Discovering Buddhism at Home -FAQ

Module 5 - Death and Rebirth

Can we use our state of mind at the moment of death to affect what kind of rebirth we will take in our next life?

Can we use our state of mind at the moment of death to affect what kind of rebirth we will take in our next life?

A student asks:

I've been practicing module 5 and flickering through mixed notions of relief and hopelessness. Considering the overwhelming amount of karma that may come to fruit at the time of my death, weighed against what I can prepare myself for, there seems to be little hope. So, if before I lose consciousness, when I am dying, does that state of mind directly affect the chain of moments leading through all the various stages toward rebirth. Can we mastermind our death and consequent rebirth?

Of course I know purification helps, but I'm sure there will be plenty of undesirable seeds left on my mindstream when I die despite my efforts, so I can't rely on purification alone.

Pende replies:

You and the rest of us managed to obtain "perfect human rebirths" despite our negative propensities. We are taught that the last moment of consciousness during our death will have a significant impact on our rebirth. So ensure those moments are filled by virtuous thoughts by familiarizing yourself with virtuous thoughts that you can generate even when deathly ill. Train to restrain non-virtuous thoughts even if surrounded by demons about to gobble you up! No problems...

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