安樂集 1.84

1.84

答曰：「如經說云：『百一生滅成一剎那，六十剎那以為一念。』此依經、論汎解念也。今時解念，不取此時節。但憶念阿彌陀佛，若總相、若別相，隨所緣觀，逕於十念，無他念想間雜，是名十念。又云：『十念相續者，是聖者一數之名耳。』但能積念凝思，不緣他事，使業道成辦，便罷不用，亦未勞記之頭數也。又云：『若久行人念，多應依此；若始行人念者，記數亦好。』此亦依聖教。」

He answers: "As a sūtra says: 'One hundred and one arisings and perishings constitute one kṣaṇa, and sixty kṣaṇas make one thought-moment.' This is a general explanation of a thought-moment based on sūtras and treatises. In explaining a thought-moment at present, we do not take this measurement of time. One merely recollects Amitābha Buddha, whether in his general characteristics or specific characteristics, according to whatever object of contemplation one relies upon; when this continues for ten thought-moments without the interposition of other thoughts, this is called 'ten thought-moments.' It is also said: 'The succession of ten thought-moments is simply a designation for a single count used by the sages.' One only need accumulate thoughts and concentrate reflection without attending to other matters; once the karmic path is accomplished, one may stop and need not continue, nor is it necessary to laboriously keep track of the count. Furthermore, it is said: 'If it is the practice of one of long standing, it should mostly accord with this; if it is the practice of a beginner, keeping count is also good.' This too is based on the sacred teachings."