nianfo

Nianfo, from the Chinese 念佛, is the practice of reciting the name of Amitābha Buddha. In East Asian Buddhism the term refers to calling or repeating "Namo Amituofo" (Chinese) or "Namu Amida Butsu" (Japanese). It is central to Pure Land Buddhism, where the act of recitation is believed to invoke Amitābha’s compassionate vow and to assist the practitioner toward rebirth in the Pure Land, a realm favorable to enlightenment.

Forms of the practice vary. It may be spoken aloud or recited mentally, alone or in communities. Some traditions emphasize single-minded repetition (nenbutsu), others combine the name with aspiration prayers or visualization of the Pure Land.

Historically, nianfo developed within Chinese Pure Land currents, with early advocates such as Huiyuan and Tanluan, and later codified by Shandao in the Tang era. In Japan, Honen popularized the practice as a primary path, with Shinran emphasizing faith (shinjin) and entrusting in Amitābha’s vow as the decisive factor for rebirth.

The practice is often framed as an expression of devotion and trust in Amitābha’s vow. In some schools it is seen as "other-power" (tariki) that saves beings, while others allow for a more integrative role of practice. The essential aim is rebirth in the Pure Land.

Today nianfo remains widely used among Pure Land communities in China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan, by both lay adherents and monastics. It appears in temples, devotional services, and contemporary spiritual media, sometimes in group recitations or in everyday personal practice.