至诚恳切持咒去
[275] [With] Earnestness [And] Utmost Sincerity Uphold Mantras Continually
持咒以不知义理，但只至诚恳切持去。
Upholding [of] mantras [can be] with not knowing [their] meanings [and] principles. However, only [with] earnestness [and] utmost sincerity upholding [them] continually.
[Note 1: A (spiritual) mantra ([神]咒) is a sacred syllable, word, phrase or name recited during mindfulness practices. A dhāraṇī (陀罗尼) is a kind of mantra (咒), while not all mantras are dhāraṇīs. Dhāraṇīs are usually, but not always longer, more specialised and complex than mantras, often including homage and requests to the enlightened in rituals. Both can function as complete prayers. Although their layers of meanings need not be known totally when practised sincerely, it is also alright to learn about them.]
[Note 2: According to the ‘Sūtra In Which The Buddha Speaks Of Amitā(bha) Buddha’s Fundamental Esoteric Spiritual Mantra’ 《佛说阿弥陀佛根本秘密神咒经》, as taught by Śākyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛):
「彼佛名号，即是为无上真实至极大乘之法，即是为无上殊胜清净了义妙行，即是为无上最胜微妙陀罗尼。」
‘That Buddha’s name (i.e. Āmítuófó: 阿弥陀佛), is the same as the unsurpassable true and most ultimate Dharma of the Great Vehicle (i.e. Mahāyāna), the same as the unsurpassable excellent, pure, definitive and wonderful practice, the same as the unsurpassable most supreme, subtle and wonderful dhāraṇī.’
From the above, it can be known that Āmítuófó’s name is the unsurpassable dhāraṇī (无上陀罗尼), the dhāraṇī of dhāraṇīs.
「『阿弥陀』佛三字中，有十方三世一切诸佛，一切诸菩萨、声闻、 阿罗汉，一切诸经、陀罗尼、神咒、无量行法。」
‘Within the three words of “Ā-Mí-Tuó (Tā)” Buddha, are the ten directions’ and the three periods’ all Buddhas, all Bodhisattvas, Voice-Hearers, Arhats, all sūtras, dhāraṇīs, spiritual mantras and immeasurable practice methods.’
From the above, it can be known that Āmítuófó’s name also functions like a dhāraṇī and spiritual mantra that encompasses all dhāraṇīs and all spiritual mantras. It is also an unsurpassable mantra (无上咒), the mantra of mantras.]
竭诚之极，自能业消智朗，障尽福崇。
[With the] utmost of wholeheartedness, [this is] naturally able [to be with evil] karmas eliminated [and] wisdom bright, [with] obstacles ending [and] blessings flourishing.
其利益有非思议所能及者。
These benefits have those not [by] comprehension able [to] reach.
[Note 3: Since Āmítuófó’s name is a mantra too, these benefits (and more) are also available with utmost wholehearted mindfulness of Buddha (一心念佛) using his name.]
净土宗十三祖印光大师
Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng
《印光法师文钞》（正编）：复张云雷书二；
Dharma Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings (First Compilation): Second Reply Letter [To] Zhāng Yúnléi;
印光大师文钞菁华录（第两百七十五则）：八、释普通疑惑：论出家（第二十四则）
Record [Of] Great Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings’ Essence (275th Short Section): 8th Chapter: Explanations [On] Common Doubts [And] Confusions: Discussion On Leaving The Household Life (24th Short Section)
[Ref: #275 / 8.24]
Namo Amituofo : Translation and notes by Shen Shi’an
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持咒诵经，唯作助行
[276] Upholding Mantras And Reciting Sūtras, Only Can Be Supportive Practices
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[274] The Teachings Are Then With The Absolute And Conventional Together Explained, And The Essential Is Then Immediately With The Conventional Speaking Of The Absolute
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《印光大师文钞菁华录》
Record Of Great Master Yìnguāng’s Collected Writings’ Essence
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