I learned from my Dharma Master that when a person dies, the four elements of matter: earth, water, fire and air, will disintegrate. The deceased will experience feelings of being torn apart by sharp knives. If one has good practice of chanting when alive, one will not lose the chant in the moment of death. Otherwise, to keep the chant going is as difficult as an ant climbing over a mountain. This explains why to engage the assistance of the Prayer/Chanting Service is so important in helping the newly departed to keep the right thought and aspiration in order to reach the Pure Land.

As leader of the Prayer/Chanting Service Group, I found my time is no longer under my control. Often after a long day volunteering at the temple, I would receive a phone call requesting prayer service to help a sick person. With a very tired and aching body, I will rush over, praying that we would get there in time. Otherwise, it would be a sad and regretful event for everyone. With the blessing of the Bodhisattvas, this old bag of bones is still surviving.

Through the Prayer/Chanting Service, we often come in contact with people who are not Buddhist. But when they see how prayers and chanting help their loved one pass away in peace, some of them begin to have interest in Buddhism. It is not uncommon that some have eventually become Buddhist and started volunteering at Cham Shan Temple. This is what I found most encouraging and fulfilling in my work.

The success of our Prayer/Chanting Service depends on the unrelenting support of team members. I will continue to do my best to help the sick and the newly departed. I also hope to see more volunteers joining our group to make the Prayer/Chanting Service Group grow bigger and stronger.

（Recorded by WM Chong

Translated by the Editing Committee）