When setting a new routine, 

begin modestly.

Let’s say we’re new to meditation. In our newfound enthusiasm, we decide that we’re going to meditate thirty minutes every day. Our goal set, life quickly intercedes and excuses proliferate. I’m too busy. Or Got to clean this mess in the kitchen. Or I’m really tired. I’ll chant tomorrow. 

For whatever reason, we don’t meet our newly set goal.

But was it reasonable in the first place? Meditating for thirty minutes every day is most admirable. But very often not doable initially. What if, instead of setting that goal for thirty minutes, you set it for three minutes? Still too busy or tired? 

“You mean I only have to sit and concentrate for three minutes?” Even a busy or tired person can most likely manage three minutes.

By setting a modest goal, we have a much better chance of meeting it and feeling good. Plus, there’s an additional benefit. After chanting for three minutes, we may continue for a few more. But even if we don’t, we get to feel good at having accomplished our goal.

Mindfulness, 

concentration, 

or meditative concentration?

Mindfulness is being aware of what we are doing and of what is happening around us. When planting seeds in the garden, I am aware of the feel of the dirt, the seed’s firmness, the hose at my feet. I am mindful of the laughter of children nearby, the songs of birds in the trees, the warmth of the sun on my back, and the changing light pattern caused by the clouds. 

Concentration is choosing what I will focus on and remaining focused on that. Holding the seedling, I look for a good spot. Digging a hole, I concentrate on my spade. Watering the seed, I make sure the amount is just right. And the children, the birds, the sun, the moving shadows? I appreciate all of them but I do not become distracted by them. 

Meditative concentration, which requires even more effort, takes concentration to a higher level. It enables us to focus solely on the object or sound that will enable us to fulfill our spiritual aspirations.

Chaos is prison.

A calm mind,

one that is developed from meditative concentration

is freedom.

Just as an organizational system brings order to a situation in disarray, meditative concentration brings order to a mind that is chaotic. While we may assure ourselves that a constantly moving mind is a sign of freedom, it is not. Such a mind is in prison.

Prisoners are under the control of others. Told to leave their cells, they leave. Told to stay in their cells, they stay. A chaotic mind is another form of prison. Just more subtle. More debilitating.

The chaotic mind also cannot go where it chooses. As soon as it tries it is prevented from doing so, swept away by different thoughts, including regrets and fears. Even when happiness is found, it ends all too soon. This unfocused mind has no control, no freedom.

With meditative concentration and the mental order that arises from it, the mind can soar wherever it wishes. Even away from regret and fear.

This truly is freedom.

The meditating mind:

like a petal floating downward 

and settling gently on the ground. 

Imagine a blossom detaching from its tree to begin a seemingly effortless descent to the ground below. But just as the blossom starts its journey, it finds itself caught in a breeze swirling among the trees. And so the blossom twirls upwards, dancing with newfound energy.

As the breeze dies down, the blossom once again finds itself settling. Then, caught again by yet another breeze, it starts another pirouette. This goes on for a while, but finally it comes to rest on the ground.

This is our mind when we chant the buddha-name. As we close our eyes and begin to settle our mind on “Amituofo,” wandering thoughts, breeze- or hurricane-like, carry it first one way and then another. As soon as our “Amituofo” again looks ready to settle, our mind is off again, seemingly beyond our control.

But just as the blossom eventually stills, with enough practice, our mind will likewise eventually become still. 

Chant the buddha-name.

No problem if you are not a Buddhist.  

Chanting “Amituofo” is a form of meditation. It’s a way of calming our mind and controlling where it goes by focusing on a chosen object or idea. The primary aim of this form of meditation is to achieve the mental state of one-mind undisturbed, a state in which the mind concentrates solely on its meditative subject.

We chant “Amituofo” to focus our thoughts on an awakened being, a being who used to be like we unawakened beings but who has now achieved perfect wisdom and compassion.

We are not worshiping him.

Just like when we meditate by concentrating on our in- and out-breaths, we aren’t worshiping our breaths.

Or when listening intently to the sound of ocean waves, we aren’t worshiping the ocean.

In our chanting, we are focusing our thoughts on a being who possesses the virtues we wish to develop. So, Buddhist or not, chant the buddha-name to develop these same virtues.