One Step, One Chant of the Buddha's Name

One Step, One Chant of the Buddha's Name; One Thought, One Turn Toward the Heart

After the auspicious occasion of the Buddha Bathing Festival and Mother’s Day, Mituo Village resumed its bi-monthly group recitation practice.

This particular session, however, held special significance due to the visit of an extraordinary guest.

We had the honor of welcoming a Bhikshu (monk)—Venerable Shang Kuan Xia Ru (Shang Kuan, Xia Ru is a respectful monastic naming convention in Chinese).

The Venerable also practices the Pure Land tradition of chanting the Buddha's name, but with a rare and profound method known as Pratyutpanna Samādhi (Bānzhōu Sānmèi). He studied this practice and the Pure Land teachings under Master Shang Ci Xia Fa at Fangguang Temple on Mount Jizu in Yunnan, and continues to uphold this rigorous path.

What is Pratyutpanna Samādhi?—One Step, One Chant, Unceasingly

Pratyutpanna Samādhi, also called “Constant Walking Samādhi” or “Buddha-Recitation Samādhi,” originates from the Pratyutpanna Samādhi Sūtra.

In this method, practitioners do not sit or lie down. Instead, they walk continuously day and night, solely reciting the Buddha's name, aiming for unwavering focus until the Buddha appears before them.

This form of practice is rare in modern times. The Venerable has immersed himself in it for many years and deeply grasped its essence. He candidly shared, “It’s not achievable by personal willpower alone. It’s entirely due to the compassionate support and radiant blessing of Amitabha Buddha. With each step and each chant, I’m being led forward by the Buddha’s power.”

This is the ultimate expression of entrusting body and mind, of true faith and aspiration—a depth of Pure Land practice seldom seen today.

Though We Cannot Yet Walk This Path, Let Us Begin with a Single Incense Stick

As lay practitioners, we do not yet have the stamina or concentration for such rigorous practice. Yet, inspired by the Venerable’s living example, we aspire to begin from where we are now.

In this group retreat, six sessions were arranged, each marked by a stick of incense. We specially chose the first and last incense sessions of the afternoon and respectfully invited Venerable Kuan Ru to lead the walking Buddha recitation. Several Bhikkhuni (nun) Venerables also joyfully volunteered to help guide the group.

As the walking recitation began, everyone circled the Buddha hall with palms joined, chanting “Namo Amituofo.” The steps were slow and steady, each one grounded; every chant was a vow of surrender. The rhythm of the Buddha’s name and the sound of footsteps wove together—breaths deepened, minds quieted.

Some started off with scattered thoughts but became clearer with each lap;

Some were drowsy at first, but found themselves energized by the end of the session;

Some felt leg pain but refused to stop—because within each chant of the Buddha’s name, they sensed a power that brought peace.

The True Teachings of Elder Master Jingkong

“Walking recitation is more effective than seated recitation. While walking, it’s harder to get sleepy or distracted. It’s easier to keep the Buddha’s name clear in your mind and on your lips.”
—From The Great Commentary on the Infinite Life Sutra, Lecture #558

“Walking recitation has many benefits. We can recite the Buddha’s name while walking, standing, sitting, or lying down—but walking helps most to uplift the spirit. Body, speech, and mind all become purified.”
—From Master Jingkong’s Accounts of Buddha-Recitation Responses

“When I was young and in retreat, I would walk and chant for six incense sticks a day—from morning till night—without letting a single recitation lapse. The more I walked, the purer and happier I became.”
—From Master Jingkong’s Teachings: The Three Blessings of Pure Karma

These sincere teachings and practices from the Elder Master deeply inspire us.

We too wish to walk this path. Though we cannot yet engage in long periods of walking recitation, we vow to begin with just one incense session, with one moment of focused chanting.

This group practice was not merely an experiment in method—it was a door to the heart.

We came to realize:
Practice is not just about form, but about fulfilling our faith and vows;
Rebirth in the Pure Land does not rely on struggling through suffering, but on being drawn forward by the Buddha’s power;
We are willing—from today forward—to begin with one step, one chant of the Buddha’s name.

May the spirit of Pratyutpanna Samādhi take root and flourish in Amitabha Village,

May every practitioner of Buddha-recitation walk within the sound of the sacred name, and walk into the radiant light of Amitabha Buddha.

Namo Amitabha Buddha.