Reciting Mantras Is a Tool for Practice

Question: When one has already developed the habit of silently reciting the Śūraṅgama Mantra with a sense of holding it deep within, if a questioning doubt about the Dharma arises in the depths of the mind, can one then replace the mantra with the questioning doubt, so that one can be engaged in investigation whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down? 

Answer: When a questioning doubt arises, one must concentrate single-mindedly on the investigation, without even the slightest distraction. Only in this way can the questioning doubt be effectively resolved and wisdom be brought forth. There is nothing more important than bringing forth wisdom. Reciting the mantra is also for this ultimate goal—it is merely a method of entering the Path. One should not take mantra recitation as the goal of practice; it should be used as a tool instead.