Detailed Introduction
The Rebirth Mantra, formally titled "The Dharani for Pulling Out the Roots of All Karmic Obstacles and Gaining Rebirth in the Pure Land," is one of the most important mantras in Taiwanese Buddhist funerary customs and memorial dharma assemblies. Whenever a loved one passes away, reciting the Rebirth Mantra is the most common way for Taiwanese people to express remembrance and offer blessings.
Full Text of the Mantra
"Namo amitabhaya, tathagataya, tadyatha, amritabhave, amrita, siddham bhave, amrita, vikrante, amrita, vikranta, gamini, gagana, kirti-kare, svaha."
Meaning of the Mantra
The mantra's full title, "Pulling Out the Roots of All Karmic Obstacles and Gaining Rebirth in the Pure Land," directly states its function: to uproot the accumulated karmic obstacles of the deceased so that they may be reborn in Amitabha Buddha's Western Pure Land. The phrase "amrita" (meaning "nectar" or "deathless") appears repeatedly throughout the mantra, representing another transliteration of Amitabha Buddha's name. It signifies the use of Amitabha Buddha's infinite radiance and dharma nectar to cleanse the deceased of their karmic transgressions.
When and How to Recite
- Deathbed chanting: When a loved one is dying, family members and dharma friends gather to chant "Namo Amitabha Buddha" along with the Rebirth Mantra, guiding the dying person to let go of attachments and seek rebirth in the Pure Land.
- During the funeral period: Beginning from the moment of death, continuous chanting of the Buddha's name and the Rebirth Mantra continues for at least eight hours (Buddhism holds that during this period the deceased's consciousness has not yet fully departed and can hear the chanting). The mantra is also recited extensively during memorial services and dharma assemblies.
- Memorial dharma assemblies: During the 49 days following death, "seven-day" assemblies are held every seven days for salvation ceremonies, with the Rebirth Mantra as the central recitation.
- Daily dedication: In ordinary daily practice, 21 recitations of the Rebirth Mantra are dedicated to all karmic creditors from past lives and to deceased relatives. This is a common daily practice for Taiwanese Buddhists.
- Tomb-sweeping during Qingming Festival: The Rebirth Mantra is recited at gravesites or columbaria, praying that ancestors may rest peacefully in the Pure Land.
Companion Scriptures
The Rebirth Mantra is typically recited in conjunction with the Amitabha Sutra. The complete rebirth practice follows this order: first recite the Amitabha Sutra once, then chant "Namo Amitabha Buddha" a set number of times, then recite the Rebirth Mantra a set number of times, and conclude with a dedication verse. This practice sequence is the fundamental daily cultivation of the Pure Land school in Taiwan.
Influence on Taiwanese Society
The Rebirth Mantra is deeply embedded in Taiwan's culture of life and death. Even people who do not regularly visit Buddhist temples will generally recite the Rebirth Mantra when a loved one passes away. Many funeral service providers play recordings of the Rebirth Mantra or provide electronic chanting devices during memorial services, filling the venue with solemn sutra sounds. In recent years, as the practice of preparing advance directives has grown, many people specify in their wills that they wish to be sent off with chanting of the Buddha's name and the Rebirth Mantra at the time of death, reflecting how deeply rooted this devotion is in Taiwanese society.