Nianfo 念佛 is a method of cultivation introduced and taught by Shakyamuni Buddha twenty-five hundred years ago for people who wish to attain Buddhahood within one lifetime. It is the fastest and easiest way for anyone who wishes to transform this life's pain, suffering, misery and misfortune into a life of happiness, fulfillment and prosperity with direction and purpose.
What is Nianfo
The characters for Nianfo, or Buddha-Name recitation may be understood in this way. Nian (念) is made up of two characters. The top is Jin (今) meaning now/at present, and the bottom is Xin (心) meaning the mind. Together they form the word Nian (念) which means to remember, to behold the mind (Buddha/Fo 佛) in this moment. Thus, Nianfo is used for Samadhi (Chin.: dìng 定, Eng.: deep concentration) and as a method of introspective insight on Amituofo as He is here and now. Nianfo is a way of realizing “one thought-moment of awareness” for people living in the everyday world. Not only for monastics, but laity alike. In being mindful of the Buddha, we chant “Namo Amituofo” 南無阿彌陀佛.
Benefits of Nianfo
The sacred word Amituofo contains innumerable sublime teachings, hidden in, and springing forth from those words. Reciting the Buddha’s name purifies and stills the three karma’s [chin.: yīnguǒ 因果] of body [chin.: tǐ 体], speech [chin.: yán 言] and mind [chin.: xīn 心].
Chanting “Amituofo” mindfully enables us to restore our mind to purity, equality, peace, and thus ushering in awakening. When our minds are at peace, the environment will in turn reflect serenity and tranquillity. Our thoughts create waves. Westerners often refer to this notion as “Vibrations”. What we did not understand was the breadth that these “vibes” had. We simply thought of them on an interpersonal level. But the strength from this kind of thought wave is amazing, able to neutralize the turbulent thought waves even from others greed, anger, ignorance. Thus having many Buddha Name Chanters in a region will bring peace, stability, prosperity and happiness to that area.
A Cultivation Method for Everyone
The Nianfo methods can be utilized by anyone of any gender, class, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, etc. With its simple, direct, and expedient methods of cultivation, the individual surrounded by all the hustle and bustle of everyday life can easily adopt Buddha's Name recitation practices into one's daily routine. Nianfo is suitable for the beginner to advanced cultivator alike. It's practices can last from minutes a day, to hours, days, and so on depending upon the level of experience the cultivator possesses, and amount of time one wishes to invest in one's own practice.
Below, we have listed a few examples of the range of methods in which Nianfo encompasses.
The Beginners Ten Recitation Method
The Ten Recitation method is a simple, convenient, and effective way of practicing Buddha Recitation. It is especially suitable for those who find little time in the day for cultivation. Practicing the Ten Recitation method helps us to regain mindfulness of Amitabha Buddha and brings us peace and clarity to the present moment.
The practice begins first thing in the morning when we wake up. We should sit up straight and clearly recite Amitabha's name ten times with an undisturbed mind, whether out loud or silently to ourselves. We repeat the process eight more times for the rest of the day:
2) At Breakfast
3) Before Work
4) At Lunch Break
5) At Lunch
6) After Lunch Break
7) Getting Off Work
8) At Dinner
9) At Bedtime
Altogether, the method is practiced nine times a day, everyday. The key point in this cultivation is regularity; we must not practice one day and not the other. If this practice can be maintained undisturbed, the cultivator would soon feel his purity of mind increase, and wisdom grow.
Diligent practice of the Ten Recitation method together with deep faith and determined vows can ensure fulfillment of our wish to reach the Western Pure Land of Infinite Life and Infinite Light. We hope everyone will practice accordingly.
Ten Methods of Advanced Nianfo
There are ten standard methods of Nianfo. As one advances in the practice of Nianfo, the following methods may be utilized.
1. Breath-By-Breath Recitation: One recitation per in-breath, one per out-breath. This is a basic recitation practice used to calm the mind.
2. Recitation With Beads: This is the most popular method. Using a mala (Buddhist rosary/prayer beads) is very helpful when one is reciting the Buddha’s name. The standard mala has 108 beads. One can record how many recitations one does each day until the need for recording is no longer present.
3. 10-Phrase Recitation: This is simply 10 recitation of the Buddha’s name per bead, and is a good practice for people who have trouble with wandering thoughts.
4. Bowing to the Buddha Recitation: Reciting the Buddha’s name before or during a bow. The bow may be at the waist with palms together, or may be a full prostration in which one places one’s forehead to the floor and raises the hands above the ears. This is a good practice for combating drowsiness because it utilizes the body, mouth and mind simultaneously.
5. Linked Recitation: Each word and phrase “rests its head” on the previous one, producing a strong recitative flow and deep concentration.
6. Reflecting Recitation: The practice of examining each word and phrase which is recited to make sure they are clear and distinct, until only the name remains. Essentially, this is turning the mind inward on its sense of hearing.
7. Calming Light Recitation: One visualizes sitting in the midst of an immense transparent zone of light while reciting the Buddha’s name. This is a very calming practice for those who experience disturbing images such as fears or bad memories.
8. Lotus Blossom Recitation: This recitative practice utilizes the traditional four colors of the Lotus blossom (blue, yellow, red and white). One visualizes a large blue lotus emitting blue light before one’s eyes with each recitation. The process is then repeated for each color in sequence. As the lotus flowers appear, one may imagine a soft lotus fragrance.
9. Visualization Recitation: This recitative practice involves reciting the Buddha’s name while practicing the 13th visualization from the Visualization Sutra, that of a 60-foot tall Amitabha Buddha standing at the edge of a seven-jeweled pond.
10. Enlightened, Illuminating Recitation: This dual practice consists of reciting the Buddha’s name while at the same time turning one’s attention on one’s True Nature until the only thing that remains is the consciousness of having united the “mind of the body” and the True Mind of the Buddha. This form of recitation is considered to be a very high-level practice and is most meaningful for those who have gained experience and insight through experiencing most of the preceding recitation practices.
Namo Amituofo
