they hear a variety of voices exclusively proclaiming the most profound, supreme truth. Descending from the golden pedestal, and with palms pressed together, they bow to and praise the Buddha, the World-Honored One.
“After seven days pass, each aspirant attains the Stage of Non-Retrogression on the path toward the Highest Perfect Enlightenment. Each aspirant acquires the ability to fly off at will to revere the Buddhas of the Ten Directions and to cultivate various samadhis from them. After one small aeon passes, each aspirant attains the insight into the non-origination of all existence, and in the presence of each Buddha, receive a prediction of their future attainment. These are called the sentient beings in the middle level of the highest grade of rebirth.
“Those sentient beings reborn in the lowest level of the highest grade of rebirth also believe in the principle of cause and effect, do not slander the Mahayana, and awaken the mind which aspires to the highest perfect enlightenment. Transferring the merit of their virtuous acts, they vow to be reborn in the Realm of Ultimate Bliss.
“When the lives of such aspirants are about to end, these beings are met by Amitabha Buddha together with Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta and their great host of attendant-followers carrying golden lotus flowers which manifest five hundred transformed Buddhas to welcome them. These five hundred transformed Buddhas extend their hands to each person, saying, ‘Dharma disciple, your mind is pure and you have awakened the mind which aspires to the highest perfect enlightenment, and so we have come to welcome you.’
“Having seen these things, each aspirant is self-seen seated on a golden lotus flower which then closes, and, following the World-Honored One, each aspirant is immediately reborn on a seven-jeweled lake.
“After one day and one night, the lotus flower opens, then within seven days, the aspirant beholds the Buddha. Although the body of the Buddha is seen, not all the physical characteristics and marks are clear in the aspirant’s mind. But after three weeks, they are seen clearly and distinctly, and a variety of voices all widely proclaiming the wondrous Dharma are heard. The aspirant then travels to each of the Ten Directions to make offerings to all the Buddhas, and to hear their most profound Dharma teachings.
“After three small aeons pass, the aspirant attains the hundred wisdom gates of the Dharma and abides in the Stage of Joy. These are called the sentient beings in the lowest level of the highest grade of rebirth. Performing this visualization is called the right visualization. If one performs other visualizations, that is called an incorrect visualization.”
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THE MIDDLE GRADE OF REBIRTH
The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi, “The sentient beings reborn in the highest level of the middle grade of rebirth are those who have upheld the five precepts, observed the eight abstinences, have cultivated the practice of the precepts, have not committed the five grave offenses and are free from various other faults. Transferring the merits of these roots of virtue for rebirth, they aspire to be reborn in the Realm of Ultimate Bliss in the Western Pure Land.
“When their lives are about to end, these beings will be met by Amitabha Buddha, who, surrounded by a host of bhiksus and attendant-followers, sends forth golden rays of light. Coming to each person, they proclaim the teachings of suffering, emptiness, impermanence and non-self, praising the renunciation of the world which enables one to be freed from suffering. After seeing this, each aspirant’s heart is filled with great joy, and each is then self-seen sitting on a lotus flower pedestal. Dropping to their knees, the aspirants press their palms together, bowing to the Buddha in homage; and even before their heads are raised, rebirth in the Realm of Ultimate Bliss is attained.
“Immediately, the lotus flower opens, and when the flower unfolds, each aspirant hears a variety of sounds and voices praising the Four Truths. Instantly the aspirant attains the stage of an Arhat, acquires the three kinds of transcendent knowledge and the six supernatural powers, and realizes the eight samadhis of liberation. These are called the sentient beings in the highest level of the middle grade of rebirth.
“The sentient beings reborn in the middle level of the middle grade of rebirth are those who, for at least one day and one night observe the eight abstinences; or for one day and one night observe the shramanera [novice] precepts; or for one day and one night observe the complete set of precepts for monks, their majestic deportment lacking nothing. Transferring the merit of these virtuous acts for rebirth, they aspire to be reborn in the Realm of Ultimate Bliss.
“Permeated with the fragrance of these precepts, such an aspirant, when life is about to end, sees the Amitabha Buddha and the host of attendant-followers approaching. Sending forth golden rays of light, the Buddha comes before this practitioner carrying a seven-jeweled lotus flower. The aspirant then hears a voice from the sky saying, ‘Child of a good family, as you are a virtuous person who has followed the teachings of the Buddhas of past, present and future, I have come to welcome you.’ The aspirant is then self-seen sitting on a lotus flower which then closes, and rebirth in a jeweled lake of the Realm of Ultimate Bliss of the Western Pure Land ensues.
“After seven days pass, the lotus flower unfolds. When the flower is fully open, the aspirant, whose eyes are now opened, places palms together and praises the World-Honored One. Hearing the Dharma, the aspirant is filled with joy and attains the stage of a Stream-Winner; then, after half an aeon, the stage of Arhat is attained. These are called the sentient beings of the middle level of the middle grade of rebirth.
“The sentient beings reborn in the lowest level of the middle grade of rebirth are those good sons or good daughters who attend dutifully to their parents and do benevolent deeds for others.
“When the lives of these people are about to end, they encounter a virtuous and learned teacher who fully explains the bliss of the land of the Amitabha Buddha and also expounds the Forty-eight Great Vows of the Bhiksu Dharmakara. Having heard these things, they soon come to the end of their lives, and in the time it takes for a vigorous person to bend and extend an arm, the aspirants are reborn into the Realm of Ultimate Bliss of the Western Pure Land.
“Seven days after that rebirth, the practitioners meet Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta. Hearing the Dharma, they are filled with joy and attain the stage of Stream-Winner; then, after one small aeon passes, they attain the stage of Arhat. These are called the sentient beings of the lowest level of the middle grade of rebirth. Performing this visualization is called the right visualization. If one performs other visualizations, that is called an incorrect visualization.
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THE LOWEST GRADE OF REBIRTH
The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi, “The sentient beings in the highest level of the lowest grade of rebirth are those who have committed myriad evil acts. Although they do not slander the Vaipulya sutras, these deluded beings repeatedly perform evil deeds, yet feel no remorse.
“When their lives are about to end, they meet a virtuous and learned teacher who praises for them the names and titles of the Mahayana sutras of the twelve divisions. By hearing the names of these sutras, the heavy and evil karma binding them to birth-and-death for a thousand aeons is eliminated. This learned teacher also teaches them to press their palms together and recite ‘Namo Amitabha Buddha.’ Because they recite the Buddha’s name, the evil karma binding them to birth-and-death for a hundred million aeons is eliminated.
“At that time, the Buddha sends a miraculously created Buddha, a miraculously created Avalokitesvara and a miraculously created Mahasthamaprapta, who appear before the aspirants and praise each of them, saying, ‘Well done, child of a good family! Because you have recited the Buddha’s name, your evil karma has been eliminated. We have come to welcome you.’ After these words have been spoken, each aspirant immediately sees the miraculously created Buddha, whose rays of light completely fill the room. Having seen this, the aspirants are filled with joy and their lives come to an end. Riding atop a jeweled lotus flower, each practitioner follows behind the miraculously created Buddha and is reborn in a jeweled lake.
“After seven weeks, the lotus flower opens. When this flower unfolds, the greatly compassionate Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta send forth great rays of light and, standing before the aspirant, expound the profound sutras of the twelve divisions. Upon hearing this, the aspirant accepts it in faith and awakens the mind that aspires for the Highest Perfect Enlightenment. After ten small aeons pass, the aspirant attains the hundred wisdom gates of the Dharma and enter the first stage of a Bodhisattva.
“These are called the sentient beings in the highest level of the lowest grade of rebirth; and being able to hear the name of the Buddha, the name of the Dharma and the name of the Sangha– that is, the Three Treasures– these sentient beings immediately attain rebirth.
The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi, “The sentient beings in the middle level of the lowest grade of rebirth are those who violate the five precepts, the eight abstinences, and the complete set of precepts for monks. Such deluded people steal the property of the Sangha, take the personal belongings of the monks, preach the Dharma with impure intent, and feel no remorse. These deluded people defile themselves with these evil deeds, and because of this will fall into hell.
“When the lives of such people are about to end, and the fires of hell simultaneously close upon them, they meet a virtuous and learned teacher who, with great compassion, praises and explains the majestic virtue and ten powers of the Amitabha Buddha, praises fully the transcendental powers of that Buddha’s light, and further praises the virtues of that Buddha who accomplished the precepts, the meditation, the wisdom, the liberation and the awareness of that liberation. When these people have heard these things, the evil karma binding them to birth-and-death for eight hundred million aeons is eliminated. Hell’s fierce flames are then transformed into pure, cool breezes that gently blow upon heavenly flowers. On top of each flower is a miraculously created Buddha and miraculously created Bodhisattvas who come to welcome these people. And in a single moment of thought, they are each reborn inside a lotus flower in a seven-jeweled lake.
“After six aeons pass, the lotus flowers unfold. When the flowers open, Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta reassure them using the Brahma voice and expound the profound Mahayana Sutras. Upon hearing this Dharma, each person at once awakens the mind that aspires for the highest enlightenment. These are called the sentient beings of the middle level of the lowest grade of rebirth.
The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi, “The sentient beings in the lowest level of the lowest grade of rebirth are those who commit such evil acts as the five grave offenses and the ten transgressions, and are burdened with various kinds of evil. These foolish beings, because of their evil karma, shall fall into the evil realms of existence, and experience endless suffering for many aeons.
“When the life of such a foolish person is about to end, this person meets a virtuous and learned teacher who provides various kinds of comfort, expounds the exquisite Dharma, and urges mindfulness of the Buddha. If that person is too tormented by pain to be mindful of the Buddha, the virtuous friend says, ‘If you are unable to be mindful of the Buddha, you should recite the name of and take refuge in the Buddha of Immeasurable Life.’ And so, with a sincere mind and an uninterrupted voice, this person says, ‘Namo Amitabha Buddha’ even as few as ten times, and because this person says the Buddha’s name, with every repetition, the evil karma binding this person to birth-and-death for eight million aeons is eliminated.
“When the lives of such people come to an end, a sun-like golden lotus flower appears in front of them. And in the interval of a single thought-moment, each person will immediately attain rebirth inside a lotus flower in the Realm of Ultimate Bliss.
“After twelve great aeons the lotus flower opens. When the flower unfolds, Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta, using the Brahma voice, proclaim for each person the way to eliminate evil karma through the realization of the true nature of all existence. Upon hearing this, each person is filled with joy and, at that moment, awakens the mind that aspires for enlightenment. These are called the sentient beings of the lowest level of the lowest grade of rebirth. This perception of the sentient beings in the lowest grade of rebirth is called the sixteenth visualization.”
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