As the saying goes, “A good beginning makes a good ending.” As we start the new year, let’s begin it well by getting into the habit of starting the day by reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha every morning. Beginning the day with Amitabha-recitation means that the Buddha is with us all day long, whether we’re working or resting. Amitabha is there to protect us, bless us, avert disasters and turn adversity into good fortune. This helps us to conduct ourselves in a manner appropriate to our roles, and to fulfill our virtuous aspirations.

       How does one begin one’s day with Amitabha-recitation? Upon waking in the morning, you can sit quietly in bed to recite the Buddha’s name. Alternatively, you can go to a temple or a Buddhist hall, offer incense, and then recite quietly there. Or you can just find a comfortable spot to do your recitation.

       I believe it is important to start the day with a calm mind, fresh air and a tranquil environment. I would suggest adopting a sitting meditative pose during recitation. This is because when the body is still, it is much easier to quiet the mind. Reciting Amitabha Buddha’s ‘Great Name of a Myriad Virtues’ in such a state helps us get into a habit of reciting every morning. It also allows us to experience stillness and tranquility. After sitting for a while, step outside for some fresh air and stretch your legs, but keep reciting all the while. Recite Amitabha’s name whether we are walking, standing, sitting or lying down. In other words, the Buddha’s name is with us all the time, without a moment’s break. If the lotus meditative pose is too difficult, you can instead recite while circling around a statue of the Buddha, or venerate a statue, or rotating among sitting, walking and venerating.

       Time permitting, you can repeat these practices during the day, which will help develop the habit of reciting and will resonate with the Amitabha’s primal vow.

       The more we recite the Buddha’s name, the more we can feel Amitabha’s boundless compassion and the joy of the Buddha’s salvation, and the more we yearn to recite his name. As iniquitous ordinary beings trapped in the cycle of samsara, our minds are filled with greed, anger, ignorance, and all sorts of deluded thoughts. When not reciting the Buddha’s name, our minds are swamped with such evil karma. Let’s not forget that our rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss relies entirely on Amitabha’s compassion, merits and the power of his vows, which are all encapsulated in his name. Through the exclusive practice of Amitabha-recitation, we bask in the Buddha’s blessings and salvation. Reciting habitually helps us feel less troubled, and experience profound Dharma joy.

       What’s more, we can cultivate the habit of saying “Amituofo” (Amitabha Buddha in Chinese) as a form of greeting or blessing. 

When meeting someone, we say hello with “Amituofo.”
Upon parting, we say goodbye with “Amituofo.”
To convey an apology, say “Amituofo.”
To show gratitude, say “Amituofo.”
On receiving a gift, say “Amituofo.”
You can replace “You are welcome.” with “Amituofo.”
To extend our congratulations, say “Amituofo.”
To express sympathy or condolences, a sigh followed by “Amituofo” would be appropriate.
Every sentiment and situation can be represented by “Amituofo.”

       Amitabha’s name embodies myriad virtues. Reciting “Amituofo” brings not only tranquility, auspiciousness, and peace, but also blessings and wisdom, and protection from calamities.

Reciting Amitabha Buddha brings purity to a defiled place;
Reciting Amitabha Buddha brings good fortune to a place plagued by misfortunes;
Reciting Amitabha Buddha brings peace amidst turmoils;
Reciting Amitabha Buddha wards off disasters in locations beset by calamities;
Reciting Amitabha Buddha enhances our blessings and wisdom when they are lacking.

       Therefore, please cherish this precious connection, have faith in the salvation of Amitabha Buddha, cultivate the habit of reciting his name, and embrace a life centered around Amitabha-recitation. Whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, recite Amitabha’s name so that the practice becomes a way of life. 

Namo Amitabha Buddha
Namo Amitabha Buddha
Namo Amitabha Buddha

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