The Essence of Chanting Namo Amituofo

The Purpose of Chanting Namo Amituofo

The primary purpose of chanting Namo Amituofo is to undergo a process of purification, and then more purification. We must continuously strip away the layers of dust that obscure our true nature. Through consistent and sincere practice, you will find your heart filled with Dharma joy, a profound sense of inner peace that transcends all worldly circumstances. This practice fills one with positive energy, strengthening the spirit against the challenges of daily life, and brings a state of cool, refreshing clarity and ease. It allows one to navigate the world without being burdened by attachment.

Furthermore, this practice enables a fundamental transformation:

• Transformation of the heart: Moving from a state of selfishness to one of compassion.
• Transformation of thoughts: Replacing wandering delusions with the clarity of the Buddha-name.
• Transformation of karma: Clearing away the heavy burdens of the past.

By chanting, you clear away the darkness of confusion, leading to a state of pure clarity and the realisation of your true nature as an awakened being. Ultimately, this practice allows you to save yourself and save others, ensuring a smooth and effortless rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Living the Practice 24/7

You may ask, how should one chant Namo Amituofo in daily life? In our daily lives, 24/7, we must ensure that every thought is in sync with Namo Amituofo. Our physical actions, our speech, and our inner thoughts should never depart from Buddha-actions, the Buddha-heart, and the Buddha-name. When this is achieved, every moment becomes an act of chanting.

The holy name of Namo Amituofo should be constantly orbiting within your heart. The heart never leaves the Buddha, and the Buddha never leaves the heart. No matter where you are, what situation you face, or who you encounter, you must hold onto the Buddha-name firmly. Do not let it be interrupted; let every thought follow the next in an unbroken stream.

Achieving Buddha-Recitation Samadhi

You must chant until there is no gap, leaving no space for idle thoughts or wandering delusions to manifest. Chant until you reach the state of no-self, where you chant yet there is no chanting, and in the absence of chanting, the Buddha-name is still present. This is the Buddha-Recitation Samadhi, a sign that your meditative concentration has truly matured. This is what it means to truly chant Namo Amituofo.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo