Chanting
The
simplest way to practice Pure Land is by chanting
"Amituofo." Amituofo is the name of Amitabha Buddha in
Chinese. In Sanskrit it is Amitabha Buddhaya. It does
not matter whether we chant in Chinese, Sanskrit, or any
other language as long as we do it properly. When we
chant, the sound of "Amituofo" arises in our minds. And
as we utter "Amituofo," our minds concentrate on and
embrace that sound.
While chanting, do so sincerely and continuously. In our chanting, we pronounce each syllable
clearly and distinctly so that we hear the chant whether
it is voiced or silent. Regardless of whether we chant
when walking, sitting, or bowing, our focusing on the
Buddha’s name will decrease our everyday worries.
Eventually, they will be eliminated.
As
one keeps chanting and the mind focuses on the sound of
"Amituofo," errant thoughts are replaced with pure
thoughts. In this way, we also create less negative
karma. After Amitabha has been in our mind continuously
for a long time, our true nature—our Buddha-nature—will
gradually be uncovered.
Amitabha Buddha is the wise and compassionate teacher
who understands everything, and who is always thinking
of us, lifetime after lifetime after lifetime.
We
are the students who are trying to learn and practice.
Just as a good teacher listens to the calls for help
from a student looking for the right answers, if we have
unwavering belief, vow to be reborn in the Pure Land,
and behave morally and sincerely practice, Amitabha will
respond. He is like the mother who always thinks of her
child. If the child does not in turn think of his
mother, her thoughts will not help. But if he also
thinks of her, they will eventually be reunited.
In such a way, Amitabha is always thinking of us, waiting for our
thoughts to turn to him, so that we may come together.
When
we chant to the point of single-mindedness with the sole
thought of Amituofo, we successfully form a connection
with him, in fact, we become one with him. In that
instant we are in the Pure Land—far to the west and deep
within us. As we breathe our last breath in this world,
if we can form this connection—this oneness with
Amituofo—we will attain our next rebirth in the Western
Pure Land and leave suffering behind. And once there, we
will have all the time we need to continue our practice
and learning, for we will be in the company
of
Amitabha Buddha and all the bodhisattvas. They will help
us learn all the ways to wisely and compassionately help
other beings.
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