Forming the Habit of Recollection of the Buddha (Buddhānusmṛti) in the Manas Enables Continuous, Uninterrupted Recollection of the Buddha

Xinghe Shiji: I originally entered the Dharma through the Pure Land method, practicing 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 it less tiring. Also, when reciting aloud, you need to grasp the rhythm of your breathing, merging the recitation into the breath. This has to be adjusted and controlled by yourself while reciting, letting 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 no longer distinct, 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 (silent recitation with moving lips) or silent recitation in the mind. Rotate among these three methods to ensure the recitation continues unbroken. Over time, the manas will gradually form the habit of reciting the Buddha's name, and it will then become recitation by the manas.

During recitation you must be focused; the mind must recite clearly and distinctly, and hear clearly and distinctly. You must not let thoughts wander; you must gather in the manas. If you recite while thinking about all sorts of other things, the manas becomes scattered, and you will not achieve the effect of permeating the manas. Therefore, only when you recite single-mindedly, without wandering thoughts, devoting your whole body and mind to the recitation, has the manas fully participated. Keep the manas in a state of focused recitation at all times; over time, the manas will form a strong habitual inclination to recite the Buddha's name. Sometimes, even when you do not intend to recite, the Buddha's name will arise in your mind involuntarily. Then keep strengthening this habit, and within this recitation habit slowly practice introspection, penetrating through into all sounds, so that no sound you encounter can affect you—every sound becomes the sound of the Buddha's name.

Afterward, the sound of my breathing in quiet moments, the sound of my footsteps while walking, the sound of fans, the sound of cars, the sound of wind blowing through leaves—all became the frequency of the Buddha's name. This is initiated by the manas, formed through long periods of focused recitation and permeation. Anyone who follows this method can achieve it; as long as you are willing to work hard and apply your mind earnestly, you can accomplish it.