念佛為什麼會退心、散亂？關鍵在於：只念佛名而缺少經教薰習，功夫不易得力，久了便退心。
淨空老法師一再強調，念佛要與聽經、研教相結合。光是念誦經文而不明義理，熱情與定力容易漸漸消退。必須透過聽經聞法增長信願，才能維持長遠、專一的念佛功夫。
多數人善根福德尚不足以僅靠一句佛號就永不退轉，所以要不斷學習經教，明白「為什麼念、念什麼、怎樣念」。教理清楚了，信願堅固，念佛才不會半途而廢。聽經、讀誦、解行並進，才能避免退心、迷路。
念佛為什麼會退心
Why does chanting Amitabha eventually lose concentration and confidence? Often because nianfo is not joined with study of the teachings. Reciting without understanding easily cools enthusiasm over time.
Master Chin Kung urges combining nianfo with listening to and studying the sutras to strengthen faith and vows. Most practitioners’ roots are not yet firm enough to sustain lifelong practice without doctrine.
Clear teaching—why we chant, what we chant, how we chant—keeps practice from wavering. Study, recitation, and application together prevent backsliding.