Sutra Recitation

Will

A traditional and useful way to learn the tone & ideas of Mahayana Buddhism is to recite sutras. One also gains much merit.

Here is a powerful sutra that has an online site dedicated to its recitation and study:

http://www.sanghatasutra.net/scrolling.html

Also the Golden Light Sutra has a site dedicated to it:

http://www.sutraofgoldenlight.com/

This bodhisattva aspiration or vow is also very popular & inspiring:

http://www.abuddhistlibrary.com/Buddhism/A%20-%20Tibetan%20Buddhism/Poetry,%20Prayer/The%20King%20of%20Prayers/The%20King%20of%20Prayers.htm

Bunny_Here

Thank you! I just joined here and this is the very first thread that grabbed my attention. I've been trying to incorporate more sutra reading and chanting into my practice. The links you provided should help a great deal.

Brigid

Hi, Bunny. Welcome to the site! I hope you have as good and fruitful a time here as I have. Don't be too shy to ask questions or give us your point of view. It's always lovely to meet new people.

Bunny_Here

Hi Brigid. It's nice to meet you. Thanks so much for the warm welcome. Don't worry- I'm not shy at all!

Simonthepilgrim

Hello Bunny! Good to meet you.

Will

Bunny_Here wrote:

Thank you! I just joined here and this is the very first thread that grabbed my attention. I've been trying to incorporate more sutra reading and chanting into my practice. The links you provided should help a great deal.

Of course any sutta or sutra you find inspiring will do, Bunny. I am very fond of the Avatamsaka or Flower Adornment sutra. The Heart sutra is also very popular.

Any favorites for you?

Bunny_Here

Hi Simon and Will. Nice to meet you both!

Will- I currently chant the Heart Sutra and read excerpts for different sutras, including the Diamond Sutra. I've been looking into adding more sutras to my daily reading, and I was actually thinking about adding an excerpt of the Flower Adornment Sutra.

I saw this site (http://www.e-sangha.com/alphone/0279.html) a few days ago, and I found in particular the book "Purifying Practice" (Volume 14) had a deep affect on me.

Will

Bunny_Here wrote:

Hi Simon and Will. Nice to meet you both!

Will- I currently chant the Heart Sutra and read excerpts for different sutras, including the Diamond Sutra. I've been looking into adding more sutras to my daily reading, and I was actually thinking about adding an excerpt of the Flower Adornment Sutra.

I saw this site (http://www.e-sangha.com/alphone/0279.html) a few days ago, and I found in particular the book "Purifying Practice" (Volume 14) had a deep affect on me.

Yes indeed; you have found a very wonderful chapter (11 in the Avatamsaka)! It is designed to transform our daily life through seeing each ordinary activity as a sublime one.

Here are a few verses from that section:

How can they use their minds so as to attain all supreme sublime qualities?

Enlightening beings at home should wish that all beings realize the nature of "home" is empty, and escape its pressures.

While serving their parents, they should wish that all beings serve the Buddha, protecting and nourishing everyone.

While with their spouses and children, they should wish that beings be impartial toward everyone, and forever give up attachment.

When attaining desires, they should wish that all beings pull out the arrows of lust and realize ultimate peace.

Joyous chanting Bunny!

Bunny_Here

Here is one that I will remember when reciting the sutras:

When reciting scripture, they should wish that all beings accord with the Buddha's teachings, remembering without forgetting.