Q: Some people say that when choosing a Buddha image, you should select just one and stay devoted to it for life. Otherwise, when death comes, you might not even recognize Amitabha Buddha.

Master Jingzong replied:That idea does hold some truth—especially in the Pure Land tradition, where Amitabha Buddha is the main focus of our faith and practice.

       There are really two levels to this choice. First, among all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, we should take Amitabha Buddha alone as the focus of our devotion. Second, since there are many artistic forms and styles of Amitabha images, we can choose the one that resonates most with us—the one we feel a personal connection to. Once we’ve made that choice, it’s best  to stay with it. Staying with the same image helps cultivate a sense of familiarity and closeness with Amitabha.

       As for the worry that you might not recognize Amitabha Buddha at the moment of death– there’s really no need to be concerned. That won’t be a problem.

       Simply put, there are four key points to understand.

       First, think of how we recognize our loved ones in photos. Whether they’re young or old, facing the camera or turned to the side, in one setting or another, we can still tell instantly that it’s them. The images may differ, but their nature doesn’t change. In the same way, though there are countless artistic depictions of the Buddha, his true essence never changes—so there’s no chance we could mistake him.

       Second, recognizing the Buddha isn’t just a matter of eyesight or memory. It comes from our own Buddha-nature, which naturally resonates with his—like metal drawn to a magnet. Because their natures are alike, they are naturally drawn to each other.

       Amitabha saves sentient beings through the power of his great vows, while we respond by reciting his name and aspiring for rebirth in his Pure Land. In this mutual response—his calling and our answering—a natural attraction arises, steady and unerring, just like that pull between metal and magnet. Even someone who was born blind, having never seen an image of the Buddha, would still recognize Amitabha without fail. So there’s truly no need to worry about not recognizing him.

       Third, when we sincerely follow the path of Amitabha-recitation—reciting his name with a focused mind and aspiring for rebirth in his Pure Land—Amitabha is fully aware of us. He watches over us with compassion, offering protection and blessings. And when our final moment arrives, he will manifest before us, leaving no room for doubt about who he is. So again, there’s really nothing to worry about.

       Fourth, according to Master Shandao’s teachings on Pure Land Buddhism, acts such as bowing to Amitabha’s image, praising him, or making offerings are considered supporting practices. But reciting Amitabha’s name is the decisive practice—the Karma of Assurance—because it directly responds to Amitabha’s vow. Images of the Buddha may differ in form, but the name “Amitabha Buddha” that we recite never changes. That’s why there’s truly no cause for concern.

       Just like us, Amitabha has a name. Our appearance changes throughout life, but the name on our ID never does. In the same way, while Amitabha’s images may differ in style and form, the name we recite—Namo Amitabha Buddha—is one and unchanging.

       Reciting “Namo Amitabha Buddha” is like entering the password that connects us directly with the Buddha. As long as we enter it correctly, the connection is instantly established—there’s absolutely no problem.

       It’s like calling a friend - as long as we dial the right number, we can reach them, no matter what they’re wearing or where they are. Likewise, when we recite Amitabha’s name, the particular image or form of the Buddha doesn’t matter. This is one reason why reciting Amitabha’s name is both easier and superior to visualizing his form.

(Translated by the Pure Land School Translation Team;
edited by Householder Fojin)