Nianfo: The Easiest Meditation for All

The Buddha has taught many different types of meditation. Some of them are more challenging than others. When we mention meditation, many people may think it’s too complicated - I can’t sit in a straight back cross-legged lotus position etc. However, meditation can actually come in all shapes and forms. 

Throughout the past ten years of spiritual practices, I have found a very easy-to-apply meditation called Nianfo. Nianfo in Chinese means mindfulness of the Buddha), also known as Amitabha-recitation, in which one recites the Name of Amitabha Buddha repeatedly to help us filter all the negative thoughts in our mind and transform them into Infinite Light & Life (the meaning of Amitabha Buddha). It’s one of the most popular forms of Buddhist meditation that is most commonly practised in many East Asian countries.  

When one practices Nianfo, it does not matter if one sits, stands, walks, or maybe does other things in life that does not require so much of the mental mind; then one can easily practice this meditation. 

The purpose of practising meditation is to bring us into the moment so we are not so worried about the future or the past and not attached to what’s happening in the present. 

When one practices Nianfo, one simply recites the name of Amitabha or Amitabha Buddha repeatedly, either out loud, in a low voice, or in your mind.

Initially, you may want to recite it out loud to get used to this process. It’s straightforward. All you need to do is to go like Amitabha Amitabha Amitabha or Amituofo Amituofo Amituofo (Amituofo means Amitabha Buddha in Chinese).  

Amitabha means Infinite Light & Life, which is the Buddha nature in all beings, so when we recite this name, it also reminds us of our own Buddha nature, the Buddha nature and the oneness in all beings. The repetitive recitation of Amitabha can help us effectively transform negative thoughts into positivity, into Amitabha Buddha, into Infinite Light and Life, so we will not be bothered easily by any affliction if we can remember to recite the Name of Amitabha Buddha in most moments in our life. 

Amitabha Buddha is also the principal Buddha who resides in the Western Pure Land. In the sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha told us that if one recites the Name of Amitabha Buddha, even for ten recitations at the time of death, one can see Amitabha Buddha and obtain rebirth in His Pure Land, to realise Infinite Light and Life (Buddhahood). This may sound a bit far-fetched and difficult to believe, but since ancient times in China until nowadays, many people have practised Nianfo, have seen Amitabha Buddha and have attained rebirth in His Pure Land.

If you find the rebirth part difficult to believe, you can use Nianfo as a practical meditation to help you obtain peace of mind. Like all Buddha’s teachings, this meditation is universal, and anyone from any background or religion can practice to obtain the benefit. Also, any age group can practice this meditation easily due to the ease of practice.  

Nianfo (Amitabha-recitation) is an effortless and effective meditation that anyone can practice whenever and wherever, so give it a go, and you will find that it’s efficient and can help us significantly reduce our afflictions in our daily life and obtain peace of mind quickly. 

Namo Buddhaya

Namo Amitabhaya