Destination Pureland: How To Have The Best Rebirth (6th Run)

Dharmasharer SG

Pictures & Feedback From Past Runs:

Tai Pei Buddhist Centre
Than Hsiang Temple
Poh Ming Tse
Tai Pei Buddhist Centre

‘This is one of the most interesting courses that I have attended. What we ought to know about preparation before and after death were well taught and touched on in great detail. I now have a better understanding and am more confident in handling death matters, and also to help others when approaching death to seek rebirth in Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land. This is a “must attend” course for all Buddhists, for the benefit of oneself and others. Looking forward to receiving “The Pure Land Passport”! Thanks for your untiring efforts in propagating the Dharma to benefit all beings. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!’ Amituofo, Ivy

‘Great [first] session just now! Very energized teacher, and very responsive crowd, [as I] kept hearing laughter.’ – Joyce

‘The teachings on Amituofo’s Pure Land practice in English are truly rare and precious. Sincerely grateful to Teacher Shen for his candid and inspirational sharings. After successfully attending this course, I am inspired to further strengthen the Three Provisions to be reborn in Amituofo’s Pure Land CONFIDENTLY.’ Amituofo, Rong Cheng

‘With an enormous turnout for the class, it goes to show how important the subject matter is to most. Let alone taught by a remarkable teacher who imparts teachings in an upbeat, insightful and inspiring way.’ – Suyin

‘A million zillion thanks to Bro Shi’an for creating this sublime course to benefit all. We have indeed learnt so much, especially the important life skills in knowing how to help manage others’, as well as our own death skilfully. It’s so sad that many people feel death is a taboo subject and turn away from this really important skill set. But nevertheless, we shall strive to always do our best to put into practice what we have learnt.’ Amituofo, Eunice

‘Hi Teacher Shi’an, thank you for conducting Destination Pureland at Penang. It was really wonderful to see my relatives talking about Amituofo and are showing interest. The people of Malaysia have benefited from the Pureland teachings, Amituofo!’ Audrey

‘Thank you very much… The talks were very good. We appreciate them very much.’ – T.A.

‘Dear Brother Shi’an, thank you very much for conducting the talks in Penang. They benefited me a lot.’ Amituofo, Hiu CF

‘Dear Teacher Shi’an, the course was well run with your enthusiastic teaching. It did instil faith in me to strive for rebirth in Pure Land.’ Amituofo, Weiyean

‘Dear Teacher Shen, I appreciate very much your precious teaching of Destination Pureland in Penang. The Pureland Passport is very handy and concise. Excellent work! Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu! Thanks! Amituofo!’ – Beng Soon

‘Dear Brother Shi’an, I am currently attending your classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Your lessons have given me a better understanding of Pure Land practice. I am grateful for the opportunity. Thank you, kind teacher!’ – Tze Chien

‘Dear Teacher Shi’an, thanks for the additional notes and links on the Pure Land teachings. Also, thanks for your free Dharma course in Penang, which came with a free Pure Land Passport. Really appreciate everything that you have done for us. This is really a rare opportunity, to attend a Pure Land Dharma course in English in Penang. Your teaching clarified a number of my doubts and uncertainties surrounding the dos and don’ts, and reasons behind certain Chinese Buddhist funeral rites. Your passion and energetic delivery made the course come alive and engaging. I hope that you have enjoyed teaching us in Penang as much as we have enjoyed listening to you. Amituofo.’ Regards, Cheng Teik

‘Dear Brother Shi’an, Amituofo. Thank you so much for sharing these valuable and insightful information about Pure Land Buddhism. Even though I have been learning Buddhism since 2008 but it’s a great shame that I am not progressing much from the the day I was introduced to this beautiful teaching. I attended your lecture in Penang Than Hsiang Temple on 24 Sept 2016 and I really learnt a lot from you. I must admit that I was overwhelmed by so much new yet important lessons about Nianfo, and the way you delivered it was amazingly marvellous. It was both candid and fun to sit through the entire session.

There are many devotees in Penang, especially among the Chinese but there are also many self-proclaimed Buddhists who do not really know the real teachings of Buddha, including the Pure Land teachings. I am one of them. Hence, it would be great if you could make more frequent trips to Penang to expound the Pure Land teachings to us, so that we will be walking the right path towards enlightenment. The little Pure Land Passport is very useful and handy, so whenever I attend any chanting and meditation classes, I will bring it along to read before the sessions commence. A lot of my friends who are curious about this booklet would like to have a copy of it [too]. Thank you once again.’ With metta, Benjamin

‘Your kind and wise words, clear and accurate teachings allowed me to have Faith again in the Pure Land teachings. Thank you for sharing the Pure Land teachings with everyone! Amituofo!’ – AA

‘Bro. (Teacher) Shian, thanks a lot for the interesting, informative and inspiring sharing in the Destination Pureland course earlier.’ – Eng Kiang

‘Hi Bro, thanks a lot for your class last night. It was very motivating and inspiring. This is my first time attending your class, and am very glad and contented with your teachings and sharings.’ – Ivan

‘It was a great course… Especially the last lesson, where I got lots of tips.’ : ) … This is one of the best Dharma courses that I have attended. I have seen how it has benefited my friend in managing his father’s passing on just after he has attended this course… If you have questions like “What should I do immediately when I discover my loved one has passed on? “, “How can I help my loved ones for a better rebirth?”, “What do I have to do within the 49 days of passing? “, “How do I continue to give my love to my loved ones even after they have passed on? “, etc. then this is the course that will address these questions and many more. – Teng Leng

‘Hi Teacher Shi’an… really appreciate that you always share the Dharma with everyone.’ – Audrey

‘Thank you, and it was good. Keep it up.’ – Hui Ching

‘Thank you for all your lessons. Your last answer to my questions have been very helpful to me. It clears a lot of nagging doubts.’ – CH

‘Amituofo. Teacher Shi’an, thank you for your sharing.’ With much metta and respect, Wai Cheng

‘Hi Teacher Shi’an, thank you for the interesting Dharma teachings yesterday… It certainly helped clarify my thoughts and questions I asked you on the email earlier… Attending your talks helped me tremendously as it makes me more aware of my previous misconceptions, and I feel more alert and mindful of my thinking . Thank you also for enlightening me about seeking true Dharma.’ – Licheng

‘Dear Shi’an, I am glad to have attended the entire course of Destination Pureland, and your teaching has been inspiring.’ Amituofo, Veron

‘Dear Bro. Shi’an, currently, I am attending your Destination Pureland and Faith Factor courses. Your lessons are interesting and I gained a lot of knowledge about Buddhism from you, especially on how to go to Amituofo’s Pure Land in order to get out of Samsara, to better learn the Dharma.’ – Suzanne

‘Please continue with your patient Dharma teachings. We are very fortunate to have the affinity to listen to your teachings in this lifetime. I’ve reassured my Mum, that I’m attending Teacher Shi’an’s lessons to help her journey to Amituofo’s Pure Land. She was very happy and it motivates her to continue with her daily sincere Amituofo chanting, making of aspirations and connections with Amituofo.’ – Cheng

‘We have signed up for the next course too. Enjoyed your lessons!’ – Cindy

‘Hi Bro Shi’an, thank you for your interesting classes. Keep it up!!!‘ – JS

‘Hello Brother Shi’an, thank you for the very engaging sessions, especially for a young Buddhist learner like me.’ – Lina

‘Thank you for teaching the Dharma. I feel very blessed, and I wish you will attain Buddhahood… A million thanks. Namo Amituofo.’ Regards, Su Ann

‘Dear Brother Shi’an, I had attended your Guanyin Pusa lessons and now on Destination Pureland. Your clear explanations, emails and books on your courses are so informative and interesting. I am so lucky to have received all these… Thanks a lot for your kind guidance.’ Amituofo, Gin

‘Thank you for your kind heart in presenting these rich teachings on this topic in English. Am sure we and our loved ones will be all benefited.’ – Shirley

‘Many thanks for your insightful teachings and sharing of life stories. Like the rest, I’ve learnt much from you.’ 感恩, Peter

‘Hello 时安老师，thanks so much for your explanations and clearing my doubts! I will forward them to the friend who asked these questions and hopefully I am able get them to attend your classes. These articles and the Q&A sessions before your lessons are very helpful cos they really clear our doubts and increase our 信心 towards Pure Land. Thanks! 阿弥陀佛.’ Best Regards, Zheng Xin

‘Thank for your interesting sharing.’ – SL

‘I am so lucky to have joined your 2014 Pure Land class. Initially, I wanted to join at my golden age, which I may not have a chance to reach.’ – Participant

‘Dear Shi’an, I just finished attending your “Destination Pureland” class. Thank you vey much! It was very enlightening.’ – Karen

‘Destination Pureland’ is indeed a great course to prepare every sentient being systematically for good rebirth. Thanks for sharing the “what to and what not to do’s” in the crucial moments before, during after after dying. It is a well thought idea, to have a “documented passport”, so that all necessary steps are faithfully practised and followed. I would highly encourage all Buddhists to attend this course since death is certain, with no single escapee. Upon understanding and adopting the right practices to help the dying, we are exhibiting our inner Bodhisattva-nature to aid others in liberation from the vicious cycle of rebirth. If not, at least a better rebirth. Thanks once again for another great class! With Metta, Bro. Tuck Khuen

‘Dear Teacher Shi’an, thank you for the very informative course.’ – Jessica

‘The course though short, gave me better understanding on how to prepare myself and my family in times of crisis. There were many insights shared that I was not previously aware of. Most fear death, due to not knowing where we go after death, and try to avoid discussing about it. Yet, death can come suddenly. However, if we have Faith and Aspiration, and practice wholeheartedly and diligently, we will reach Pure Land. Thank you, Bro, for your sharing. It is truly an amazing course. I will encourage more devotees and friends to attend it. I wish to attend more of such courses from you. Once again, thank you, Bro. Shi’an.’ Amituofo, Vivienne

‘This course is a must-go! Thumbs up!’ – Jane

‘Excellent course. Looking forward to recommend friends. Do join the next run if you missed this round.’ – Joyce

‘I truly enjoyed attending the 2 courses – “Destination Pureland: How To Die Well & Be Reborn Better” & “Project Makan: Vegetarianism In The True Sutras”. It has been enlightening for me.’ – Freddie

‘The course is indeed profound, and is an eye-opener for devotees who do not want to go through birth and death cycle in our mundane world. The class comes alive with plenty of inspirational testimonials from participants. Bro. Shi’an, your class is interesting. I am looking forward to the next course.’ – Amituofo, Lawrence & Shirley

‘Thank you for sharing the notes with us. Really appreciated. Amituofo.’ – Annie

‘I found your course refreshing and interesting and benefited much from the insights taught at the class.’ – HC

‘Hi Shi’an, it’s a very interesting course as the subject concerns everyone. Your explanations given to us were clear and logical, which helped us to dispel myths on handling death. Overall, I find that this course is very useful as it not only lets mw know what to expect when facing death, it also equips me with the knowledge for helping others.’ – Thanks, Mee Nah

‘Thank you. Very enriching.’ – Cheng Kim

‘This course helped my ex-boss in preparing the last journey for his father. He was grateful that he completed this course just a month before his father passed on.’ – TL

‘I saw a beautiful poster titled “Destination Pureland”. As I am interested to know more about Pure Land practice, I decided to register. I called my sister, thinking it might be a useful course for her and her husband, for learning Nianfo. After attending the course, I found it well covered. We were given lots of beneficial notes. The course is applicable for both Pure Land practitioners and beginner Buddhists. We learnt that life is impermanent and death can strike suddenly, and how we can prepare to handle the dying moments – for ourselves, family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers. I gained a better understanding of accepting death. It is during the crucial moments before death that our right efforts can facilitate a smooth and blissful transition to a good rebirth – the best of which in Amituofo’s (Amitābha Buddha) Pure Land. I now have better understanding of Amituofo and how we can connect to him by Nianfo, and how he can share his blessings with us with his immeasurable compassion and wisdom… The knowledge I gained strengthened my faith in Amituofo.

We learnt the importance of the Three Provisions of unshakeable Faith in Amituofo, unwavering Aspiration to reach his Pure Land, and the utmost sincere Practice of being mindful of his name. I have a clearer concept now. Pure Land practice of being mindful of Amituofo is not only for our last moments, but for benefiting one and all in everyday life too. It is the fine-tuning of ourselves towards our Buddha-nature and the Buddha’s blessings, through which we naturally become attuned to the fuller avoidance of all evils, the greater doing of all good, and the more thorough purification of our minds. The Dharma teacher is sincere and earnest in delivering the course. He is a knowledgeable and good teacher. His lessons are interesting and lively, using clear and simple language, showing passion in his teaching.’ – Amituofo :] Sharol

About The Teacher:

Shen Shi’an (沈时安) is an independent Buddhist teacher, author, researcher, translator, editor and poet. He was one of the founding members of the Dharma Propagation Division of Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (Bright Hill Temple in Singapore) in 1997.

Holding a Master of Arts degree in Buddhist Studies that covered all major Buddhist traditions, he served as a Dharma Trainer and Project Coordinator in its Community Development & Training Department until 2011, focusing on Buddhist research, writing, teaching and answering of media queries on Buddhism.

He was the founder of the temple’s Youth Mission, a book purchaser for its Awareness Place project, and the Chief Editor of the Web & Library Department, that co-supported Buddhanet.net, a popular Buddhist education website.

He is the founder and editor of TheDailyEnlightenment.com since 1997, one of the world’s largest independent Buddhist inspirational e-newsletters with over 33,500 members, the editor of ‘Be a Lamp Upon Yourself’, ‘The Stonepeace Book (Volume 1-2)’, ‘Awaken: Gateway to Buddhism (CD-ROM)’ and the author-editor of ‘The Daily Enlightenment: Reflections For Practising Buddhists (Book 1-7)’ and the bestselling graphic novel, ‘The Amazing & Amusing Adventures of Sam & Sara: The Zen of All Kinds of Stuff!’ (He is the author-editor-translator of 13 books.)

He also contributes occasionally to magazines such as ‘Nanyang Buddhist’, ‘Awaken’ (for which he was a Contributing Editor), ‘For You (Information)’ (for which he was invited to be an editorial board member), and ‘Eastern Horizon’. He served with the film selection team of a Buddhist film festival, writes movie reviews for BuddhistChannel.tv, the world’s leading Buddhist news network, and popularised [email protected], which is an innovative way of sharing the Dharma through detailed reviews and discussions of both popular and offbeat films.

Using retranslated sūtras and treatise texts, he has taught on the Pure Land teachings at Singapore Buddhist Federation, Kong Meng San, Pu Ji Si Buddhist Research Centre and Poh Ming Tse. He also leads the Pureland Practice Fellowship, which he founded in 2008. He was also invited to be a group counsellor for the ‘Theory And Practice Of Pure Land Buddhism’ course at Singapore Buddhist Lodge, and to be its commemorative magazine’s chief editor. He was also invited to teach many Sunday School Dharma teachers on using the true Buddhist teachings to discern controversial ‘Buddhist’ groups.

He is also occasionally invited to conduct Dharma discussions for youths of tertiary institutions’ Buddhist societies (NTUBS, NUSBS, SIMBB, NPBS, NYPBS) on various subjects, and to introduce Buddhist life perspectives at Secondary Schools (St. Patrick’s School, Manjusri School, and its Buddhist Interact Club), Junior Colleges (Catholic Junior College) and International Schools (UWCSEA, SJII).

He was also invited to share on Buddhism by Dharma Drum Mountain (Singapore), Fo Guang Shan (Singapore), Tai Pei Buddhist Centre, Singapore Buddhist Mission Youth, Singapore Buddhist Youth Mission, Wat Ananda Youth, Buddha Of Medicine Welfare Society, The Buddhist Union Dharma Centre, Buddhist Fellowship, Dot Connections Growth Centre and Kampung Senang. He has also been invited to Indonesia (Ekayana Buddhist Centre) and Malaysia (Than Hsiang Temple) to teach.

He was a committee member of the Inter-Religious Organisation, through which he served in interfaith harmony projects by writing and giving of public talks, having represented Buddhist points of view at national events held by NACLI, NHB, NHG, SAF, SPF, MHA, ACM, SPM, STB, OnePeople.sg, IRCC and MCYS. He was also chosen to be a member of the Publications Consultative Panel under Singapore’s Ministry Of Communications And Information.

He also co-runs Moonpointer.com, which is a community blog that promotes creative sharing of Buddhism via thousands of articles, and Purelanders.com, which archives hundreds of articles on the Chinese Pure Land teachings in English. He is also the founder of Facebook pages such as Buddhist Vegan Fellowship, Buddhist Confessions & Resolutions and Cinema Dharma. He can be reached at tde<at>thedailyenlightenment.com for invitations to share the Dharma via articles and talks.

About Free Course Book:

Dear Brother Shi’an, I am impressed by your creative and detailed SOP [‘Standard Operational Procedures’, stated in the book] to achieve our goal of reaching Amituofo’s Western Pure Land… Your great efforts produced a wonderful handy guide for all Purelanders, to guide us in our Faith, Aspiration and Practice [Three Provisions’ to reach Pure Land. Well done and a big thank you… I hope more Purelanders will have the opportunity to get the little red Pure Land Passport. Amituofo. – Regards, Qiuying

Hi Shi’an Laoshi, I received ‘The Pure Land Passport’ and I’m very impressed with its quality. Thank you for putting in so much effort to help us in our practice. Great job! – Eva

Thanks for your dedication. Amituofo! – Eileen

Thank you very much for the Pureland Passport! It is extremely informative and helpful! Amituofo. – Ailing

感恩! Very grateful to Shi’an and team for producing such a wonderful Passport! A great gift to mankind indeed! Amituofo! – Jacqueline

Thank you! I’m looking forward to reading the new book. – Rosalind

Amazing effort and dedication… putting together this amazing Passport to benefit all! 功德无量! We are indeed very blessed to be able to share these merits. Our grateful thanks… for this mammoth effort. Amituofo. – Jenny Koh

Indeed a herculean task! Congrats. Jiayou!!! – Kelvin

Congratulations on your completion of the Pure Land Passport! It’s a long awaited book since I attended the 1st run of Destination Pureland. – Rebecca

I am just as excited as everyone else about the Passport. – Rosaline

Over the years, my friend Shen Shi’an has been sharing his vast knowledge about the Buddha’s philosophy of life and more. Modern day scholars like him are a rare breed today, when peace should be cherished much more than gold. Check out his wonderful website TheDailyEnlightenment.com for insightful reads and feel free to support as a sponsor. (No pressure.) They just came out with this super creative and uber nifty book on Pure Land Buddhism, which really looks like our Singapore Passport! If you’re interested in Buddhist philosophy like I am, you’ll no doubt enjoy the articles at TDE… [… [Shi’an,] Your zest and dedication is truly inspiring… Kudos!] – Ning Cai

Creative! – Qingxiu

Great thanks for making available the Passport. You must have put in a lot of effort to fine tune and perfect it. Great thanks once again. – Violet

Thank you. Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu. – Cecilia

Very nice. I’ve got the Passport in hand… Now I have to practise hard to get ‘clearance’ and Amituofo’s ‘approval’. – Choi Pheng

Nice. – Karen

Thank you, Bro Shi’an, for the great effort in producing this sublime treasured gift. – Suyin

Wah… really amazing leh!! Sadhu X 3!!! – Jianhong

Hello Teacher Shi’an, congratulations on the launch of the Pure Land Passport. Very well done indeed! Deeply grateful for having this, and it is heartening to know that so many more can benefit from this vital knowledge and put it into practice – particularly the non-Chinese literate Buddhists. I am so glad to receive it that I showed it to Buddha[‘s image at home] to thank him for such blessings. Amituofo. Regards, Su Ann

Excellent! – Han Nee

Sadhu x3. Namo Amituofo. – Wen Quan

Hi Shi’an 老師, Thanks for the Passport. Very nice work you’ve done. Truly splendid! Many ‘refugees’ here need the Passport… Sadhu. – Keng Leck

感恩。赞! 阿弥陀佛! – Khuan Heng

This is great work. Thank you. – Koon

I am happy to hear that the Passport is finally printed and launched. Congratulations! – Jack

Have been looking forward to it. Sadhu! – Teng Leng

Amituofo. Wonderful attractive cover. Cute. – Gerald

The book is creative. I really appreciate it. You must have put in a lot of effort. – Sharol

Rejoice. Amituofo. – Chiew Thian

Wow!! Excellent!! Amituofo. – Tin Mui

感恩。Thank you, Shi’an. Really grateful for this Passport. It is very useful for one to help others. – Lee Lian

感恩时安师兄分享珍贵的法宝, 阿弥陀佛。– Kian Leong

常常帶著身上，很有安全感。一有空就拿出來看。– Tongtong

My Pure Land Passport! Thank you Bro Shi’an. Your e