下品

The three lowest of the nine classes born in the Amitābha Pure Land, v. [lang id =1028]無量壽經. These three lowest grades are

(1) [lang id =1028]下品上生 The highest of the three lowest classes who enter the Pure Land of Amitābha, i.e. those who have committed all sins except dishonouring the sūtras. If at the end of life the sinner clasps hands and says "Namo Amitābha", such a one will be born in His precious lake.

(2) [lang id =1028]下品中生 The middle class consists of those who have broken all the commandments, even stolen from monks and abused the law. If at death such a one　hears of the great power of Amitābha, and assents with but a thought, he will be received into paradise.

(3) [lang id =1028]下品下生 The lowest class, because of their sins, should have fallen into the lowest gati, but by invoking the name of Amitābha, they can escape countless ages of reincarnation and suffering and on dying will behold a lotus flower like the sun, and, by the response of a single thought, will enter the Pure Land of Amitābha.