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 a passage of the Rebirth Mantra is the most common way Taiwanese people give voice to remembrance and blessing.
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 full title alone -- "Pulling Out the Roots of All Karmic Obstacles and Gaining Rebirth in the Pure Land" -- says plainly what it does: to uproot the accumulated karmic obstacles the deceased has gathered over many lives, so that they may be reborn in Amitabha Buddha's Western Pure Land. The word "amrita" (meaning "nectar" or "deathless") recurs throughout the mantra, and is itself another transliteration of Amitabha Buddha's name -- the Buddha's infinite radiance and dharma nectar washing the deceased clean of their karmic transgressions.
When and How to Recite
- Deathbed chanting: as a loved one is dying, family members and dharma friends gather to chant "Namo Amitabha Buddha" with the Rebirth Mantra woven through, guiding the dying to let go of attachment and turn toward the Pure Land.
- During the funeral period: 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 in this span the deceased's consciousness has not yet fully departed and can still hear the chanting). It is recited widely at memorial services and dharma assemblies as well.
- Memorial dharma assemblies: through the 49 days after death, a "seven-day" assembly is held every seventh day for salvation ceremonies, with the Rebirth Mantra at the center.
- 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 -- a common daily practice for Taiwanese Buddhists.
- Tomb-sweeping during Qingming Festival: recited at gravesites or columbaria, praying that ancestors may rest peacefully in the Pure Land.
Companion Scriptures
The Rebirth Mantra is usually recited together with the Amitabha Sutra. The complete sequence runs: 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, closing with a verse of dedication. This set is the fundamental daily practice of the Pure Land school in Taiwan.
Influence on Taiwanese Society
The Rebirth Mantra is woven deep into Taiwan's culture of life and death. Even people who rarely set foot in a Buddhist temple will generally recite it a few times when a loved one dies. Many funeral service providers play recordings of the Rebirth Mantra or set out electronic chanting devices at memorial services, filling the hall with solemn sutra sound. In recent years, as the practice of preparing advance directives has grown, many people note in their wills that they wish to be sent off at death with chanting of the Buddha's name and the Rebirth Mantra -- one measure of just how deeply this devotion is rooted in Taiwanese society.