In short: Namo Amituofo means "homage to Amitabha Buddha". It is the Chinese form of the Pure Land recitation called nianfo, and is chanted aloud or silently, often with mala beads, with faith and the wish to be reborn in Amitabha's Pure Land. In Japan the same practice is the nembutsu, "Namu Amida Butsu".
How to recite
- Sit or stand upright; hold a mala if you like: how to use mala beads.
- Recite "Namo Amituofo" slowly, one repetition per bead.
- Keep the mind on the sound and on Amitabha's compassion.
Learn more: what is Pure Land Buddhism?
Related: Mahayana · Buddhist chanting · schools of Buddhism · directory
Questions people ask
What does Namo Amituofo mean?
Homage to Amitabha Buddha. It is the Chinese form of the Pure Land recitation, called nianfo.
Is it the same as the nembutsu?
Yes, nembutsu is the Japanese reading of the same practice, 'Namu Amida Butsu'.
How often do people chant it?
Practices vary: some chant a set number daily on mala beads, others chant steadily throughout the day or in group sessions.