Why Do Nightmares Vanish Upon Chanting Buddha’s Name?

Question: Why do nightmares disappear upon reciting the Buddha's name?

Answer: Through regular recitation of the Buddha's name during waking hours, the manas (mind base) becomes perfumed. With the Buddha present within the manas and an understanding of the benefits of recitation, one directly invokes the buddha-mindfulness upon encountering danger in a dream. The Buddha's name is spontaneously uttered without conscious deliberation or decision to recite. This is true recitation, which resonates with the Buddha. Once blessed by the Buddha's power, the nightmare vanishes. As the state of mind changes, so does the environment: the moment the buddha-mindfulness arises, the nightmare realm disappears, transforming suffering into tranquility and peace.