Question: If I get dementia, will I still be able to reach Āmítuófó’s (阿弥陀佛) Pure Land (净土)?
Answer: The first thing to do is to prevent getting dementia physically by noting these medical tips: https://moonpointer.com/new/2018/04/dementia-from-meat-dairy-eggs, so as to eat and drink healthier this way: https://thedailyenlightenment.com/veg, according to the Buddha’s highest teachings.
The second thing to do is to prevent getting dementia spiritually by practising mindfulness of Buddha (念佛) sincerely in everyday life now, by using these tips: https://purelanders.com/start. This works because sincere mindfulness of Buddha will connect to his light of blessings, which will empower the mind to be calm and clear; instead of becoming disturbed and confused.
If there is someone living with dementia, family members should still guide the person to practise mindfulness of Buddha every day, even if there is not much response, as this can embed the name of Āmítuófó into his or her mind habitually and firmly, to prepare for the final connection when dying or after death.
When this person is dying, AND right after death, guidance (开示) and support-chanting (助念) should be offered sincerely too: https://purelanders.com/wake. Especially crucial are the moments AFTER death, as with death, the consciousness will disconnect from the brain with dementia, thus able to understand the guidance and follow the support-chanting much more clearly.
Here is an inspiring example of how someone who died with dementia could still connect to Āmítuófó to reach his Pure Land with the right guidance and support-chanting: https://purelanders.com/2016/09/07/how-my-grandmothers-angry-scowl-became-a-beautiful-smile.
There should also be systematically learning more about the principles and practice of mindfulness of Buddha in the free courses coming up next year. For more information on these, do join this Telegram group: https://t.me/purelanders.
