3 methods of working with Buddha name recitation into emptiness are presented below.
Following the recitation
- Begin by continuously reciting Amitābha Buddha’s name. Recite one recitation at a time, or one syllable at a time, clearly and distinctly at a comfortable pace.
- While reciting the Buddhas name, allow awareness to follow each syllable or recitation into silence. Notice what each recitation arises out of, and what each recitation ceases back into.
- As the practice gains momentum, recite more and more slowly, leaving longer spaces between each recitation, continually deepening the observation. Where do they come from? Where do they go?
- Adjust the pace so that the next recitation is recited whenever distraction or unbidden thought begins to arise. After reciting, wait to see when the next recitation should be recited.
- More and more, allow awareness to simply rest within that which contains each recitation and thought. Allow sensitivity and understanding to develop around this increasingly empty experience.
Who is reciting?
- Recite in a steady stream
- Begin observing who it feels like is chanting
- We can also observe: Where is the mind that the chant must occur within? Where does the chant (breath, sound, impulse, thought, etc.) feel like it comes from? Where does it cease into? (Or use any combination of the above.)
Forget about everything
- Continuously recite, and surrender completely to it.
- Let the recitation flow through unimpeded, paying no attention to anything, simply recite.
- Whenever paying attention occurs, simply forget about everything, let the recitation continue and simply allow whatever arises in awareness to be known without trying.
- While continuing to recite, surrender everything back to nature. If the recitation grows unnecessary simply forget about it as well and rest in the flow of experience.