In Buddhism, a major practice found throughout Mahayana is Nembutsu or the chanting, reciting or calling to mind the name of Amida Buddha. In Japanese, one way of doing this is “Namu Amida Butsu”.
When I sit in a serene state at a shrine or some other sacred space
Namu Amida Butsu
When I celebrate an excellent score on an assignment
Namu Amida Butsu
When I receive a parcel in the mail a few days early
Namu Amida Butsu
When I hear from a family member or friend that I have mixed feelings about
Namu Amida Butsu
When I crack an egg but shell falls into the pan
Namu Amida Butsu
When I feel burdened with exhaustion, plagued by fatigue
Namu Amida Butsu
When I feel numb to the constant horror and tragedy found throughout all forms of media
Namu Amida Butsu
When I feel anger or agitation arise from pinching myself while putting on a mask
Namu Amida Butsu
When I take a centering breath, calling to mind that this too shall pass
Namu Amida Butsu
Wherever we are, whatever has been presented to us by the causes and conditions of life, we can always stop, take a centering breath and bring forth the name of Buddha. Namu Amida Butsu!
