Mindfulness without Mindfulness is Buddha Samadhi

The true Buddha-recitation samadhi is achieved when the consciousness fully permeates the mental faculty, and the mental faculty accomplishes it, which is the state of realizing the true mind. At this stage, there is both concentration and wisdom. Throughout the entire practice process, consciousness guides the mental faculty—from contemplating the form of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to contemplating the true suchness of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas—until finally, the mental faculty accomplishes samadhi. Consciousness ceases reciting while the mental faculty continues to recite spontaneously, beyond conscious control. Profound meditative absorption arises, followed by the birth of wisdom, thereby enabling the realization of the true nature of mind.

"Reciting without reciting" means that consciousness is not reciting, yet the mental faculty is reciting—it recites automatically, uncontrollable by consciousness. Understanding this principle, one should comprehend how to practice diligently, how to engage in Chan investigation, how to contemplate and observe, and thus grasp the principle and process of realizing the Way and attaining enlightenment.

"Reciting yet not reciting" refers to the state where, ultimately, it is entirely the mental faculty reciting the Buddha’s name. Yet, the mental faculty does not recite in the same manner as consciousness; superficially, it seems incapable of reciting. In truth, that which truly recites the Buddha’s name is also "not reciting"—it has no mouth and no mind. What is that thing? Investigate!