1. Chanting Nembutsu

Practice

Chanting Nembutsu is the most important practice according to Jodo-shu.
“Nem-butsu” means contemplation (nen) of Amida Buddha (butsu), which is equivalent, in Jodo-shu, to the chanting of “Namu Amida Butsu.” In turn, “Namu Amida Butsu” means “I pay homage to Amida Buddha.”

There are two ways to chant Nembutsu.
The first one is referred to as “Junen,” in which “Namu Amidabu(tsu)” is recited ten times.

Namu Amidabu
Namu Amidabu
Namu Amidabu
Namu Amidabu; (Light breath)
Namu Amidabu
Namu Amidabu
Namu Amidabu
Namu Amidabu; (Light breath)
Namu Amida Butsu
Nāmu Amida bū.

Junen demonstration by Jushoku:

The second is referred to as “Nembutsu Ichi-e,” which is devoted Nembutsu. Here, recitation of “Namu Amidabu” is continued for a longer time.
In the following demonstration of Nembutsu Ichi-e, recitation lasts about twelve minutes:

You can chant Nembutsu either way at any time, for example, while washing your face, while driving a car, while stuck in a traffic jam, while cooking, before eating, or even after (reluctantly) slapping a mosquito, depending on the situation.

Created: August 1, 2017 Updated: June 6, 2023