When someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, fear and uncertainty often take over. But in the teachings of Pure Land Buddhism, even the most hopeless moments can become gateways to peace and spiritual liberation. This is the true story of a woman whose final months were transformed by faith in Amitabha Buddha, and how the practice of Nianfo helped her face death with calm, clarity, and radiant joy.
🩺 The Diagnosis and Despair
In one of Master Chin Kung’s teachings, he shared a deeply moving story of a woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. She was in her late 50s, a devoted mother and grandmother, and had spent her entire life caring for her family.
When she received the diagnosis, she was devastated. The doctors told her she had only a few months to live, and the fear of death consumed her.
She felt completely lost—unable to sleep, constantly overwhelmed by anxiety. Her mind was filled with painful questions:
Would I suffer? Would I vanish into nothing? Would I be reborn into a worse place?
The uncertainty tormented her day and night.
🌸 A Glimpse of Hope Through Amitabha
One day, a close friend—who had been practicing Pure Land Buddhism—invited her to attend one of Master Chin Kung’s lectures. That day, Master was teaching from the Infinite Life Sutra and explaining the 48 Great Vows of Amitabha Buddha.
He said:
“Amitabha Buddha made a great vow: anyone who sincerely recites his name with faith will be welcomed into the Pure Land at the end of their life, where there is no more suffering, no more sickness, and no more death.”
The woman listened quietly but intently. For the first time since her diagnosis, she felt a glimmer of hope begin to form in her heart.
🙏 The Turning Point: A Newfound Faith
After the lecture, she approached Master Chin Kung, her eyes filled with tears. She told him about her illness and her deep fear of dying, then asked:
“Master, is it really true? Can I truly be reborn in the Pure Land just by reciting Amitabha’s name?”
Master Chin Kung replied gently:
“Yes, my dear. The Buddha does not lie. If you sincerely chant ‘Amituofo’ with faith and dedicate yourself to Amitabha Buddha, he will come for you at the end of your life. There will be no pain, no suffering—only peace and happiness in the Pure Land. Trust in him, and let go of your fear.”
These words ignited something within her. A quiet strength she hadn’t felt in years began to grow.
🌅 Nianfo Practice and Inner Transformation
That very night, she began chanting “Amituofo” every morning and evening. At first, she still felt anxious—but she continued without fail, holding onto the Buddha’s promise.
Over the next few weeks, something incredible began to happen:
- 🌿 She stopped fearing death—her heart grew calm and stable
- 😴 She slept peacefully for the first time in months
- 💫 Her pain noticeably lessened, even though doctors could not explain why
- 😊 She began to feel a deep joy and lightness she hadn’t known in years
Her family noticed the change immediately. Instead of appearing sad and fearful, she now smiled often and radiated peace. She began to share the teachings of Amitabha Buddha with her children and grandchildren, encouraging them to do good deeds and recite “Amituofo.”
✨ A Beautiful Departure
Months later, her condition worsened again. The doctors said she had only a few days left. Her family gathered around her bedside, afraid she might suffer terribly in her final moments.
But something extraordinary happened.
On her last day, she calmly looked at her family and said:
“I see a golden light. Amitabha Buddha is here. Don’t cry for me—I am going home.”
She passed away peacefully, with the words “Amituofo” still on her lips. Those present said her face, which had been pale from illness, turned radiant and peaceful after her final breath. The entire room was filled with a gentle, sweet fragrance—a phenomenon often reported in the passing of Pure Land practitioners.
Her family, though grieving, felt a profound peace in their hearts. They truly believed that Amitabha Buddha had come for her, just as Master Chin Kung had said.
📖 The Lesson for All of Us
This woman’s story is a powerful reminder that:
- 💭 Death is not the end—it is a transition to something greater when we have faith.
- 🙏 Amitabha Buddha keeps his promise—those who sincerely recite his name will be received into the Pure Land.
- 💠 Even in the face of suffering, inner peace is possible—when we rely on the Buddha, fear disappears.
Her story touched the hearts of everyone who heard it.
Many people, inspired by her transformation, began practicing Nianfo (reciting “Amituofo”) themselves. Some were elderly and preparing for their own departure. Others were young and seeking peace, wisdom, and clarity in daily life.
As Master Chin Kung often taught:
“If you want peace in this life, chant Amituofo.
If you want happiness in your next life, chant Amituofo.
If you want to help others, chant Amituofo and dedicate the merit to them.
This is the simplest, yet most profound, practice.”
Her journey from fear to peace stands as living proof of the power of faith, the practice of Nianfo, and the compassionate vows of Amitabha Buddha.