Time : Saturday 2.00pm-4.00pm
Platform : ZOOM Cloud Meeting
Topic of Discussion : A GUIDE TO EFFECTIVE RECITATION (PART 2)
“If someone simply prays to the Buddha but does not recite the Buddhist scriptures, he is no different from those who do not pray at all.”
On 11 September 2021, Guan Yin Citta, Singapore, held an online English sharing session on a guide to effective recitation in continuation of last week’s session.
For effective recitation, the facilitator highlighted the importance of adopting a heart of gratitude towards the Bodhisattva, and immersing into the Buddhist scriptures while reciting them softly with a mellow tone.
To manage distracting thoughts, the participants were recommended to study Buddhism in Plain Terms or go into periodic solitude.
The facilitator advised against forceful or silent recitation as the former can harm one’s vital energy, while the latter can cause blood disorders. The other notable things are avoid constant crying and drinking cold water as they can deplete ones positive energy.
On 2 October we will resume to explore the intricacies of Little Houses.
Let us now look at some comments from participants:
I benefitted a lot from this session, especially on how should we perform recitation – the control of Qi and also the body part we should start our voice from when doing recitation, which is our heart to create resonance within our body. I believe this is how we can achieve the unity of voice and body.
Join us in our next session
Please contact Loh SX (96978356) / Woan Yi SX (82182248) for more information
⏰ Date and time:
Saturday 2 Oct 2021 (2.00pm – 4.00pm)
Please click here to download the Summary Slides shared during the Group Study:
Summary Slides_A Guide To Effective Recitation (Part 2)
WHAT ARE WE LEARNING TODAY?
- How to improve the effectiveness of recitation?
- Potential symptoms during recitation
- Things to be aware of after performing recitations
- Frequently Asked Questions
< DO NOT BE ATTACHED TO FORMS >
- Patience is a virtue. We reap what we sow – if we have the patience to wait until harvest time.
- True spiritual awakening is understanding the truth of life. Only after we have nothing will we start having something.
-
Letting go of attachment is enlightenment; it reveals our true nature. Only when we let go can we attain true liberation.
-
Delusion is akin to the weed that hinders the cultivation of the mind and it must always be removed immediately. The heart is like a mirror, reflecting the good and evil of the world. If all we see is nothing but vice and strife, then eventually we will end up turning to evil.
< HOW TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RECITATION >
Shuohua20160610 16:31 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
HOW TO RECITE SUTRAS/MANTRAS WITH “FEELING”
Caller: Master Lu, you mentioned that we should recite sutras/mantras with “feeling”, how are we able to tap into the energy field of Bodhisattva, and enhance the effectiveness of our recitations?
Master Jun Hong Lu: In answering this question, let me ask you, at times when you are “touched” by something that someone did, does that generate the “emotional feelings” in you?
Caller: Yes.
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right. Hence, when it comes to reciting sutras/mantras, should you think about the wishes that Bodhisattva has granted you, for example, She might have blessed your parents to help them recover from an illness or She might have answered your prayers and helped you succeed in some matters. Will you then feel “touched”?
Caller: Yes, I will.
Master Jun Hong Lu: When recitations are performed in this state of mind, this is when “feelings” will arise.
Caller: I understand now. It means that we have to adopt a state of mind that is filled with a sense of gratitude towards Guan Yin Bodhisattva.
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right. For example, you might have sought help from Bodhisattva and you managed to enrol in a specific school, or Bodhisattva has helped one of your family members, you had your prayers answered, etc. When you reminisce on any of these, you will feel “touched” (感动) again, and it is at this moment when you perform your recitation, the effect will be different from your usual recitations.
Wenda20151204 33:06 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
READING BUDDHISM IN PLAIN TERMS PRIOR TO PERFORMING RECITATION HELPS CONTROL WANDERING THOUGHTS
Caller: Hi Master, one fellow Buddhist friend has shared that given our mind tends to wander while performing recitation, he recommended reading a chapter of the Buddhism in Plain Terms aloud prior to performing our recitation. In his view, it’s an effective way to quell distracting thoughts. Please enlighten us, Master.
Master Jun Hong Lu: This is a good method because by doing so, you are ‘merging’ your six sense organs (都摄六根) and bringing them to a state of tranquility. This is because your eyes need to see what you are reading and your brain needs to focus too. Otherwise, it will not be possible for you to see what you are reading. At the same time, when you read, your brain has to stay focused. This entire process is in fact an act of ‘merging’ your six sense organs.
This is to tell you, when you integrate your six senses in this way prior to performing your recitation, even if you are reading only one chapter or one small passage, your recitation will surely become very efficacious.
Caller: I see. Thank you Master for your advice.
< DO NOT RESORT TO TRICKERY WHEN PERFORMING RECITATION >
Wenda20170407 01:21:30 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE OVERWHELMED WITH TROUBLES?
Master Jun Hong Lu: At times, when you are overwhelmed with troubles and you can’t even get yourself to perform recitations, let me tell you what to do.
Say this, “Namo Guan Yin Bodhisattva, please help me, please help me. I am determined to change for the better, Guan Yin Bodhisattva please help me.”.
Repeat the above a few times as it is extremely efficacious.
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms | Volume 4 Chapter 11 (An Excerpt)
THINGS TO TAKE NOTE OF WHEN PERFORMING RECITATIONS
It’s not recommended to feel excessively alert when performing your recitation. Many people will say, “I’m alert when I recite the Buddhist scriptures; the moment I recite, I feel energised.”
When you are energised, your eyes will be wide open and expend too much energy as you press on with your recitation over an extended period. Doing so results in the build-up of internal heat with blisters forming in your mouth and this causes you to become restless. These are all symptoms of internal heat. Do you understand? Please bear in mind what I tell you as these are time-honoured teachings.
If you perform recitation with your eyes wide open, thinking, “Gosh, I feel so energised!”, chances are, what you do is erroneous. The reality is one must adopt a suitable approach when performing recitation.
We must emulate the Bodhisattva by keeping our eyes only 30% open when performing recitation. Take a look at the Bodhisattva, Her eyes are perpetually only 30% open and 70% shut. It is important to control your internal heat so that it does not cause any harm to your health.
Separately, I’d like to remind all of you not to recite the Buddhist scriptures loudly or with force. Otherwise, you will harm your vital energy, leaving yourself physically drained after one day of recitation due to a great expense of energy.
Let me give you a simple example: If you are continuously talking from the morning until late into the night, isn’t that detrimental to your energy? There is an ingenious method to perform recitation.
First and foremost, you may make some sound as you recite, but it must not be audible – you should recite in a way that brings forth your inner voice but at the same time it mustn’t be loud.
The best method to perform recitation is to move your lips as you recite softly. As your Master, I’m here today to guide all of you the method to perform recitation by highlighting the things that you should take note of as you go about your recitations.
Wenda20170618A 39:56 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-In radio program)
SILENT RECITATION OF MANTRAS OVER A PROLONGED PERIOD OF TIME MAY CAUSE BLOOD DISORDERS
Caller: Master Lu, you have previously mentioned that we may recite mantras in our mind if the surrounding energy field is not conducive. For example, if a person works in a hospital and always has to perform their recitation silently, it could be harmful to the blood (伤血) over a long period of time. Is there any solution to this?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes. You may recite softly during the day. On top of this, you may also release your breath as an alternative to making sounds while performing recitations.
Caller: Yes.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Don’t keep your mouth tightly shut when performing recitations, as this will certainly cause harm to your blood (伤血).
Wenda20151129B 47:11 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
IMMERSING OUR HEARTS INTO THE SCRIPTURES DURING RECITATIONS
Caller: Master Lu has said before that we have to immerse our hearts into the scriptures whenever we perform recitations (念经时心要在经文里). Please enlighten us as to how we can achieve this, Master Lu.
Master Jun Hong Lu: You must listen with your ears. For example, listen to your voice when reciting. However, many people will fall asleep quickly while listening to their own voice. It is alright to fall asleep, just continue to recite when you are awake. You must listen to your voice during your recitations.
Caller: Okay, thank you Master Lu.
THE FOUR METHODS FOR EFFECTIVE RECITATIONS (An Excerpt)
In the course of our Buddhism practice, we are bound to deliberate over certain issues such as how we should pray to Buddhas and perform our recitations.
There are times when we are at a loss. As a matter of fact, there are four methods for more effective recitations.
The first method is to recite continuously by setting your eyes on the Buddhist scriptures.
The second method involves an image visualisation (观像). In this case, you gaze at either Guan Yin Bodhisattva or any Bodhisattva, while performing your recitation.
The third method involves gazing at Bodhisattvas, and at the same time, you envision yourself as a Bodhisattva out there helping others and performing the work of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. In your mind, you deliberate on how you would go about doing this noble work. For this, Bodhisattvas will bestow you with a lot of blessings.
Many people always have Guan Yin Bodhisattva close to their heart, while performing their recitations. By doing so, the efficacy of their recitation will be far better than those who don’t do so.
What does it mean by ‘upholding the mantra’? It means, when you are reciting the Great Compassion Mantra, you tell yourself, “Today, I shall focus on reciting the Great Compassion Mantra” and during your recitation, you let the mantra dwell in your mind.
The fourth method involves understanding the ultimate reality or true appearance of this world (实相) to achieve the state of ‘one mind undisturbed’ (一心不乱).
You may say, “I, <full name>, am sitting right here and am now truly performing my recitation and meditation.”
This is when you have the understanding of the truth supporting your recitation to help you achieve a state of ‘one mind undisturbed’ (一心不乱). This is made possible by your awareness that all phenomena, be it good or bad, are the result of the law of causality.
These four methods of recitation are intended to help keep your mind focused during your recitation.
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms
Volume 4 Chapter 11 (An Excerpt)
AVOID CONSTANT CRYING WHILE PERFORMING RECITATION
Today, Master will teach you some of the latest methods to perform recitation. One must recite the scriptures with utmost sincerity, as it is the most important ingredient in recitation. I have specifically consulted Bodhisattva on this aspect.
To perform recitation sincerely means that the resolve you give rise to in your heart must be sincere. It all comes down to what is in your heart and not your superficial appearance. This is when you tell yourself, “When I set my mind to do something, I must make sure that I put my heart and soul into it.” You need to have a sincere and compassionate heart as well as an indomitable will when performing recitation.
Having compassion is essential. When a person recites the scriptures with compassion, he will be moved to tears, which is a manifestation of his compassionate nature. He cries because compassion is already deeply rooted in his heart. However, as one progresses in his spiritual cultivation, he should avoid crying frequently as the act of crying engenders karmic obstacles.
Are you aware of the existence of “crying demons” (哭魔)? If a person is often in a state of melancholy and cries often, he is most likely being possessed by the so-called “crying demons”. Have you not heard of this after having cultivated for so many years? Master would like to remind you, you have to try to restrain the “crying demon”, which is also known as “sorrowful demon”, in you.
If a person is being possessed by the sorrowful demon, he will sink into a state of despondency and will always be unhappy. Whenever he faces a difficult situation, he will grieve. Therefore, a person cannot always hold on to the feeling of sadness. We may be touched when we see the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva, but we should not be feeling sad every time we see Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Understand? Our heart may ache out of compassion, but we should restrain from showing our emotion frequently; otherwise you will draw the sorrowful demon to you.
< TECHNIQUE TO PERFORM RECITATION >
2015 Singapore Public Talk World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting, Question 35
Our physical body is like a resonance box. When you are projecting your voice, you just need to focus on the voice in your heart so as to drive your chest resonance to drive your head resonance and abdominal resonance. In this way, your voice will sound more majestic.
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms
Volume 6 Chapter 48 (An Excerpt)
BRIEF PERIODS IN SOLITUDE HELPS CLEAR ONE’S MIND AND GAIN MENTAL STRENGTH
Our minds must always be clean, and we should constantly spend brief periods in solitude (小闭关). Spending time in solitude helps to clear and free our mind from all thoughts. Detach yourself from worldly matters and devote yourself to performing recitations from day to night to instill a sense of peace within you.
Even if you only have an hour to spare, retreat into a room with the door closed to recite your scriptures. This is what it means to be in solitude and emptying your mind.
To retreat into solitude is to cast aside all the distracting thoughts for a minute, five minutes, ten minutes, thirty minutes and so on, to solely focus your mind on Guan Yin Bodhisattva and nothing else. You are also not supposed to engage in a conversation nor answer any call, and to maintain a state of empty mind.
Every time after you complete reciting a scripture, make it a point to pause momentarily, empty yourself out before resuming your recitation with an empty mind again.
You have to cultivate such a line of thought (思维) . If you are successful in doing so, you will be able to avert catastrophe as you will be able to connect with Guan Yin Bodhisattva spiritually the minute you quiet your mind. When your mind is clouded with unwholesome and distracting thoughts, you will lack the energy, mental strength and you won’t be able to find a place in your heart for Guan Yin Bodhisattva.
< HOW TO PERFORM RECITATION WITH A MELLOW TONE? >
When performing group recitation during the setting up of a Buddhist altar, the effect will be efficacious if everyone recites in a mellow tone (圆弧形). This method of recitation is similar to how the monastics chant or sing the Buddhist scriptures (唱经) in the monastery.
Wenda20190222 41:54
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
WHAT DOES IT MEAN BY ‘TO ARCH ONE’S BODY DURING RECITATION’
Caller: Master said that our body should arch during recitation. However, I’m still puzzled as to how to create the ‘arch’ (为什么呈圆弧形).
Master Jun Hong Lu: It actually means your energy field should ‘arch’ (气场呈圆弧形).
Caller: I see, it’s the energy field.
Master Jun Hong Lu: For example, when you are reciting the Great Compassion Mantra … (Master Lu is demonstrating the recitation in a mellow tone) Can you hear that the recitation has an ‘arching’ effect to it?
Caller: Yes.
Master Jun Hong Lu: If you… (Master is reciting the Great Compassion Mantra in a distinct manner by uttering it word by word (一字一顿). This kind of recitation has a sharp and pointed effect. (Master is reciting the Great Compassion Mantra) Can you hear the ‘arching’ effect now?
Caller: Yes, I can. Master, when we are performing group recitation during the setting up of the Buddhist altar, our recitation does not sound ‘mellow’ as everyone is reciting in an orderly manner.
Master Jun Hong Lu: It’s stiffer (比较硬).
Caller: Yes.
Master Jun Hong Lu: That means there are still some problems with your recitation.
Caller: Our recitation will be good only when everyone recites in a mellow tone.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Exactly. This is similar to how the monastics chant or sing the Buddhist scriptures (唱经) in the temple. Let’s say if you sing the Buddhist scriptures, everyone’s singing will surely be different. So when everyone recites together, all of you should try to recite with a mellow tone.
Caller: Yes.
Master Jun Hong Lu: For example, when reciting the Heart Sutra (Master is demonstrating the recitation of the Heart Sutra in a mellow tone), does it sound mellow?
Caller: Yes.
Master Jun Hong Lu: (Master is reciting the Heart Sutra in a distinct manner by uttering it word by word (一字一顿). This is not mellow.
Caller: That’s right.
Master Jun Hong Lu: (Master is reciting the Heart Sutra again in a mellow tone). Can you see it?
Caller: Yes, we shall learn from Master to improve our recitation. I will also ask others to listen to this recording.
< 2. POTENTIAL SYMPTOMS DURING RECITATIONS >
Buddhism Your Questions Answered – Q&A 120
SYMPTOMS EXPERIENCED WHILE PERFORMING RECITATIONS
Q&A 120. Symptoms experienced while performing recitations
Buddhism Your Questions Answered – Q&A 12
EXPERIENCING TINGLING SENSATIONS WHEN PERFORMING RECITATIONS
Q&A 12. Experiencing tingling sensations when performing recitations
Buddhism Your Questions Answered – Q&A 9
SUFFERING FROM HEADACHES WHEN PERFORMING RECITATIONS
Q&A 9. Suffering from headaches when performing recitations
< 3. THINGS TO BE AWARE OF AFTER PERFORMING RECITATION >
Buddhism Your Questions Answered – Q&A 68
THINGS TO BE AWARE OF AFTER PERFORMING RECITATIONS
Q&A 68. Things to be aware of after performing recitations
< 4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS >
Wenda20170127 37:06 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program) (An Excerpt)
DO NOT BE DISTRACTED AND MAKE ERRORS WHEN PERFORMING RECITATIONS; RECITE DHARANI TO PATCH FLAWS IN RECITATION (补阙真言) TO CORRECT RECITATION ERRORS
Caller: When reciting Little Houses, is there a difference in the severity of karmic retributions between cases where one lacks sincerity and cases where one makes recitation errors?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, both have karmic retributions.
Caller: In performing recitation, what is the difference in karma (果报有什么不同) between a person who lacks sincerity and another person who makes mistakes in his recitation?
Master Jun Hong Lu: In actual fact, it suffices as long as you pray to Bodhisattva and repent. Alternatively, you can recite a few times of the Dharani to Patch Flaws in Recitation (补阙真言). If you keep having the impression that you have recited incorrectly, you will need to recite the Dharani to Patch Flaws in Recitation.
Wenda20160129 01:18:53 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
HOW TO MAINTAIN A BALANCE BETWEEN TIME SPENT ON WORK AND RECITATION?
Caller: Greetings to you Master Lu! I am new to the Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door and I would like to seek your advice on how to achieve and maintain a balance between time spent between working and recitation?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Maintaining a balance between work and recitation is similar to maintaining your daily work-life balance. You have to first maintain the equilibrium in your heart. As long as you want to do your recitation, you should seize whatever time you have to do it. You don’t necessarily have to recite at a fixed time. Whenever you have spare time on hand, instead of wasting it on unwholesome thoughts, you should just stay focused on performing your recitation.
Caller: Noted. Thank you.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Bear in mind, performing recitation has the benefit of eliminating disasters and resolving your troubles. So, you should try to do your recitation as and when you are able to.
Caller: Yes. I was on vacation recently and still, I was performing my recitation diligently. During this period, I felt a sense of serenity. However, as I will be resuming work in February, I am feeling scared and at a loss as I do not know how to maintain the balance.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Fear not. Insist on performing your recitation regardless of whatever hardship and fatigue you have to endure. Embrace Bodhisattva in your heart and you can be assured that you will never lose the Dharma.
Caller: I will do that. My gratitude to you, Master Lu.
wenda20161125 01:01:45 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
PERFORM RECITATION DILIGENTLY WHILE IN GOOD HEALTH
Caller: Some cancer patients encounter difficulties in performing recitation due to physical weakness, despite having a willing heart. In this case, how should they say their prayers to Guan Yin Bodhisattva, so that they can have the energy to recite Little Houses for themselves?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s impossible because the karmic debts have come into effect. You only pray for blessings after the eruption of your karmic debts: “My health is not good now and I am unable to perform recitation”.
Why didn’t you recite diligently when you were in good health? The thing is, you did not recite diligently when you were healthy, and that’s why you are suffering from poor health now. This karmic eruption will definitely make it difficult for you to perform recitation, and not being able to perform recitation is, by itself, another form of karmic retribution. Therefore, you can only endure it as you are receiving your retribution.
Wenda20160103A 27:09 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
CONSISTENT DAILY RECITATION OF SHORT SUTRAS/MANTRAS IS A MUST
Caller: Master, how should I perform recitation if someone is jealous of me?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Recite the Mantra to Untie Karmic Knots (解结咒).
“Wo Jin Wei Ru Jie Jin Za, Zhong Bu Wei Ru Jie Jin Za” (我今为汝解金匝，终不为汝结金匝).
You should recite the scripture incessantly with this verse in mind, which means: “Today, I shall untie the karmic knots between us and I shall cease all karmic grievances with you for eternity.”
As for the verse: “Xiang Zhong Xiang, Ji Zhong Ji” (祥中祥，吉中吉), it means, “May there be more auspiciousness within auspiciousness.”
If you can understand the meaning of what you are reciting, and relate to them in your recitation, reciting the scripture once is more efficacious than reciting it 10 times.
Many people fit the saying, ‘small monks recite Buddhist scriptures from their tongues not their hearts’ and they wonder why their recitation of the mantra has not been effective after so long.
That’s because you don’t put your heart into your recitation. There is an underlying meaning in this mantra that contains the Bodhisattva’s messages in simple terms. Many people don’t understand that the Mantra to Untie Karmic Knots contains many truly meaningful messages.
The Xiao Zai Ji Xiang Shen Zhou (消灾吉祥神咒) and the Cundi Dharani (准提神咒) form part of the Ten Short Sutras/Mantras.
The positive effects will come to bear if one recites them slowly.
Do you know the meaning of “An, Chi Ling Jin Za Jin Za Sheng Jin Za” (唵，齿令金匝金匝胜金匝)?
It means that the fights in the human realm never cease, putting humans in an endless cycle of rebirth.
“Wo Jin Wei Ru Jie Jin Za” (我今为汝解金匝), means:
“From today onwards, I will eliminate my karmic conflicts with you so that we can exterminate our cycle of rebirth.”
“Zhong Bu Wei Ru Jie Jin Za” (终不为汝结金匝) means:
“I shall cease all karmic grievances and eliminate the negative affinities between us for eternity.”
“Xiang Zhong Xiang, Ji Zhong Ji” (祥中祥，吉中吉) means that more auspiciousness lies within auspiciousness, and good fortunes lie within good fortunes. This essentially means auspiciousness builds on auspiciousness. This is akin to saying, “I’m sorry. We will get better onwards”.
Do you know the meaning of “Bo Luo Hui Shang You Zhu Li” (波罗会上有珠琍)?
“Zhu Li” is the “bright spot” (光亮点) that emerges from wisdom; the brightness of the Buddha. One shall harness Buddha’s light to quell the karmic grievances and turn them into auspiciousness — “Yi Qie Yuan Jia Hua Ji Xiang” (一切冤家化吉祥), which means transforming all karmic foes into auspiciousness.
Followed by, “Mo He Bo Re Bo Luo Mi” (摩诃般若般罗密).
The Mantra to Untie Karmic Knots
Wenda20170205A 42:53 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
MASTER LU’S DISCOURSE ON THE CUNDI DHARANI
Caller: Master, I dreamt that you asked me if I knew why the Cundi Dharani was so efficacious. I had a notion that this has something to do with the Great Compassion Mantra and the Heart Sutra. Master Lu, can you please explain to us?
Master Jun Hong Lu: The Cundi Dharani is one of the ten short sutras/mantras (十小咒) which is a very efficacious Buddhist scripture, blessed with Cundi Bodhisattva’s (准提菩萨) protection. It represents one’s resolution (决心) to learn Buddhism and perform recitation – a kind of willpower (意志) and faith (信念).
“Samyak Sambuddha” (三藐三菩陀) as mentioned in the scripture actually refers to one who has supreme wisdom (无上觉者). This tells us that one must be upright (正) for the recitation of this scripture to be efficacious.
When reciting the verse “Zhe Li Zhu Li” (折戾主戾), your faith will increase (信心升起来).
Caller: Master, will the effects of Cundi Dharani be better if we recite the Great Compassion Mantra and Heart Sutra first, before we recite Cundi Dharani?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Both the Great Compassion Mantra and the Cundi Dharani may increase your spiritual energy (增加能量). The word “Cundi” means ‘Purification (清净)’. It is a miraculous mantra that has the ‘purification’ effect (清净神咒).
Once you achieve such a state of purification, all matters can come to an end. That is why there is the verse “Suo Po He”
(娑婆诃) in the scripture – it refers to the accomplishment of perfection (成就圆满).
The Cundi Dharani
Buddhism Your Questions Answered – Q&A 143
PERFORMING RECITATION FOR MASTER LU
Answer: You may recite the Great Compassion Mantra and the Heart Sutra for Master Lu. The former helps strengthen Master Lu’s spiritual power, while the latter helps to repay the karmic debts which Master Lu shoulders for sentient beings. However, it is not advisable to recite the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance for Master Lu.
Q&A 143. Reciting the Great Compassion Mantra for Master Lu
FOREIGN SPIRIT HURRYING ENQUIRER TO SPEED UP HER RECITATION
This totem reminds us that to avoid illness relapse, we must avoid violating the Buddhist precepts. In addition, after making great vows, we should never harbour any unwholesome thoughts; failing which, we must repent quickly to eliminate our karmic obstacles and help the foreign spirit ascend to a higher realm.
SUMMARY
- In performing recitation, it’s not recommended to feel excessively alert. Doing so results in the build-up of internal heat. Secondly, one should not recite the Buddhist scriptures loudly or with force as it will harm your vital energy, leaving yourself physically drained. Thirdly, you may recite softly with movement of your lips.
- The four methods to help keep your mind focused during your recitation:
i) First, set your eyes on the Buddhist scriptures.
ii) Second, gaze at Guan Yin Bodhisattva or any Bodhisattva.
iii) Third, gaze at Bodhisattvas, and at the same time, envision yourself as a Bodhisattva out there helping others and performing the work of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
iv) Fourth, understand the ultimate reality or true appearance of this world (实相) to achieve the state of ‘one mind undisturbed’ (一心不乱).
- Brief periods in solitude helps clear one’s mind and gain mental strength.
- It is very important to be mindful of your speech and refrain from speaking inappropriately, including swearing, arguing and fighting. Engaging in such activities for merely 5 to 10 minutes will deplete the positive energy accumulated through one or two hours of recitation.
- Reciting the Great Compassion Mantra or the Heart Sutra for Master Lu will enable you to connect with the energy field of the Bodhisattva and Master Lu. Hence, you will receive blessings from the Bodhisattva. Ultimately, you are the one who will benefit from the recitation.