Chant the buddha-name.

No problem if you are not a Buddhist.  

Chanting “Amituofo” is a form of meditation. It’s a way of calming our mind and controlling where it goes by focusing on a chosen object or idea. The primary aim of this form of meditation is to achieve the mental state of one-mind undisturbed, a state in which the mind concentrates solely on its meditative subject.

We chant “Amituofo” to focus our thoughts on an awakened being, a being who used to be like we unawakened beings but who has now achieved perfect wisdom and compassion.

We are not worshiping him.

Just like when we meditate by concentrating on our in- and out-breaths, we aren’t worshiping our breaths.

Or when listening intently to the sound of ocean waves, we aren’t worshiping the ocean.

In our chanting, we are focusing our thoughts on a being who possesses the virtues we wish to develop. So, Buddhist or not, chant the buddha-name to develop these same virtues.

Buddhahood is unsurpassable;
I vow to attain it. 

The fourth vow of attaining the unsurpassable state of Buddhahood is our ultimate goal.

Only as a Buddha can we fulfill our first vow to help all sentient beings, regardless of their form, path, or state of mind.

Only as a Buddha will our generosity, morality, patience, diligence, meditative concentration, and wisdom finally be complete.

Only as a Buddha will our compassion and wisdom be perfectly balanced.

But to accomplish all these, it is crucial we follow the vows in the order given to us. The first vow provides us with our motivation—we make the vow that we will help all beings end suffering and attain lasting happiness. The second, third, and fourth vows provide our roadmap for ending afflictions, learning Dharma doors, and attaining Buddhahood. Without this roadmap, we will not know the necessary steps in which to progress, or even what direction we should head in. With this roadmap to guide us, we will achieve all that we vow to do.