樂邦文類 4.145

4.145

Question: Most people in the world use precious jade, crystal, diamond, bodhi seeds, and soapberry seeds as counting beads. I, however, take inhalation and exhalation as my recitation beads. Chanting the Buddha's name in accordance with the breath, one has a great reliance; how could one fear that the breath not returning belongs to the next life? I constantly use these beads whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down. Even when sleepy, falling asleep holding the Buddha [in mind], continuing it upon waking, one will surely see that Buddha in dreams. It is like the smoke rising when drilling wood, the sign preceding fire. Dreaming of him without cease, samādhi is accomplished; seeing the jade curl face-to-face and personally receiving the prediction of buddhahood, there is no chance of failure.