ABHIDHAMMA IN DAILY LIFE - Abhidhamma.com

Some person on their deathbeds happens to see the actual scenes of their next rebirth. In the time
of the Gotama Buddha, Yevati, the wife of the rich man Nandiya, was haughty shrew. She had
no faith in the Buddha and used to abuse Bhikkhus; her husband was an ardent devotee. When he
died he became a Deva. When Yevati was about to die, two demons from hell dragged her up to
the celestial abode and showed the luxury being enjoyed by Nandiya. Then they dragged her
down to hell to punish her for her evil attitude.
Example - During the Buddha's time a pious devotee called Dhammika took refuge in the Three
Jewels. He led a group of devotee and observed morality precepts. When his time came near, he
listened to the sermons of Bhikkhus on his deathbed and saw six celestial chariots waiting
overhead to take him to Deva world. He also heard the Devas arguing as to who would take him
on their chariot. He died and chariot conveyed in the Tusita chariot to the heavenly abode where
he became a Deva.
For those who had swallowed by the earth because of serious evil deeds, they directly felt the
heat of Avici Hell fire here and now. Thus we see now that prophetic vision appears in various
modes. In our times too dying people hear music and get sweet aroma, also witnessed by those
nearby. These prophetic signs appear as visions due to the power of good deeds done before.
8.6.7 Helping Good Object of mind to Appear
When people suffering ill health are slowly dying a natural death, teachers, friends and relatives
can help good holy Omen to appear in the vision of the dying person. When they are sure that the
dying person cannot recover, they should maintain maximum cleanliness in the room and
surrounding area and offer scented flowers intending for the Buddha. At night the whole room
should be well illuminated. They should tell the dying person to visualize the flowers and
candles offered on his behalf and ask him to delight in the good deed. They should also recite
protective verses at a time when his mind can still dwell on holy subjects. The patient should not
feel disheartened and the people looking after him should show no grief. Recitations and
reverential offerings should not be done only at the last moment before death, but should be
performed in advance many days ahead. Only then the dying man will be suffused in thoughts of
wholesome action dedicated to the Buddha and Dhamma, smelling the sweet scent of flowers.
Hearing the sounds of Dhamma, words of the Buddha for quite a few days.
Thus as the dying moment draws near while seeing the lights and flowers, smelling sweet scents,
hearing the Dhamma words, the death consciousness will arise before these holy environment
disappears. In consequence of these last minutes wholesome thoughts and wholesome deeds, he
is bound to be reborn in good abodes. Therefore teachers, friends and relatives have the
responsibility to help good holy environment appear to a dying person while he is still capable of
directing his mind on these objects. Keep in mind how the Venerable Sona helped his father's
bad vision disappear and good ones appear.
8.6.8 How Rebirth Consciousness Appears
Immediately after death-consciousness of one life, rebirth consciousness arises in new life. These
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