Chanting Is a Tool for Practice

Question: After developing the habit of silently reciting the Shurangama Mantra deep within the mind, if a doubt arises within the heart regarding the Dharma, can this doubt replace the mantra, thus enabling one to investigate continuously while walking, standing, sitting, or lying down?

Answer: When doubt arises, it is essential to investigate it single-mindedly without the slightest distraction. Only in this way can the doubt be effectively resolved and wisdom generated. Nothing is more important than generating wisdom. Reciting the mantra is also for this ultimate goal; it is merely a method to enter the path. One should not regard reciting the mantra as the aim of practice but rather as a tool to be used.