FAQ: At what point is rebirth to the Pure Land assured? Does one need to realise Nianfo Samadhi in order to attain rebirth?

Rebirth to the Pure Land is assured when one has deep faith and vow to attain rebirth to the Pure Land. Deep faith (not empty faith), which means your belief (faith) will not change. It is unshakable. You have a deep belief in Amitabha, the existence of the Pure Land and His Great Vows. Also, you have a deep belief that you, through chanting the Name of Amitabha Buddha with faith and vow, will no doubt be received by Amitabha Buddha at the end of life according to Amitabha Buddha’s vows. Deep faith and vow assure rebirth. The level of Nianfo practice determines our grade of rebirth. 

One does not need to realise Nianfo Samadhi in order to seek rebirth as rebirth is entirely reliant on Amitabha Buddha’s great vows and power to deliver us, but what we need to do is to have deep faith and vow towards attaining rebirth (also Nianfo). 

P.S. Even if one attains Nianfo Samadhi, but does not believe, nor vow to attain rebirth, then one cannot go to the Pure Land (As Buddha’s Land is not easily accessible by ordinary beings, including lower levels of enlightened beings, Amitabha Buddha has infinite compassion to receive all beings as long as we are willing to believe and want to go, then we can go. If one doesn’t believe or want to go, one will not be able to go to the Pure Land). 

I hope this is clear. 

Namo Amituofo