sutra recitation

[gingercatni]

Hi

As I'm still learning daily practice methods, can anyone advise if it is required to recite one of the sutra's for daily practice? I have supplemented many of the old Theravada verse's I used to recite for Pure land ones and just wonder if the reciting sutra's is missing?

[LastLegend]

Hi

As I'm still learning daily practice methods, can anyone advise if it is required to recite one of the sutra's for daily practice? I have supplemented many of the old Theravada verse's I used to recite for Pure land ones and just wonder if the reciting sutra's is missing?

If you are able to keep up with reciting the Sutra, then that's good. You don't have to recite the whole Sutra in one day, you can recite some part of the text to concentrate your mind, lets say half or one hour, it's up to you could be 20 minutes. Reciting is a way to keep the mind from wandering off or engaging in thoughts that are based greed, anger, and ignorance. I think the whole practice is to keep the mind focusing on Amitabha and anything related to Pure Land. Even when you imagine of what Pure Land looks like, then this is considered a right thought because you are not focusing on thoughts of greed, anger, and ignorance. And when you constantly think about Amitabha and recite Amitabha, you will experience peace.

[Shutoku]

In Jodo Shinshu, one is supposed to try to chant Shoshinge daily. I"m not sure how many actually do though.
Some people choose a shorter one like Juseige (a short segment of the larger Sutra, coming after Amida's Vows) or Junirai (by Nagarjuna)
I try to chant Shoshinge daily and Amida Kyo on Sundays where there is no Temple service.

[Mr. G]

Hi

As I'm still learning daily practice methods, can anyone advise if it is required to recite one of the sutra's for daily practice? I have supplemented many of the old Theravada verse's I used to recite for Pure land ones and just wonder if the reciting sutra's is missing?

No, sutra recitation is not necessary from a Chinese or Jodo Shu perspective (though Jodo Shu & Chinese temples do have liturgies they do). I have two liturgies I try and post later. One is by Venerable Wu Ling and Layman Lee Ping.