The Achievement of Contemplation Practice

In the Dharma-ending Age, if one practices according to the visualizations described in the Sutra on the Contemplation of Amitāyus, the attainment will be swift and secure. With a relatively detailed treasure map of the Pure Land as a guide for visualization, I can lead everyone from the first visualization all the way to the sixteenth. Upon achieving the third visualization, I guarantee that all will assuredly be reborn in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is far more reliable and certain than foreknowledge of the time of death. Moreover, the meditative concentration attained will never be lost, and the blessings of the Buddha will always be present. When the third visualization is achieved, the meditative concentration becomes exceptionally profound, and the karmic obstacles leading to the three lower realms are eradicated. One will no longer fall into the three evil realms due to karmic hindrances, and the meditative concentration will never regress. Therefore, rebirth in the Pure Land is assured.

Upon reaching the seventh visualization, one will inevitably attain enlightenment and realize the true mind. With the blessings of the Buddha, intellectual understanding is impossible; only direct realization occurs. Reaching the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss brings supremely excellent karmic rewards.

Meditative concentration attained through one's own practice may regress due to karmic forces and ignorance when encountering adverse conditions. However, meditative concentration supported by the blessings of the Buddha will never regress. This is the state achieved from the third visualization onward.