RECITATION

Recitation is concentrating on the name of a Buddha, the name of a Bodhisattva, or even a Buddhist mantra. The recitation can be practiced either verbally or mentally or using a combination of both.

In order to generation compassion, we encourage practitioners to embark on the methods of recitation using the name of Amitabha Buddha, the name of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, or the Great Compassion Mantra. The textual resources for these practices are available. Also, these practices have been the prominent traditions in Mahayana Buddhism.

Instructions to these practices are clearly defined and confirmed in the Mahayana Buddhist sutras. In addition to producing a compassionate state of mind, mental concentration and inner peace, common to other Buddhist meditative practices, will also be obtained through these practices. Also, practitioners can adapt any of these methods to suit their individual abilities and circumstances.

The recitation on Amitabha Buddha is precisely instructed in the Amitabha Sutra. Embarking on the practice, one is inspired to attained Buddhahood, just like Amitabha Buddha, while making a compassionate vow to return to help other sentient beings after enlightenment, so that all can eventually reach Buddhahood. The practice of recitation is also elaborated in the other two foundational Pure Land texts, namely the Sukhavativyuha Sutra and the Sutra of Contemplation on the Buddha of Infinite Life. A further clarification on the method of recitation using the name of Amitabha Buddha is found in the famous Mahayana scripture, the Surangama Sutra. Also, we have available an excellent English manual on the practice, Buddhism of Wisdom and Faith. This text can be located by contacting the Buddhist publishers at the International Buddhist Monastic Institute, North Hills, California.

The recitation on Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is descriptively offered in Sadharmapundarika Sutra or The Lotus Sutra, a jewel of Mahayana Sutras. Chapter 25 of the Lotus Sutra, The Universal Gate of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, is exclusively devoted to the various compassionate activities of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and the practice of using the name of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva as a formula for recitation. Here, the compassionate activities are the Buddha's activities and the compassionate mind the Buddha's mind.

The recitation of the Great Compassion Mantra is directly given in the Great Compassionate Minded Dharani of The Thousand-Arm-and-Thousand-Eyes One. In the text, the Great Compassion Mantra is offered by Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the Buddhist embodiment of compassion. This long mantra or Dharani is the wish-fulfilling jewel of the Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist tradition. In general, for the purpose of generating a pervasive field of compassion, it is always recited at the opening of each chanting session in the Mahayana Buddhist temples. In addition to recitation, one can follow individual interests and capability to experience other elaborate esoteric rituals concerning this mantra.