Chanting the Buddha’s name is observing the mind; a pure mind is the Pure Land.
Some say that in the age of decline, it is prudent to take chanting the Buddha’s name as guidance and to return to the Pure Land. This is not incorrect, but what does it mean to chant the Buddha’s name, and where is the Pure Land? These questions cannot be overlooked. If one chants incorrectly or misunderstands the Pure Land, despite all efforts, one may not achieve their wishes. Therefore, let us first clarify what it means to chant the Buddha’s name and what constitutes the Pure Land.
What does it mean to chant the Buddha’s name? Chanting the Buddha’s name is observing the mind; observing the mind is true chanting of the Buddha’s name. Why is this so? Because the mind is the Buddha. If you chant without looking at or observing your mind, how can you truly claim to be chanting? When our ancestors instructed us to recite “Amitabha,” what was their purpose? The purpose was like lifting a vine to see its fruit. The name “Amitabha” serves as a vine, while your heart represents a fruit; lifting up this vine aims for you to see that fruit. The instruction to chant “Amitabha” means for you to observe your heart. It encourages you to use this thought of chanting “Amitabha” as a means of observing your mind; this is indeed essential for chanting and embodies its true significance. If not so, then it has nothing to do with chanting. If chanting does not involve observing one’s heart, then how does it differ from elementary school students, middle school students, university students, or ordinary people reciting texts in society? The four characters of “Amitabha” hold no intrinsic meaning by themselves; their sole purpose is to draw you back to your heart. If they can bring you back to your heart, they are Amitabha; if they cannot or do not bring you back to your heart, then Amitabha remains just Amitabha and cannot be called a Buddha.
The ancestors said there are four types of chanting: holding onto names while chanting, visualizing while chanting, contemplating forms while chanting, and realizing ultimate truth while chanting. However, regardless of which type of chanting one practices, at its core it serves as an excuse for observing one’s heart and an entry point into that observation; its ultimate goal remains returning one’s focus back to their heart. The paths may differ—some lead from names to hearts, some from forms to hearts, some from distinctions to hearts—and others involve understanding nature in relation with one’s heart. Regardless of which path one takes—never forget returning one’s focus back home—never forget returning one’s focus—never forget observing one’s heart. To be able to return one’s focus homeward and observe one’s heart signifies true chanting of the Buddha’s name. Anything related to this concept of ‘Buddha’ must inherently concern the heart; if it does not relate at all, then it cannot be considered ‘Buddha.’ Why? Because the mind itself is Buddha; if there’s no engagement with the mind how can there be engagement with Buddhism? Therefore whether you are reciting names or visualizing while chanting or contemplating forms or realizing truth through these practices—the aim remains focused on observing one’s heart—all these activities necessitate closeness with and vigilance over one’s own heart. If not so—it cannot be called holding onto names while chanting nor visualizing while chanting nor contemplating forms nor realizing ultimate truth through these practices—it becomes mere shouting slogans or indulging in delusions or entering illusions or studying various doctrines.
In summary: if one does not observe their own heart then there’s no connection with chanting regardless of whatever activities appear related on the surface regarding practicing Buddhist chants. Chanting should never merely appear superficial—though many may recite similar phrases some might only shout them out loud whereas others truly engage in heartfelt practice through those phrases. Not everyone who chants phrases can claim they are genuinely practicing Buddhism; only those who utilize those phrases as tools for self-observation can rightfully call themselves practitioners of Buddhism through such chants. Similarly—not everyone who visualizes can claim they are visualizing in accordance with Buddhist practice—not everyone who contemplates forms can claim they are doing so correctly—not everyone who perceives ultimate reality can say they practice realization correctly—only those who utilize these activities as methods for self-observation earn such titles: visualization practitioners within Buddhism contemplation practitioners within Buddhism realization practitioners within Buddhism without engaging with their hearts there exists no connection whatsoever.
Since we understand that chanting involves observing our minds what about that beautiful realm reached through such practice—the Pure Land? Of course—it also refers back towards our minds! The so-called Pure Land equates directly with a pure state of being within oneself! What constitutes a pure state? A clear understanding accompanied by an untainted disposition defines purity! This clarity combined with cleanliness represents true purity! What embodies clarity within oneself? A clear awareness regarding all internal conditions external circumstances along with comprehensive knowledge concerning both inner outer realms signifies clarity! What embodies cleanliness within oneself? An absence towards any conceptual attachments devoid from any dust-like burdens free from entanglements surrounding stories encapsulates cleanliness! This state isn’t something achieved merely through cultivation nor something naturally present without effort—it doesn’t solely represent childlike innocence yet isn’t entirely distinct either! So what exactly defines this state? It reflects upon every enlightened being’s essence itself—a naturally luminous inherent quality existing within each individual! Though cultivated externally appearing manifestly evident—it isn’t recreated artificially but rather unveiled authentically reflecting upon innate qualities residing deep inside ourselves!
The hearts possessed by Buddhas differ significantly compared against childlike innocence—if every single child were indeed born possessing Buddhas’ hearts then every child would automatically embody enlightenment thus negating any necessity towards spiritual cultivation rendering enlightenment entirely redundant across existence itself—a notion utterly unfounded! Should children inherently embody Buddhahood yet grow increasingly distant from such states throughout maturation leading away further into ignorance contradicts fundamental principles surrounding spiritual evolution implying regression among enlightened beings rendering impossible scenarios henceforth invalidating concepts surrounding regressions amongst Buddhas altogether! Thus we must refrain equating children alongside Buddhas nor should we conflate childishness alongside enlightened beings’ wisdoms either! Some mistakenly perceive regressive behaviors akin towards infantile states believing naïve actions reflect genuine spiritual pursuits however such thoughts mislead individuals down erroneous paths leading nowhere productive instead fostering delusions regarding authentic practices henceforth avoid indulging therein!
Infants’ minds differ distinctly compared against enlightened beings’ consciousnesses although both exhibit certain similarities regarding purity infants lack clarity whereas enlightened ones possess profound insights gained throughout extensive journeys traversing complexities associated therein overcoming ignorance completely transforming perceptions accordingly elevating understanding levels vastly beyond mere naivety exhibited during infancy stages thus highlighting stark contrasts between them!
Individuals reverting backward into childishness failing addressing lingering ignorance whilst neglecting necessary clarifications mistaking simplicity devoid critical awareness mistaken beliefs equate genuine spiritual endeavors ultimately leads astray misguided notions surrounding authentic practices therefore refrain indulging therein since true enlightenment requires diligent efforts undertaken diligently pursuing deeper insights rather than remaining stagnant akin unto unrefined gems buried underground unless excavated cleaned thoroughly revealing brilliance hidden beneath layers obscured dirtiness thus distinguishing between refined jewels versus muddy counterparts highlighting differences clearly delineating paths taken throughout respective journeys undertaken achieving higher states attained via rigorous endeavors pursued diligently striving towards attaining greater heights ultimately culminating fruition realized fully encompassing essence underlying teachings imparted across generations shared among seekers alike!
After attaining realization Bodhisattvas embody paradoxical qualities wherein non-practice manifests as profound realizations achieved effortlessly yet doesn’t imply absence thereof entirely instead signifies mastery attained harmoniously integrating wisdom cultivated over time seamlessly blending into natural existence allowing effortless flow guiding actions effortlessly executed without forceful interventions required henceforth distinguishing them markedly apart from ordinary individuals lacking similar experiences undergone previously traversed paths leading toward enlightenment attained gradually evolving continuously refining perspectives along way cultivating deeper understandings ultimately culminating fruition realized fully encompassing essence underlying teachings imparted across generations shared among seekers alike!
Thus misunderstanding intentions behind teachings could lead astray misguided notions surrounding authentic practices therefore refrain indulging therein since genuine enlightenment requires diligent efforts undertaken diligently pursuing deeper insights rather than remaining stagnant akin unto unrefined gems buried underground unless excavated cleaned thoroughly revealing brilliance hidden beneath layers obscured dirtiness thus distinguishing between refined jewels versus muddy counterparts highlighting differences clearly delineating paths taken throughout respective journeys undertaken achieving higher states attained via rigorous endeavors pursued diligently striving towards attaining greater heights ultimately culminating fruition realized fully encompassing essence underlying teachings imparted across generations shared among seekers alike!
by- Taiwan Fearless Tathagata Ya Great Perfection Meditation Center