Preparing for Death and Helping the Dying

and making regular prayers for such a rebirth,
3) purifying our negative actions and accumulating
positive actions, and dedicating these to be born in
the Pure Land, and 4) having the motivation of
bodhicitta—the aspiration to attain enlightenment
(Buddhahood) to be able to help all beings—as the
reason for wishing to be born in the Pure Land. 4
3) Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a meditative practice that involves being
aware of whatever is happening in our body and
mind accompanied by equanimity, free of attachment
to what is pleasant and aversion to what is unpleasant.
Strong familiarity with this practice gives
one the ability to cope with pain and discomfort,
keep the mind free from disturbing emotions, and
remain peaceful while dying. Several books on mindfulness
and meditation are mentioned in the reading
list.
4) Loving-kindness
This practice involves cultivating feelings of care,
concern and kindness towards all other beings. When
we face difficulties or pain, our strong attachment
to ‘I’ augments our suffering, whereas being less
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