Has anyone here attained streamentry solely through mantra practice, nianfo/nembutsu, or the recitation of 'buddho' as taught in the Thai Forest Tradition?

[u/woai00]

I’m genuinely curious whether anyone has experienced streamentry (sotāpatti) through practices centered on mantra repetition—specifically:

Nianfo/Nembutsu (reciting Amitabha’s name)

"Buddho" meditation (as taught in the Thai Forest Tradition)

Or any other mantra-based practice that was used as the primary method

I understand that insight into the three characteristics is essential for awakening, but I also know some traditions emphasize that deep samādhi and unwavering mindfulness—developed through repetition—can become the foundation for insight to arise naturally.

So I’m wondering:

Did mantra or name-recitation play a central role in your path to streamentry?

How did you bridge from repetition to insight? Were you following a particular teacher or tradition?

I’d love to hear your experience or any resources/stories you’ve come across where streamentry was reached through these methods. 🙏

[u/WideOne5208]

Off the cushion I mostly practice mantras, reciting them in my mind or, sometimes, under the breath. I mostly practice with Mani mantra, for which I received empowerment and transmission from Dalai Lama, and Vajra Guru mantra, from which I received transmission from Erik Pema Kunsang. But for this mantras you don't need transmission, as far as I know to recite them.

Mani mantra helps with developing compassion/bodhicitta, because Avalokiteshvara is bodhisattva of compassion, Vajra Guru mantra help with developing devotion, pure vision, wisdom etc. But any mantra of any Buddha is a complete practice in itself.

What is most important in any mantra practice is motivation and faith. Everything else is secondary. If you believe in Buddha, whom mantra you recite and have pure motivation it will bring immense results, without much hardship. Mantra is the essence of Buddha's mind, therefore, reciting it you will receive blessings of this Buddha corresponding to your faith/devotion and achieve the same level of awakening.

Another important aspect is visualization during mantra recitation. Visualization is not necessary, but can be really helpful. Reciting Mani mantra, for example, you can visualise that from your heart beaming countless rays of pure white light and entering into hearts of all countless sentient beings and as a result all of them are become completely free from any suffering.

As any practice, mantra recitation develops over time. At the beginning it can be no different than just ordinary shamatha, but over time your faith will become stronger and stronger, and faith/devotion is the most important factor to achieve Buddhahood.