Reciting the Buddha-Name to Rein in the Mind
In buddha-remembrance through reciting the buddha-name,
there is reciting the buddha-name silently,
there is reciting it in a loud voice,
and there is diamond recitation.
When you recite it in a loud voice, it feels like too much exertion.
When you recite it silently, it is easy to sink into a torpor.
It is called diamond recitation when you recite it closely and continuously
with the sound between your lips and teeth.
But do not cling to this as a fixed rule.
If you feel you are expending too much effort, then go ahead and recite silently.
If you feel you are sinking into a torpor, then go ahead and recite in a loud voice.
Every repetition of the sound should come out of your mouth
and enter your ears [physically or mentally], and awaken your inherent mind.
It’s like a man fast asleep: another man calls, “Hey you!” and he immediately wakes up.
This is why reciting the buddha-name is the best means for reining in the mind.
The above is from the below recommended book…
Pure Land Pure Mind : Pure Land Teachings of Master Chu-Hung
http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/clubs/buddhism/pureland/chuhung/chuhung1.html
Master Chu-hung (1535-1615), also known as Yun-ch’i or Lien-ch’ih, was (along with Han-shan Te-ch’ing and Tzu-po Chen-k’o) one of the three “dragon-elephants” or most illustrious monks of the Ming period. Together, they were responsible for the revival of Buddhism in sixteenth century China, a revival which still influences Buddhism today. Trained as a monk in both the Zen and Pure Land traditions, Master Chu-hung emphasized strict observance of monastic discipline, active participation of laymen in Buddhist life and the dual practice of Zen and Pure Land.
