The Two Levels of Buddha Recitation

There are two levels of Buddha-recitation. One is conscious Buddha-recitation, which is relatively superficial as the manas (mental faculty) lacks interest. The other is deeper and more focused, involving not only conscious Buddha-recitation but also Buddha-recitation by the manas. Even when consciousness is not reciting, under the impetus of the manas, the Buddha's name is unconsciously brought to mind.

When reciting Buddha with consciousness while the manas dislikes the practice, the mind is relatively scattered. One recites Buddha while watching television, conversing, engaging in idle thoughts, and handling various distractions.

When the manas recites Buddha, one can recite Buddha while sleeping, dreaming, working, contemplating problems, or engaging in any activity. Buddha-recitation samadhi must be initiated by the manas. At all times, thought after thought abides in Buddha-recitation without interruption, accompanied by a light and peaceful bodily and mental sensation and a feeling of joy.

A person once participated in a Buddha-recitation period involving one million recitations, aiming to recite the Buddha's name one million times in a week. Holding a 108-bead mala, she recited one full rotation and then moved one bead, continuously moving the beads with both hands while constantly reciting the Buddha's name orally. Simultaneously, she could watch television, offer opinions, observe others working, and sometimes even become angry—truly extremely busy. Her manas was constantly grasping at external objects, forcing her consciousness to merely go through the motions of reciting Buddha without any real focus.

Thus, it is evident that only by subduing the manas can one attain the concentration of Buddha-recitation and achieve Buddha-recitation samadhi. Concentration means concentrating the manas; concentrating consciousness alone does not solve the problem.