法界次第初門 2.16

2.16

Next to the nine notions, the eight recollections are explained in order to eliminate fear. When one cultivates the nine notions, contemplating that the corpse is repulsive, fear arises therefrom, making the hair stand on end in terror, and one is disturbed and confounded by evil māras, so anxiety and dread increasingly mount. If one fixes the mind on the eight recollections, fear is immediately eliminated; hence they follow next. What is generally called recollection is an alternate term for internal mindful awareness. Focusing the mind on remembering the eight kinds of merit is therefore called the eight recollections. Not only can they eliminate worldly fear, but if one can cultivate them skillfully, they also eliminate all obstacles and difficulties of worldly birth-and-death in the three realms.