By Forming the Habit of Reciting Buddha's Name with the Mind, One Can Continuously Recite Buddha's Name

Star River Century: I initially entered through the Pure Land method and also practiced the Buddha recitation method. At the very beginning, I recited aloud. To sustain recitation for long periods, I recited softly, just loud enough for me to hear, so it wouldn't tire me out easily. Also, when reciting aloud, it's crucial to master the rhythm of breathing—integrating the Buddha recitation into the breath. You need to adjust and control this yourself while reciting, harmonizing the Buddha's name with your breath until you achieve: reciting during inhalation and exhaling during recitation. When they become indistinguishable, you can recite aloud for long periods, typically lasting two or three hours without fatigue. If reciting aloud also becomes tiring, switch to vajra recitation or silent mental recitation. Rotate among these three methods to ensure continuous recitation. Over time, the manas gradually forms the habit of recitation, eventually turning into manas recitation.

During the recitation process, you must stay focused. Recite clearly and distinctly within your mind, hear it clearly and distinctly, and avoid letting your thoughts wander. You must restrain the manas. If you recite while thinking about other things, the manas scatters, and you won't achieve the effect of permeating the manas. Therefore, only when you recite wholeheartedly, without distraction, and immerse yourself completely in the recitation does the manas fully engage. Keep the manas focused on reciting the Buddha's name constantly. Over time, the manas will develop a strong inclination to recite. Sometimes, even when you don't want to recite, the Buddha's name will spontaneously arise in your mind. Then, continuously strengthen this inclination. Within this habitual inclination for recitation, gradually practice introspection, extending it to encompass all sounds, so that no matter what sound you encounter, you remain unaffected—all sounds become the Buddha's name.

Then, during quiet moments, my breathing sound, footsteps while walking, the sound of a fan, car noises, the rustling of leaves in the wind—all resonate with the frequency of the Buddha's name. This arises from the manas, cultivated through long periods of focused recitation. Everyone can achieve this by following the method; it just requires diligence and sincere effort.