In the Amitabha Sutra, Buddha taught on the four causes to take birth in Sukhavati. He said: "O Ananda, if a being clearly thinks of the Tathagata [Amitabha] and his pure land again and again in their mind, increases tremendous virtuous activity, and with bodhichitta dedicates that merit with an aspiration to be born in the pure land [of Sukhavati], when it is time for that being to pass, Buddha Amitabha and his assembly will come in front of them. Seeing the Buddha Amitabha, their mind will be clearer. When they pass, they will be born in Sukhavati." As the sutra states, these are the four causes to take birth in Sukhavati:
1. Remember Amitabha and his pure realm
2. Perform virtuous deeds and accumulate great merit
3. Generate bodhichitta
4. Dedicate the merit with an aspiration to go to Sukhavati
It is very easy to take birth in Sukhavati for those who cultivate these four simple practices with an open heart and clear intention. This is because of the bodhichitta aspirations Amitabha made when he was a bodhisattva advancing through the paths. This does not require extraordinary concentration or difficult meditations. Whoever continually follows these practices, when they pass away, Amitabha and his retinue of buddhas, bodhisattvas, and arhats will appear to that individual. A person such as this will be delighted, calm, peaceful, and not experience any trouble or fear. They will feel happy and relaxed. By crossing over the last bridge with this attitude, they will surely be reborn in Sukhavati, the Pure Land of Great Bliss.
Taking Rebirth in Amitabha's Pure Land of Sukhavati: Riding the Marvelous, Magical Garuda of the Four Causes, Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche, Dharma Samudra, Paperback, 90 Pages, 2025
