contemplating the sound-stream with breath-recitation buddhanussati

This method involves reciting the Buddha's name while taking deep breaths, synchronizing the recitation with the rhythm of the breath. During a deep inhalation, when the breath is fully drawn in, and then during the slow exhalation, one recites "Amita" gradually while exhaling. The recitation of "Amita" concludes as the exhalation finishes. Then, upon taking another full inhalation and beginning the subsequent exhalation, one recites "Tuo Fo" while exhaling, completing "Amita Tuo Fo" as the exhalation ends.

With each inhalation, draw the breath down to the Dantian (elixir field). When the Dantian is full of Qi (vital energy), it flows to all parts of the body. One stream of Qi flows from the Dantian to the Huiyin point (perineum), then from the Huiyin to the tailbone (coccyx), sequentially ascending to the waist, back, Dazhui point (GV14), shoulder blades, and then flowing to the arms, hands, and various parts of the head. At this point, one feels the entire body filled with Qi. The waist, back, and shoulders feel very comfortable; the back is straight, the shoulders are sunk down, the arms are soft, the breath is smooth and even, and the mind is extremely tranquil. Simultaneously, the chest cavity is full of gently flowing Qi, causing the heart-mind to expand, becoming infinitely vast, feeling as if the mind can encompass the entire universe.

After the Dantian is full of Qi, slowly exhale upwards from the Dantian area, passing through the navel, chest cavity, lungs, trachea, throat, oral cavity, and nasal cavity. The airflow carrying the Buddha recitation also passes over the tongue and teeth. The sound flow and Qi flow sequentially vibrate each part, creating a strong tactile sensation in the body. When the breath recitation calms the mind and the tactile sensations become distinct, one can then observe and contemplate the tactile sensations in each location. The method of observation and contemplation is the same as methods like observing the breath. Observing in stillness, the tactile sensations wherever the sound flow and Qi flow reach are all clearly perceived. Ultimately, one can realize the emptiness of the five aggregates.

Some practitioners observe luminosity at the tip of the nose, gradually perceiving smoke-like phenomena. With eyes closed, they may see the breath at the nose tip taking on a smoky, granular appearance. Occasionally, with eyes closed, they might perceive the surrounding environment appearing like suspended particles; the scenery seems ethereal and somewhat unreal. This sensation approaches the truth, moving closer to reality. With such a state of observation and contemplation, realizing the truth becomes not too difficult.

If one contemplates tables, chairs, walls, and other objects as composed of particles, contemplating them as illusory, to the point of forgetting the previous feeling that objects are solid, then while in concentration, the body might potentially pass through these objects without obstruction. However, the moment one again perceives the objects as solid, they become obstacles once more. Therefore, the mind's firm attachment to the solidity of objects obstructs all actions, creating solid obstructions everywhere. Correct practice is to realize the illusory nature of phenomena, remove attachments, then body and mind will become unimpeded in all directions, without obstruction. One can ascend to the heavens or enter the earth, as if moving through empty space.