Metaphysics Q&A 011 – Maintaining focus when performing recitations
Q011: Master Lu, how can we maintain our focus when performing recitations? Currently when I perform recitations, I constantly have distracting thoughts and think about something else. Please advise.
A011:
One of the reasons for reduced effectiveness is that you are not focused when you perform recitations. For example, if you are thinking about your family members when you are reciting for yourself, then a portion of the merits may be transferred to them.
How can you maintain focus when you perform recitations? Before you begin your recitation, you can gaze at the sky for 1 to 3 minutes and don’t think about anything. Once you have cleared your mind you can begin your recitation.
When performing recitations, it is best to visualize what you have prayed for, or visualize the image of the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Then you can mindfully listen to your own voice while you recite. This way, your thoughts would not wander.
When you recite the Heart Sutra (Hsin Ching) for your Daily Recitation (Kung Ko), you can add the following line to your prayer, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>, grant me wisdom and help me to maintain focus when I perform recitations”.
If you are having too many distracting thoughts when you are performing recitations from memory, you can take out your sutra booklet and recite by reading.
When performing recitations, you should unite your mind with your energy (combine your mind with your energy field together as a whole), unite your voice with your energy (combine your voice with your energy field together as a whole), and unite your body with your mind (combine your body with your mind together as a whole). If you can achieve these three uniting processes, you will have very positive effects from performing recitations.
Q011: Master Lu, how can we maintain our focus when performing recitations? Currently when I perform recitations, I constantly have distracting thoughts and think about something else. Please advise.
A011:
One of the reasons for reduced effectiveness is that you are not focused when you perform recitations. For example, if you are thinking about your family members when you are reciting for yourself, then a portion of the merits may be transferred to them.
How can you maintain focus when you perform recitations? Before you begin your recitation, you can gaze at the sky for 1 to 3 minutes and don’t think about anything. Once you have cleared your mind you can begin your recitation.
When performing recitations, it is best to visualize what you have prayed for, or visualize the image of the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Then you can mindfully listen to your own voice while you recite. This way, your thoughts would not wander.
When you recite the Heart Sutra (Hsin Ching) for your Daily Recitation (Kung Ko), you can add the following line to your prayer, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>, grant me wisdom and help me to maintain focus when I perform recitations”.
If you are having too many distracting thoughts when you are performing recitations from memory, you can take out your sutra booklet and recite by reading.
When performing recitations, you should unite your mind with your energy (combine your mind with your energy field together as a whole), unite your voice with your energy (combine your voice with your energy field together as a whole), and unite your body with your mind (combine your body with your mind together as a whole). If you can achieve these three uniting processes, you will have very positive effects from performing recitations.
No comments:
Post a Comment