welcoming at the time of death　[臨終]来迎 Amida’s coming with bodhisattvas and other sacred beings to welcome the aspirants at the time of death. “Welcoming at the time of death” is promised in the Nineteenth Vow, and is explained in detail in the passage on the three grades of aspirants in the Larger Sutra. The Contemplation Sutra describes this in each passage of the nine classes of people, and the Smaller Sutra as well mentions it. In the Pure Land tradition, auspicious signs of the presence of Amida Buddha and a host of bodhi­sattvas at the time of death held a significant place. Until Shinran’s time, Amida’s coming was the focal point of religious aspiration for Pure Land Buddhists, and the state of mind of a person’s final moments was considered to be of crucial importance. Shinran, however, rejects this concept as reflecting an attitude of self-power. “There is no need to wait in anticipation for the moment of death, no need to rely on Amida’s coming”, he says, because at the time the entrusting heart is settled, birth in the Pure Land is assured.