Chapter 32: Infinite Lifespan and Joy (9)

“There is not a moment of laxness in their determination.”

This means to keep on practicing diligently in one direction, towards one goal. There is no time for laxness in our practice. It’s alright for the body to relax a little bit. The mouth can relax, too. It’s okay to take a break as long as the buddha-name is not interrupted in our mind. If we chant too long, we will get tired. We have to know how to adjust our body so that we are comfortable. We can chant the buddha-name, whether we stand, sit, walk, or recline. We can also chant loudly or softly, or even silently, while we move our lips. In the latter, we can hear ourselves very clearly, but others cannot. Even if we chant in silence without moving our lips, it is all the same.

From "Commentary on the Infinite Life Sutra" Volume 3

Pure Land Translation Team

Reminder to self: Laziness leads us to places we don’t want to go.

Strive to detect thoughts 

the instant they arise, 

before speaking or acting.

Our thoughts occur with incredible speed and utmost subtlety, not to mention in staggering numbers. At first, they seem to amble through one after another. Peering more closely, we notice that they’re not merely scooting through in single file. No! They’re more like thousands of first-graders in an auditorium jostling and shouting “Me! Me!” 

Just like their dazed teacher turning to the loudest student, we also go with the most noticeable thought. Without thinking, we act on it and sow a karmic seed. At the same time, our other thoughts plant future seeds. Incredibly slight, but seeds nonetheless. Our thoughts, undetectable by us, are vibrations. As such, they will have consequences. 

Just as that teacher might calm her students by having them focus, at least momentarily, on their favorite ice cream, we too can gain control over our actions and results by focusing on “Amituofo.” 

Hopefully, all the time.