Difference in Amitābha mantras?

Jainarayan

Is there a difference in effect using oṃ amitābha hrīḥ (oṃ amidewa hrīḥ) v. namo amitābha buddha (namo amituofo)? I've been using namo amitābha buddha and namo amituofo, alternately. I haven't used any mantras with a bīja/seed syllable.

Chaz

Of course there's a difference - the words are different and therefore the sounds are different and the sounds are important.

That said, do whatever mantra suits you. It's all good, as they say.

Jainarayan

OK, thanks. The reason I asked is because I've always read that certain mantras are off-limits to the uninitiated/unempowered practitioners, at least in Hinduism and Vajrayana.

Chaz

That's true. There are certain mantras and practices that require certain permissions or empowerments. None of the Amitabha mantras fall into that category.

Jainarayan

Chaz said:

None of the Amitabha mantras fall into that category.

Very good to know, thanks.

In all honesty that wasn't the only reason I asked... I like listening to and downloading and converting Youtube videos to mp3 (perfectly legal). There are a lot that have different melodies and mantras, and I like the variety. So I might want to learn some of them to chant. Silly aren't (amn't? ain't?) I?

Chaz

No, not really. In the Tibetan traditions the singing of mantra and sadhanas is very common.

here's a link to an MP3 to Lama Kathy Wesley singing the entire Avalokiteshvara (or Chenrezig in Tibetan) Sadhana in Tibetan: http://s151421314.onlinehome.us/nbp/docs/MP3/48. Chenrezig with Lama Kathy.mp3

Here's a link to the sadhana she's using so you can follow along:
http://s151421314.onlinehome.us/nbp/docs/PDF/16. Chenrezig for Website.pdf

Jainarayan

I've heard her do that one! She's very good. I have her website saved also, but I haven't really gone through it yet. I have that very sadhana .pdf, as well a very short one saved from when I thought I might do it. I read through the sadhana, and I heard her, but not at the same time. Now I have to do that. I also have NamoBuddhaPublications.com in my bookmarks too. I'm like a ferret collecting things.

lobster

Jainarayan said:

I'm like a ferret collecting things.

This explains what happens with wrong pronunciation [warning: involves a pumpkin]
http://yinyana.tumblr.com/post/57234975984/buddhist-mantra-faqs

Mantras are wonderful. You are never lost for words when meeting a statue. They are emotionally satisfying. Improve the breath. Tickle the chakras (whatever they are) and are a great way to begin practice. They resonate with the inner/outer aspects of purity, wisdom, metta etc and help karma unfold in bite sized bits. What more can one say . . .

Here is four for the price of one I learned earlier, that should keep your inner ferret happy . . .

http://yinyana.tumblr.com/post/32936018897/migtsema

Jainarayan

@lobster you are too much. I've seen that mantra faqs page before and love it. The dry wit is worthy of you.