Forming a Habit of Buddha-Recollection in the Manas Enables Uninterrupted Recitation

Xinghe Shiji: I originally entered the Dharma through the Pure Land method, and I also practiced the method of recollection of the Buddha (buddhānusmṛti). At first I recited aloud; in order to recite for long periods, I recited in a relatively small voice—just loud enough that I could hear myself—which made reciting less tiring. Also, when reciting aloud, one must control the rhythm of breathing, that is, merge the recitation into the breath. This has to be adjusted and controlled by yourself while reciting, so that the Buddha's name and the breath blend harmoniously together. When you achieve "reciting the Buddha's name within the breath, breathing within the recitation of the Buddha's name," so that the two are indistinguishable, you will be able to recite aloud for a long time—normally two or three hours without getting tired. If reciting aloud also becomes tiring, switch to vajra recitation (subvocal recitation) or silent recitation in the mind. Rotate among these three methods of reciting so that the recitation continues unbroken. Over time, the manas will gradually form a habit of reciting the Buddha's name, and it will then become recitation by the manas.

During the process of reciting, one must be focused; the mind must recite clearly and distinctly, and hear clearly and distinctly. One must not let thoughts run wild, but must gather in the manas. If you recite while thinking about all sorts of other things, the manas becomes scattered, and the effect of permeating the manas cannot be achieved. Therefore, only when reciting with single-minded focus, without random thoughts, and with body and mind fully devoted to the recitation, has the manas fully participated. Let the manas remain in a state of focused recitation at all times; over time, the manas will form a strong habitual inclination to recite. Sometimes even when you do not want to recite, the Buddha's name will arise in your mind involuntarily. Then keep strengthening this habituality, and slowly practice introspection (pratyavekṣā) within this reciting habituality, penetrating into all sounds, so that no matter what sounds you face, you will not be affected by them—all sounds become the sound of the Buddha's name.

Then, for me, the sound of breathing when quiet, the sound of footsteps when walking, the sound of the fan, the sound of cars, the sound of wind blowing through leaves—all became frequencies of the Buddha's name. This is initiated by the manas, formed through long periods of focused recitation and permeation. Everyone can achieve this by following the method; as long as you are willing to work hard and apply your mind, you can accomplish it.