Special Topics
Let's Recite the Buddha's Name
For many people, "Amitofuo (Amitabha Buddha)" is a Buddhist chant they had heard even before they were familiar with Buddhism. However, "reciting the Buddha's name" is still a method of practice not fully understood by many, even after years of learning Buddhism. So why recite the Buddha's name? Chanting the Buddha's name originated from the Six Recollections during Buddha's time: recollection of the Buddha, recollection of the Dharma, recollection of th...
Q1: Why do Buddhists always greet each other with “Buddha Amitabha (Amituofo, in Chinese)”?
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Buddha Name Recitation Those who are new to Buddhism may have many questions, yet do not know to whom or where to turn for answers. The following compilation of common questions and answers related to Buddha name recitation is intended to create a smoother path for beginners to practice. Q1: Why do Buddhists always greet each other with “Buddha Amitabha (Amituofo, in Chinese)”? A: "Amituofo" is always used whenever Buddhists ...
Q2 : To perform Buddha-name recitation, should we limit ourselves to only reciting Amitabha Buddha"? Or would reciting several Buddhas’ names afford additional blessings and protection?
Reciting any Buddha's name not only refers to reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha, but actually encompasses all buddhas and bodhisattvas. The method of Buddha-name recitation originated from the approach of Six Recollections. According to Scroll 33 in the Samyuktagama, there was a time when Shakyamuni Buddha and his sangha members were near the end of their summer retreat at Kapilavastu and were about to set out wandering and teaching elsewhere. Upon hearing this, Mahanama, the eldest...
Q3: Is reciting the Buddha's name a practice exclusively for the sick and the elderly?
A: Many people constantly think that practicing Buddhism or reciting the Buddha's name is a practice intended only for the sick and the elderly. They assume that because they are old, sick, or even on their deathbed, the sick and elderly need to recite the Buddha's name to pray for rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. In fact, the purpose of Buddha-name recitation is not only to pray for rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, but also to recollect the virtu...
Q4: Are prayer beads or counters necessary when reciting the Buddha's name?
A: Prayer beads or a counter are highly recommended for beginners who have yet to develop their habit of reciting the Buddha's name. Firstly, they conveniently keep tabs on an individual's progress in completing their daily objective counts. However, more importantly, the deliberate action of the fingers moving the beads may serve as a quick reminder to focus on the recitation, should the mind stray. The functions of reminding and counting complement each other, making it easier...
Q5: What is the difference between reciting the Buddha’s name and chanting a dharani?
Both Buddha-name recitation and dharani chanting are methods of practice used to help us cultivate concentration. Chanting a dharani is equally meritorious to reciting a Buddha's name, without one being superior or inferior to the other. People are different in their karmic capacity and spiritual inclination regarding Buddhist practice. While some like chanting a dharani, others prefer reciting the Buddha's name. Buddhist practice, regardless of the method used, is intended to help us...
Q6: Is it proper to recite the Buddha chant while having a shower or using the toilet?
Yes, it is alright. Reciting the Buddha's name is a method of Buddhist practice, so as long as time and space permits, we can certainly use this method for our practice, at any time and place. However, make sure you recite silently in these places. This is not because the Buddha or Bodhisattva will be angry with you or find it disrespectful; it's just that we don't want to disturb others and cause them to feel annoyed or uncomfortable. Many people feel that toilets and crowded,...
Q7: When ill, is it more effective to recite the name of Medicine Buddha or Guanyin Bodhisattva?
A: When sick, it is only natural for many Buddhists to want to rely on the mercy and the power of the Medicine Buddha (Bhaiṣajyaguru-vaiḍūryaprabhārāja) and Guanyin Bodhisattva (Avalokiteśvara) by invoking their names, hoping to recover from illness as soon as possible. However, you do not necessarily need to suddenly change your routine practice by reciting the names of Medicine Buddha or Guanyin Bodhisattva as an alternative to your regular practice. You can simply stay with your original r...