Venerable Elder Guangqing
Reciting Amitabha is not a simple practice. You need to thoroughly let go and cast aside all internal and external distractions, single-mindedly chanting Amitabha —only then can you gain attainments.
Recite Amitabha’s powerful name clearly and hear your recitation clearly without having a single thread of doubt. Distracting thoughts dissolve and you will definitely enter a state of one-pointed concentration.
If you believe my words, recite Amitabha genuinely. Whether walking, stationery, sitting or reclining, do not be apart from this thought of Amitabha. Even in your dreams, you can sustain the (mental) recitation of Amitabha and not be distracted by the sense perceptions.
Once you reach this stage, your mind will drop all attachments and be unconfused. When your practice reaches maturity, Sukhavati will naturally manifest before you. You must not be careless about this!
If the mind is sincere, wondrous fragrances and bright lights will appear when reciting Amitabha. Even if you are dwelling in the mountains, with only three blades of grass as an incense, an extraordinary fragrance will emit from the incense. Buddhas and Bodhisattva pervade all of space, they are not only present in the monastery. If the mind is sincere, you connect to Amitabha.
All Dharma practices come down to this mind. Our daily practice is essentially to cultivate this mind. If this mind possesses meditative stability, it will be like pure and still water. Such water reflects all images without exception. Therefore, when our minds are very pure, we naturally perceive the true nature of all things.
Our practice of reciting Amitabha is meant to cultivate this mind until it is as pure and tranquil as water. If the mind is scattered and impure, it is like muddy water. There are many non-virtuous thoughts, the mind judges what is good and bad, what is tasty or not, what is fragrant or foul-smelling; it becoming attached to "forms, sounds, smells, tastes, tactile sensations and mental objects."
When the recitation of Amitabha reaches a point where this mind is clear, bright and free from impurities, one will naturally cease to cling to the "five aggregates." In this way, the six sense organs will no longer be affected by the six sense objects; afflictions will be severed, and the five aggregates will be realized as empty.
You will naturally transcend all suffering and difficulty, manifest the luminous wisdom of your self-nature, and penetrate the profound and subtle Dharma.
The emphasis in Amitabha recitation is on “mental focus" and "pure dedication". One sustains the recitation day and night without interruption or distraction. Reciting with the mouth, listening with the ears and being mindful with the mind is the way to make the effort.
Gradually and naturally, you will reach the state where there is no distinction between day and night, one recites single-mindedly without distractions. Through reciting Amitabha, one attains concentration; from concentration, wisdom opens and one is certain to accomplish results.
