【How to Cross the Sanzu River】 Is it true that the way to cross changes depending on one's actions in life?

Oct. 4, 2019（Last Update: June 13, 2026）

The 'Sanzu River' is the boundary between this world and the afterlife.

Have you ever heard the story of the 'Sanzu River'?

The Sanzu River is said to be the river that the deceased cross when going to the afterlife. This river serves as a boundary between this world and the afterlife, and crossing it leads to the entrance of the spirit world.

In this world, there are many people who cannot believe in the afterlife, even if they die, they do not believe in that 'death.'
The act of crossing the Sanzu River is also a ritual to teach such people that they have died.

This time, we will look at how to cross it.

（※This article isExcerpted and edited from the booklet 'Dream Human' open_in_newIssue 3）

There are various ways to cross the river.

When a spirit leaves this world and faces the river, they are guided by an inner voice that says, 'I must cross, no matter what.'

Even just one way of crossing can vary greatly among individuals, such as walking through the water and getting wet, crossing smoothly without getting wet, or struggling while almost drowning.

Now, let's introduce some ways to cross.

Floating on the water's surface to cross.

Crossing by flying over the surface of the river without getting wet.

Crossing by bridge.

A bridge spans the river, and one walks across it.

Crossing by boat.

A ferry comes out, and one rides it to cross.

Crossing while almost drowning.

Even if one does not drown, they walk while getting wet from the river or are swept away by the rapids.

In the afterlife, money, status, and honor from this world do not apply at all.

When crossing the river, one learns to let go of attachments from this world by looking at business cards and bankbooks that are submerged in the river.

The important thing is the beauty of the heart, whether one believed in the Buddha and gods and was kind and compassionate to others.

The differences in crossing methods arise from the state of one's heart.

The state of one's heart in this world reflects life in the afterlife.

It is sad to say goodbye to this world in old age, but it marks the beginning of a new life in the world of the 'afterlife.' Humans are spiritual beings, and life in the afterlife is the true world.

This world is a school for the soul's learning. Death is not something to be mourned; it is the return to the afterlife after completing one's learning in this world.

The way to cross the Sanzu River is determined by how one lives and the state of their heart in this world. Moreover, the manner of crossing foreshadows one's destination and life in the afterlife.

After death, how would you like to cross?

In front of the Sanzu River, to avoid regretting 'Oh no!' it is important to regularly let go of attachments in the heart and live each day happily with a bright and cheerful mindset.