Many people ask, “How do I entrust myself to Amitabha Buddha? How can I truly rely on him?” The answer is simple: by reciting “Namo Amitabha Buddha.”  

       We need to shift the way we think about this. Relying on Amitabha doesn’t require effort or complex practices. Simply recite his name gently, naturally, and with ease. In that very moment, you are already relying on him and entrusting yourself to him. It’s this simplicity that makes Amitabha-recitation so extraordinary and beyond comprehension. 

       Reciting “Namo Amitabha Buddha” has the profound power to transform our inner struggles. It replaces our worries with Dharma joy and calms our restless mind. No matter how great the challenges we face—even the most critical issue of getting trapped in samsara—this name has the power to resolve everything. And it does so not superficially, but by addressing the very root of our suffering.  

       In life, we’ll encounter countless difficulties, some of which may seem overwhelming. But we must learn to rely on Amitabha. Let him carry our burdens and lead us through life’s trials. The moment we recite the name of Amitabha Buddha, we are entrusting everything to him. This is how we rely on Amitabha Buddha.  

       There’s a saying: “You can’t always rely on others, and even mountains may crumble.” But when you rely on Amitabha, you’ll find true peace of mind. Think about it: when we’re hurting, even our mothers feel our pain as if it were their own. Now imagine Amitabha’s compassion –immeasurable, unconditional, and far greater than even a mother’s love.

        The answer to every problem, the key to every question, is “Namo Amitabha Buddha.” Trust him fully. Whether you are walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, keep reciting his name. Don’t let it go. “Namo Amitabha Buddha!” 

Absolutely Other-Power  

       The path we follow is called the “Path of Other-Power.” But whose power are we relying on? It is the power of Amitabha Buddha alone—not the power of any other Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. This is a path that relies fully and absolutely on Amitabha’s power.  

       Whether it’s protection from disasters, blessings of fortune and long life, or ultimately being reborn in the Pure Land and attaining Buddhahood, it all comes from Amitabha’s name. None of this is accomplished through our own effort or merit. That’s why this path is completely based on Amitabha’s Other-Power. 

       Why is this so? Because all the virtues and merits we need are contained within the name “Namo Amitabha Buddha.” This name is also called the “Great Name of a Myriad Virtues.” The word “myriad” doesn’t just mean countless; it refers to fullness, completeness, and transcendence. The name contains all the merits needed to attain Buddhahood.  

       So, just keep reciting his name without letting go. This is the ultimate way to rely on Amitabha Buddha. Namo Amitabha Buddha! 

(Translated by the Pure Land School Translation Team;
edited by Householder Fojin)