..续本文上一页”s discuss the expedient ways for a beginner. To recite the name of the Buddha, to be vegetarian and to chant (to intone) the sutras are the main ways of practice for most Chinese Buddhists. They represent beginners steps along the Path of Bodhisattva.

　　a) Recitation of the Buddha”s name

　　The purpose of reciting the name of the Buddha is to arouse one”s faith and determination. A Bodhisattva”s faith and determination is the development of the Bodhi mind, and the maintenance of mindfulness on supreme Bodhi. The Buddha is the person who has realised the supreme Bodhi — the wisdom of all wisdom. He has majestic appearance and boundless power. He embodies all wisdom and incomparable loving kindness and compassion. Since his practice as a Bodhisattva, he has done countless meritorious acts benefiting others.

　　One should respect and admire the Buddha. The Buddha preaches the Dharma, and because of Dharma, the Sangha exist. Hence, the Buddha is also the embodiment of the Triple Gem. Thus we should look upon Buddha as our all encompassing refuge and ideal example at all times. With respect and admiration for Buddha”s merits, and sincere appreciation of His kindness and compassion, one”s faith and determination to practice will be strengthened. This is the main purpose of the practice of "reciting the name of the Buddha", and "praising the development of the mind of Bodhi", advocated by many of the Mahayana Sutras.

　　We recite the name of the Buddha to remind ourselves of the virtues of the Buddha, the marks of the Buddha, the essence of the Buddha, and the pure land of the Buddha. Expanding the scope of this practice leads into practices such as paying respect to the Buddha, praising the Buddha, making offerings to the Buddha, repentance in front of the Buddha, rejoicing in the merits of the Buddha and encouraging the promotion and distribution of the teachings of the Buddha; these are the broader means of practising.

　　The Prajna-Paramita Discourse states the "The Bodhisattva enters into Dharma with strong and diligent faith (determination), and happily accumulates the merits of a Buddha. This is “an easy path” that was specially introduced by the “Superior Faith Bodhisattva” in the Mahayana Teaching.

　　This “easy path” is also the expedient alternative to the "difficult path" (the Path of Prajna and Skilful means that emphasise wisdom and compassion). Thus, "The Commentary on the Ten Stages of Bodhisattva" written by Nagarjuna Bodhisattva states that: "A beginner should practice reciting the name of the Buddha, repentance, promotion of the doctrine of the Buddha and other methods as mentioned above, so that the mind may be purified and faith strengthened. Thereafter he may be able to go a step further into the practice of wisdom, loving kindness and compassion."

　　The Sraddhotpada Sutra also says that: "Beginners should learn such methods in order to strengthen their faith, as living beings are weak minded." By teaching them to "concentrate on the name of the Buddha", this will help them to maintain and strengthen their faith so that they do not fall back.

　　The main purpose of the practice of reciting the name of the Buddha is to initiate the faith and determination in those in whom they have not yet developed, and to strengthen and maintain faith and determination in those in whom they have. To recite the name of the Buddha is to recite with the mind. Also to remember the virtues of the Buddha whilst reciting with intense concentration is a skilful means of initiating one”s faith and determination. The normal practice of reciting by mouth is just a convenience among the conveniences, it is not the best way of practice.

　　b) Vegetarianism

　　To be vegetarian means not to eat meat. Vegetarianism is a tradition of Chinese Buddhism. It is not nec…

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