10) 随分持名

Reciting in Accordance with Individual Circum-stances

When experiencing lethargy and drowsiness, you should practice circumambulation while reciting the Buddha’s name.

When besieged by numerous sundry thoughts, sit straight and recite silently. If neither circumambulation nor sitting is appropriate, you can kneel or stand, or even lie down for a moment or adopt any other suitable position to recite. The important thing is not to forget the words “Amitabha Buddha”, even for an instant. This is the secret for reining in the mind-demon (deluded mind).

或时昏沉多，则经行以持之，或时杂乱多，则端坐以持之，即使行坐皆不合宜，或跪或立，乃至暂卧，亦广作方便，持名随分而自救之。要于四字洪名，不肯一念忘却， 乃降伏心魔之要术也。

Commentary

Buddha Recitation is not limited to periods of leisure, or those appointed times when, having cleansed ourselves, we sit or kneel before the Buddha’s altar – we must absolutely never neglect recitation. This is because the m ind and thoughts of

sentient beings are too agitated in everyday life. As soon as there is an empty interval, sundry thoughts immediately arise to disturb the mind.

Therefore, whether walking, standing, sitting or reclining, whether speaking or silent, whether the m ind is agitated or at peace, we must strive to recite the Buddha’s name without allowing sundry thoughts to intervene. Like a general guarding a town or a cat stalking a mouse, there must not be an instant’s interruption. Any form of uninterrupted recitation of the Buddha’s name, suitable to the individual’s circum- stances and environment, is acceptable, as long as the mind is concentrated on the Buddha’s name.