Other-Power in the Dharma Gate of Buddha Recitation

Question: What exactly does "other-power" refer to in the Pure Land practice of Buddha recitation?

Answer: "Other-power" refers to the encouragement arising from external conditions, which can be understood as the Buddha's blessing power. Especially during Buddha recitation, reciting the Buddha's name evokes a response from the Buddha. The Buddha perceives the reciter's thoughts and aspirations, thereby activating the function of blessing to assist the reciter in enhancing their spiritual power.

The blessings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas generally manifest in maturing the Five Roots and Five Powers of sentient beings. The Five Roots are: the root of faith, the root of mindfulness, the root of diligence, the root of concentration, and the root of wisdom. Based on these Five Roots, the Five Powers arise. Under the influence of these five powers, sentient beings continuously progress in their spiritual practice, attain mental purity, and thereby gain benefits and achieve accomplishments.