u/BlackLotus0080

I have a question for all Pure Land Buddhists: do you have any stories of practitioners who have achieved rebirth in the Pure Land, either with your own eyes or by knowing someone personally who has witnessed this? Ever since I converted to Pure Land Buddhism, I have developed a hobby of collecting rebirth accounts, and I enjoy reading as many stories as I can find. I am interested in hearing your stories if you wish to share, as they could also inspire others to recite the name of Amitabha Buddha to be born in the Pure Land. Thank you. Namo Amida Butsu.

Namo Amida Butsu 🙏

Is it true that hungry ghosts can attract themselves to Amitabha Reciters because they also wish to be liberated? When you chant the name of Amitabha Buddha, are they automatically born into the pure land because of your chanting? I was contemplating Amitabha's compassion while reciting, and the thought came to me about the suffering that other beings are going through, who also wish for liberation. At that moment, the feeling of being loved by Amitabha turned into compassion for beings who are suffering, The strange thing is, the thought of these spirits attracting to my recitation did not bring fear into my heart, but compassion, in hopes of being the reason a suffering being can be saved by Amitabha Buddha so they too can be happy and free from suffering,

Namo Amida Butsu

Namo Amida Butsu 🙏

Namo Amida Butsu 🙏

I wanted to ask a question but also share a story about why I am asking it because, for a long time, it has weighed heavily on my heart whether I should ask or share my story. I do not claim to be special; I am simply a practitioner with blind passions, also in need of salvation, like other practitioners. The question I wanted to ask was: how common is it for Amitabha Reciters to see Amitabha Buddha in dreams? Ever since I wished to be born in his pure land chanting his name, I see him in dreams and even have my questions answered and am encouraged to say his name. I have been assured of my rebirth, and I even had a dream where Amitabha Buddha told me that if one does what Honen says and teaches, they will be guaranteed rebirth in his pure land. In another dream, Amitabha called me by my name and said, "no matter how light or how heavy your karma is, you are assured of your rebirth in my land." So it is not a secret that I am a follower of Ippen. For a short period, the dream about Honen was on my mind, and I would ask myself: am I in the correct school? Does it matter? Is Ippen a valid teacher? Then, a couple of nights ago, I saw my death as I have before, and I saw Amitabha Buddha in the same room with me in my dream. He was shining with a beautiful golden light, and he told me not to worry about my faith or lack thereof, nor about my moral standing, because whether you believe or not, the name is effective. No matter your moral standing, the name remains effective. Just keep saying his name continuously until your death, without worrying about any self-effort on your part, and you will be born in the pure land. I remember Ippen teaching that the school or doctrine does not matter; just say nembutsu and you will be born in the pure land. This dream was a confirmation for me that what matters is simply saying the name. After my dream, I have gained even more respect for other Pure Land schools because Amitabha is the one saving us as sentient beings with no effort on our part. We are loved and accepted just as we are. That said, I have also dreamed of Amitabha Buddha in the pure land, sitting under a beautiful tree, shining with a bright golden light. As is common when I dream of him, he is always calm and happy, as if nothing bothers him. He was sitting on a lotus in meditation, looking at me with a smile. The dream was so realistic that to this day I never forget what I witnessed. I have had other dreams as well. To keep this post as short as possible, I will conclude here because I am curious how common these types of dreams are for Pure Land practitioners. Lastly, all I do is chant nembutsu, wishing to be born in the pure land, with a deep belief that no matter what, Amitabha Buddha is true to his promise and will save all who say his name, ensuring their rebirth in his pure land. Thank you for reading my story and for willing to answer my question. May we all be born in the pure land, free from all suffering. Namo Amida Butsu.