Cultivating a living relationship with Amitabha Buddha begins with understanding and trusting his vows. Study and reflection on the Pure Land sutras, especially the Larger and Smaller Sukhāvatī-vyūha and the teaching of the 18th Vow, help establish right view: that rebirth in the Pure Land rests fundamentally on Amitabha’s boundless compassion and vow-power rather than on limited self-effort. Contemplating Amitabha’s qualities—his immeasurable light as wisdom and his immeasurable life as compassion—nurtures deep confidence that his salvific power is reliable and universally available. At the same time, honestly acknowledging one’s own karmic limitations and inability to attain enlightenment through self-power alone gives rise to humility and a genuine turning of the heart toward Other-Power.

On this basis, the central practice is the recitation of Amitabha’s Name (nianfo / nembutsu), such as “Namo Amituofo” or “Namu Amida Butsu.” This recitation may be vocal or silent, undertaken in formal sessions or woven into daily activities, but its essence is a steady, single-minded recollection of Amitabha with trust and gratitude. Over time, the Name is allowed to become gentle and natural, not forced, so that it gradually pervades awareness and functions less as a technique to accumulate merit and more as an expression of entrusting heart (shinjin). In this way, faith is not merely an idea but a lived, rhythmic turning of the mind toward Amitabha throughout the day.

Mindfulness of Amitabha is further deepened through visualization and contemplative recollection. Meditative reflection on Amitabha’s radiant form and the Pure Land, as described in the scriptures, supports a vivid sense of his presence and protection. Visualizing the Pure Land’s purity and bliss, while remembering the impermanence and dissatisfaction of this world, naturally strengthens the aspiration for rebirth there for the sake of attaining Buddhahood and benefiting all beings. This aspiration, together with utmost sincerity and deep trust, corresponds to the “three minds” taught in the Pure Land tradition: a truthful, unpretentious heart; a deeply trusting heart; and a heart that clearly vows for rebirth.

Supporting practices give this faith and mindfulness a stable foundation. Ethical conduct—avoiding harm, cultivating kindness and generosity, and observing precepts as far as possible—harmonizes one’s life with Amitabha’s compassion and serves as an expression of gratitude rather than a condition for acceptance. Participation in sangha activities, such as communal chanting and listening to Dharma talks, reinforces understanding and helps sustain practice over time. Regular reading of Pure Land texts, humble reflection on past karma, and the dedication of any wholesome merit toward rebirth in the Pure Land and the enlightenment of all beings all work together to mature sincere faith and continuous mindfulness of Amitabha Buddha.