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Chanting

StudentStudent
edited February 2012 in Buddhism Basics
I understand it is practiced by many Buddhists under many different traditions, but I am unsure of what purpose it serves, and what I can find just makes vague references to enlightenment; What specifically is the intended effect?

Comments

  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    it depends what's being chanted....
    but singing, if you like (for want of a better word) seems to make things easier to memorise... my children had difficulty with their schoolwork, but can recite their times tables very easily - and know every song in the charts, by rote....
    It can also be very meditative and helps the concentration.....
  • personperson Don't believe everything you think The liminal space Veteran
    I look at it as a form of meditation. Also reciting positive and inspiring words has a positive impact on one's mind.
  • StudentStudent
    Ah, that makes sense. Thank you, both of you.
  • ArjquadArjquad Veteran
    I see it as a sort of a concentration method.
  • seeker242seeker242 Zen Florida, USA Veteran
    The school I practice in (Korean Zen) does a lot of chanting. The purpose is the same as breathing meditation, it just a different object of attention. The sound instead of the breath.
  • ArnArn
    edited February 2012
    There are many different groups that use sound and voice for meditation and "healing". I have found it the ideal way to shut up that inner negative voice to leave me with complete stillness when the chanting has finished - a state I can achieve in 5-10 minutes of chanting that might take me much much longer (if at all) just sitting in silence.

    Its often practiced in groups, especially as a Kirtan (call and response) in new age gatherings.

    There are some buddhist groups (such as the followers of Nichiren Daishonin) where it is THE means of achieving enlightenment, and the words and even the ryhthm are of utmost importance.

    Personally I can chant most anything and achieve the peace and stillness (aka absence of suffering) that I need. Singing a complicated song is less effective for me because the varying melody and verses distract me from the absence-of-thought, complete-awareness-of-all-things state that I'm trying to achieve.
  • ArjquadArjquad Veteran
    What would one chant anyway? It seems like something that I would like to try as a diversion to wandering thoughts.
  • personperson Don't believe everything you think The liminal space Veteran
    What would one chant anyway? It seems like something that I would like to try as a diversion to wandering thoughts.
    Check out some mantra meditation.

    http://www.wildmind.org/mantras
  • ArjquadArjquad Veteran
    What would one chant anyway? It seems like something that I would like to try as a diversion to wandering thoughts.
    Check out some mantra meditation.

    http://www.wildmind.org/mantras
    Will do, thanks
  • DaltheJigsawDaltheJigsaw Mountain View Veteran
    I would love to learn more about chanting. I have been chanting the Heart Sutra. Any thoughts on that?
  • DaltheJigsawDaltheJigsaw Mountain View Veteran
    What would one chant anyway? It seems like something that I would like to try as a diversion to wandering thoughts.
    Check out some mantra meditation.

    http://www.wildmind.org/mantras
    Thank you!
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