（The Effects of Amitabha-Recitation: Eyewitness Accounts）
This book is the first collection in English of Accounts of Amitabha-Recitation, the recording of firsthand experiences that's a time-honored tradition in Pure Land Buddhism. Householder Jingtu of Hong Kong supervised the translations as well as their editing and collationd（校勘）, while the Taiwan-based Chinese Pure Land Buddhist Association oversaw（監督）the volume's publication and distribution.
The contents come from the Accounts of Amitabha-Recitation series put out（出版、發行）by Hongyuan Monastery（弘願寺）in Anhui Province, China. We have selected notable, classic examples, as well as some with links to Western culture and lifestyle, and had them translated into English.
May these accounts circulate worldwide, so readers of different cultures and ethnicities（民族）can sample these vibrant, real-life episodes（事件；一段經歷）and develop faith in Namo Amitabha Buddha. May they resolve to be reborn in the Land of Bliss by reciting Amitabha's name exclusively –and achieve Buddhahood forthwith!
The Editors
The present volume records some very special episodes from the lives of ordinary Pure Land practitioners（修行者）. The accounts（記述；描述）are remarkable, revealing and inspiring. The diverse contents of the book can be summed up in a single phrase: Namo Amitabha Buddha. After reading through these stories attentively, you may find yourself unexpectedly touched by something deep in your heart, a delightful discovery.
Each account is either related or written by eyewitnesses to the events described. In every story, the genuine benefits of reciting Amitabha Buddha's great six-character name manifest themselves in one way or another. Such experiences may not be as familiar as the sun rising in the east every morning. However, they are as real as the fact that the earth circles around the sun. (Indeed, we never actually see the earth circumambulating（繞行）the sun, but may feel it is the sun that revolves around the earth. Yet we do not deny the fact, even though we never see it with our own eyes.)
Not all the protagonists of these stories know the underlying causes（背後的原因）of their experiences. They simply practice Amitabha-recitation and enjoy the resulting benefits. They just happen, like flowers growing and blossoming in the sun without necessarily knowing why.
That's simply the way flowers are – and the way “Namo Amitabha” works. By reciting the six-character name, we spontaneously, naturally reap the benefits.
When something is real and genuine, it is usually universal rather than particular, free from limitations of person, time, space and occasion. Yes, people may be separated by mountains and oceans, and divided by time zones, skin colors and languages. They may have different backgrounds and personalities, or worship disparate（截然不同的）things in diverse rituals. And they have dissimilar livelihoods and achievements. But you know what? We are not as different as we may seem. Those suffering hunger and thirst all long for
food and drink, and those tormented by cold all desire warmth. Those afflicted by illness all long for health,
while those lost in darkness invariably crave light. The deserted and lonely yearn for love, the fearful and
miserable hanker after（渴望，熱切希望擁有） safety and joy. We are the same by nature: fragile, powerless, insignificant, transitory
and imperfect. Like any kind of ice melting in the sun, be it salty or sweet, dirty or clear, in coffee or in Coke, all people can benefit from reciting “Namo Amitabha Buddha.” They can be young or old, rich or poor, good or evil. The process resembles ice melting in the sun, spontaneously. So it is with Amitabha-recitation : We naturally enjoy its benefits while care-freely reciting the great six-character name, Namo Amitabha Buddha.
If a certain benefit is universal, it should also be highly accessible. It's easy to hold to “Namo Amitabha Buddha,” allowing it to go with us, support us and protect us. We don't have to become calm enough, sincere enough or smart enough before we start reciting “Namo Amitabha.” Nor do we even have to convert to Buddhism.
All we need do is recite Amitabha's name at any time, quietly or out loud, alone or collectively. We can do so when we open our eyes to a new day; when we switch off the light to sleep; when we are sitting or walking; when we are cooking or driving. Whether we are happy or sad, just allow “Namo Amitabha” to be around us.
Amitabha Buddha has already embedded his expansive love in his name, including his great compassion, virtue, power and wisdom. Holding to his name is the best way for us to be connected with Amitabha, who knows us better than we do. He also loves us more than we do.
The real benefits of reciting “Namo Amitabha Buddha” are unfathomable（無法理解的）. Being universal, they are applicable to everyone worldwide in a completely open and non-discriminatory manner. They can be easily obtained by anyone at any time. Genuine, omnipresent（無所不在的） and accessible, “Namo Amitabha Buddha” belongs to everyone.
Our hearts are seeds, while Amitabha's love for us is the sunshine. Sunlight is always ready to shine and give warmth. What about us? Are we prepared to allow Amitabha's name to accompany us and to accept its light and warmth? Are we ready to grow and to blossom?
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