Not practicing as I was
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Lately, I have not been reciting as much as I did. I still recite every night, but I am reciting with a scattered mind, thinking about the daily events.
I have a bit more going on currently, and these events keep my mind really busy, I wonder if there are ways I can stop thinking about other things when reciting?
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You can only stop thinking for a one or two seconds anyway. Even thinking about not thinking is thinking. So don't be negatively affected by yur thoughts going astray, just make it a point to constantly stop your runaway mind.
You can recite your mantras while the mind concentrate on something else that is inert. Like looking at the second hand of a clock moving. You are therefore performing two task. One reciting, the other concentrating.
It is better you recite, and think about a specific thought. It would be more productive, and keep to that one thought,
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It is normal to get distracted by our worldly problems. However, don't get distracted for too long. We must always remind ourselves that we are only here temporary, don't spend too much time on short term matters, we must think of long term. We must always put practicing as top priority in this life. When impermanence (death, æ— å¸¸) arrives, everything will end. (三寸清气å�ƒèˆ¬ç”¨ï¼Œä¸€æœ�æ— å¸¸ä¸‡äº‹ä¼‘).
Do not afraid of thoughts arising as it is normal, we are all humans. It's impossible not to have thoughts. However, you must realise that thoughts are arising and stop it fast. When thoughts arise, tell yourself "thoughts, thoughts, thoughts......", they will slowly go away.
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can use the alterative Ten recitation method instead. it's as effective for people with little time.
recite Amitabha's name just ten times with an undisturbed mind will not cause wandering thoughts to enter. then u can carry on doing your things.
http://www.amtb-usa.org/eten-1.htm
the main aim is to keep reminded of reciting every now and then until the end of life. it's to distribute your recitation into smaller period through out your life. not like one who only reciting a lot once and prolong don't recite anymore. it's like the analogy of boiling water. when u boil once and stop, it'll cool down, while the Ten recitation method is like using small fire to keep the water warm always. and like brewing chinese medicine , the longer u brew the better it is. :)
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The Ten-Recitation Method
The Ten-Recitation method is a simple, convenient, and effective way of practicing Buddha Recitation. It is especially suitable for those who find little time in the day for cultivation. Practicing the Ten-Recitation method helps us to regain mindfulness of Amitabha Buddha and brings us peace and clarity in the present moment.
We should begin this practice the first thing in the morning, as soon as we wake up. We should sit up straight and clearly recite Amitabha's name ten times with an undisturbed mind, whether out loud or silently to ourselves. We should repeat this process eight more times for the rest of the day:
Altogether, we practice this method nine times a day, every day. The key point is regularity; we must not practice one day and fail to practice the next day. If this practice is maintained steadily, the cultivator will soon feel his purity of mind increase, and his/her wisdom grow.- At Breakfast
- Before Work
- At Lunch Break
- At Lunch
- After Lunch Break
- Getting Off Work
- At Dinner
- At Bedtime
Diligent practice of the Ten-Recitation method, together with deep faith and determined vows, can ensure fulfillment of our wish to reach the Western Pure Land of Infinite Life and Infinite Light. We hope everyone will practice accordingly.Amitabha! ps: but for me , u don't have to follow so strictly the timing(as that will be quite stressful), just recite when u have free time in a constantly reminded way.
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Thanks everyone for replying. I am now reciting better.
Would it be ok if I did the 10 recitation method a few times a day and then my usual amount at night before sleeping?
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Originally posted by Beautiful951:
Thanks everyone for replying. I am now reciting better.
Would it be ok if I did the 10 recitation method a few times a day and then my usual amount at night before sleeping?
a few times a day? oh, u mean skip some of them and do more at night. it's fine.The key point is regularity; we must not practice one day and fail to practice the next day.
MCK said, when recite, concentrate on reciting ten times, then when finish, u can concentrate on ur usual work/job.
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Originally posted by sinweiy:
a few times a day? oh, u mean skip some of them and do more at night. it's fine.The key point is regularity; we must not practice one day and fail to practice the next day.
MCK said, when recite, concentrate on reciting ten times, then when finish, u can concentrate on ur usual work/job.
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Ya that's what I mean. Thanks for the reply, I feel better with this method.
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hope you are putting on Right Effort now
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Originally posted by 2009novice:
hope you are putting on Right Effort now
Thank you. I will recite regularly.
