Conditions for the Assurance of Rebirth in the Pure Land

The Buddha guarantees sentient beings rebirth in the Pure Land through only three methods, all described in the Sutra on the Contemplation of Amitāyus. The first method, the third of the Sixteen Contemplations, guarantees rebirth in the Pure Land upon death for one who successfully completes the Contemplation of Water. The subsequent contemplations from the fourth to the sixteenth further guarantee rebirth upon death, constituting one principle together with the third. The second method guarantees rebirth in the Pure Land upon death, attaining the Upper Grade of the Middle Rank, for one who has severed the view of self. The third method guarantees rebirth in the Pure Land upon death, attaining the Highest Grade of the Upper Rank, for one who has realized the mind's nature. Other practices may also lead to rebirth in the Pure Land, but they are not guaranteed; it is uncertain—rebirth may or may not occur, depending on the state of mind at the moment of the last breath.

Why don’t the Buddha and the sages use supernatural powers to forcibly transport sentient beings?

The Buddha is the Buddha within the mind; the sages are the sages within the mind. When the Buddha is in your mind, the Buddha manifests. When sages are in your mind, the sages appear. If the Buddha and sages are absent from your mind, they will not manifest—blame your own mind.