Amituofo

Pure Land Chants Part 2

Chanting a Buddhas name, in our case, the name of Amitabha (Amituofo in Chinese),

is the primary foundation of our practice.

Amituofo is Chinese for Amitabha Buddha.

Amituofo

primarily means

Buddha of Infinite Light and Infinite Life.

When we chant, the sound of Amituofo arises from our minds. Then our minds focus on and embrace that sound.

As the mind concentrates on the sound of Amituofo, our selfish and intolerant thoughts are replaced with

this single pure thought

of the name of a Buddha.

After Amituofo has been in our mind continuously for a long time, and we

improve our thoughts and actions,

our true nature, which is the same as that of the Buddhas, will gradually be uncovered.

If we have made the vows to do so and have belief in the teachings of the Buddhas, we will have progressed on our path to forever have a Buddhas mind and heart of wisdom

and compassion so that we can be

of benefit to all beings who wish our help.

Ultimately, our vows to be born into the Pure Land,

our unwavering belief,

and our moral living daily, as well as our chanting will enable us to attain the perfect enlightenment that is B u d d h a h o o d.

And on a daily basis, we will continue to benefit

as our minds become calmer and our practice helps us to become more sincere and kind.

What about those who have not made such a vow or

do not wish to make one?

For those who simply wish to find some peace and serenity
amidst lifes everyday concerns, chanting along with or just listening to the chanting

can help one to become

calmer and more peaceful.

And every moment of peace is a moment of contentment and happiness.

Namo

Amituofo

Words: Amitabha Publications.

www.amtbweb.org