心氣合一的念佛妙法
林鈺堂
一、前言
淨土宗的古德傳下一個「心氣合一」的念佛方法，就是一邊念佛，一邊注意呼吸。這樣很容易達到一心念佛的效果。密宗的修行，基於「心氣不二」的教授，也是由調心與調氣，而要達到心氣合一。但是密宗的修法，需要深入專修才行，不是一般人做得到的。本文所介紹的方法，是基於淨土宗原有的方法，再加上簡化的密宗觀想，以供一般學佛者應用，而迅速地達到「自淨其意」的效果。這個修法包含了深呼吸，對健康也有益處，堪稱為「一舉數得」的妙法。願念佛大眾輾轉相傳此法，普蒙法益。
二、本法
於空氣清新處，或坐或立。心中平緩綿綿默念「阿彌陀佛」。觀想全宇宙的空氣，皆蒙阿彌陀佛轉化為智慧及慈悲的白光。閉嘴，以鼻緩緩吸氣入小腹。觀想此光入體後，遍佈全身。閉氣片刻。緩緩以鼻呼氣，同時觀自身所有病苦、業障、煩惱皆化為惡臭黑氣而出。此等黑氣在阿彌陀佛的光明裡，都被無限的佛力轉淨了。
重複上述之呼吸及觀想。想自身愈來愈充滿佛的光明，原有的業障、煩惱愈來愈少。修最後一次呼吸時，想全身清涼、暢快、光明，而業障、煩惱已完全除去。然後，合掌感謝阿彌陀佛的加被，並祈願眾生同享此恩。
初修可連續修十五分鐘；修久以後，可漸漸延長。
閉氣的時間，隨其自然增加，不可勉強。
一九九○年九月十九日
於美國加州愛爾舍利多市寓所
Unification of Mind and Wind
A wonderful method of chanting Amitabha
Written in Chinese by Dr. Yutang Lin
translated by Chun-Jane Chen
edited by Anne Klein
I. Introduction
The ancient sages of the Pureland School passed down a method of chanting "Amitabha," which combines the mind and the wind (breathing), that is, chanting while concentrating on breathing. This method enables one to achieve single-mindedness while chanting "Amitabha." The
practice of Buddhist Tantra is based on the teaching of the undifferentiability
of mind and wind; therefore, they aim at achieving the unification of mind
and wind through mental and/or breathing training. However, the practice of
Tantra requires devoted and intensive engagement, and hence, it is not within
the reach of everyone.
In this article, I would like to introduce a method which is based on the original practice of the Pureland School, but enriched with a simplified tantric visualization for ordinary Buddhists to practice. Thereby, we may soon achieve the goal of purifying one's own mind. This method consists of deep breathing; therefore, it is also beneficial to one's health. It is indeed a wonderful practice, having many merits. I would hope that Buddhists who engage in this practice of chanting "Amitabha" will spread this method to others so they can share the benefits.
II. the Practice
Sit or stand in a place with fresh air; chant "Amitabha" silently, slowly and continuously. Visualize the air of the entire universe being transformed into the white light of wisdom and compassion by Amitabha Buddha. Close your mouth, and slowly inhale the air through the nostrils to the abdomen; visualize that after the light has entered, it fills your entire body. Hold the breath for a few moments. Slowly exhale through your nostrils, simultaneously visualizing that all your sickness, karmic hindrances and sorrows are transformed into black, foul-smelling air, leaving through the nostrils. This black air is then purified by Amitabha's light of limitless Buddha power.
Keep repeating the above breathing and visualization. Visualize your body continuously being filled with Amitabha's light, and your karmic hindrances and sorrows being reduced more and more. During the last round of practice, think of your entire body as cool, fresh and bright, with all your karmic hindrances and sorrows eradicated. Then, fold your palms together, thank Amitabha Buddha for the blessing, and pray for all sentient beings to receive this grace.
Beginners should practice continuously for fifteen minutes or less; later on, the session may be gradually prolonged. The period of breath holding should be increased naturally and non-forcefully.
September 19, 1990
El Cerrito, California, U.S.A.
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