Sitting with the Buddha

The recitation of the name Amitabha Buddha is an ancient practice in Buddhism. This practice has been popularized in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism - the most popular form of devotional Buddhism currently being practiced.

While Jodo - or Shin - Buddhism is focused on the recitation as a way of insuring rebirth in the Western Paradise - or Pure Land - the recitation of the Buddha name can also be used in Chan (or Zen) practice as a way of developing the “one-pointedness of mind” that is necessary for the proper practice of Zazen.

This book explores the theory and practice of using the recitation of the Buddha name (called Nianfo in Chinese) along with Zazen meditation.