How to Nianfo: Ten Recitation Method

There are many ways to Nianfo, as we have discussed before. However, the ten-recitation method is probably the most well-known and efficient Nianfo practice. The thirteenth Pure Land Patriarch Yinguang invented the ten-recitation method based on the Infinite Life Sutra (particularly the 18th vow of Amitabha Buddha, which says if one joyously believes and sincerely vows to be born in Amitabha Buddha’s Pure Land, even if one recites His Name for ten times at the time of death, then one can attain rebirth in His Pure Land). 

There are also different styles to the ten-recitation method. The one that Patriarch Yinguang recommends is to recite the Name of Amitabha Buddha ten times (also, we don't need to use mala beads to count - as Patriarch Yinguang believes this can be distracted, we can count in our mind or using the hand), and when one finishes the tenth recitation, one starts over again from 1-10 (do not count over 10). With the counting being added, one can be even more focused and single-minded in one’s practice. When one recites the ten-recitation method, one can do it in a combination of 3-3-4 or 5-5 to keep it rhythmic. 

Sometimes when we practice meditation like Nianfo, we can still notice that we have a lot of wandering thoughts and may not be so single-hearted. 

Patriarch Yinguang also recommended that when we recite the Name of Amitabha Buddha, we should also engage our ears to hear our recitation to gain focus. Our six roots (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind) can be easily distracted when it comes into contact with the six dusts (forms, sounds, smells, tastes, touch and dharmas, dharmas mean our mind can identify with - both physical and mental). The Buddha said sentient beings in our world have the most sensitive hearing faculty. Locking the root of the ears can somehow effectively help us lock the other five roots so that one can be much more focused and single-hearted in one’s practice. 

Engaging our hearing faculty when we Nianfo and add on the counting can help us be much more focused in our mind so that we will not be so easily distracted by all the wandering thoughts. Also, we are not just reciting with the mouth but with the mind, which is the main point of the practice.