What Is the Difference Between Chanting "Namo Amitābha Buddha" and "Amitābha Buddha"?

"Namo" means taking refuge, signifying sincere reliance and submission. "Amitābha Buddha" is the name of the Buddha himself. Chanting the Buddha's name is to resonate with the Buddha, to connect with the Buddha, to seek the Buddha's blessings, and to implore him to extend his hand to rescue and deliver us. The two methods of chanting the Buddha's name are fundamentally no different, but chanting "Amitābha Buddha" alone is more direct than chanting "Namo Amitābha Buddha" with its two additional syllables. It allows the mind to remain simpler, free from subtle twists and turns, making it easier to attain samādhi.

The purpose of chanting is not merely to chant, but to gather the mind, to sincerely take refuge in Amitābha Buddha, and to attain the samādhi of Buddha-chanting. Only within the samādhi of Buddha-chanting can one resonate with Amitābha Buddha, connect with Amitābha Buddha, and gain the assurance of rebirth in the Pure Land. Therefore, while chanting, one should strive to calm the mind, making it single-pointed. When reciting the Buddha's name, the Buddha should be present in the heart, chanted with reverence. To gather the mind and attain concentration, the chanting voice should not be too high-pitched, as this consumes energy, easily scatters the mind, and makes it difficult to collect. A lower, more gathered voice helps energy to coalesce, quiets the spirit, focuses the mind without distraction, facilitates the attainment of concentration and the samādhi of Buddha-chanting, and enables one to receive the Buddha's blessings.

To chant with the mind and attain the samādhi of Buddha-chanting, one can try chanting like this: Gently pronounce the syllable "A," prolonging the sound of "A." Do not vocalize "mitābha," yet simultaneously hold Amitābha Buddha himself in the heart. The syllable "A" manifests outwardly, while the three syllables "mitābha" remain hidden within the heart. A single syllable represents the entire Buddha. The mind is free from distracting thoughts, entirely filled with the Buddha. Chanting in this way makes it easier to attain samādhi.