7. Is there an order to observe in reciting the Little House?
- The four scriptures in the Little House can be recited in any order.
- You may observe the following order if you prefer: start and end the recitation of the Little House with the Great Compassion Mantra; recite the Great Compassion Mantra before commencing the recitation of each of the other three scriptures.
- For example, start with reciting the Great Compassion Mantra 9 times;
-
- Follow this with the Great Compassion Mantra 3 times and the Heart Sutra 49 times;
- This should then be followed by the Great Compassion Mantra 3 times and the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra 84 times;
- Continue to the Great Compassion Mantra 3 times and the Qi Fo Mie Zui Zhen Yan 87 times;
- Complete your recitation with the Great Compassion Mantra 9 times.
- Using this approach will make the Little House very
powerful. As the Great Compassion Mantra envelops the other scriptures, it not only enhances their power but also safeguards them. - This is just one possible method, not the only method. Some Buddhist practitioners recite several Little Houses concurrently, while others only manage to complete one Little House in several sittings. A practitioner should thus make their own adjustments to the recitation order according to their situation.
- If you are not able to recite as stated in the example above due to time, environmental or other constraints, you do not need to stick with the above approach. What matters most is your sincerity and diligence in your recitation.
- Follow this with the Great Compassion Mantra 3 times and the Heart Sutra 49 times;
