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Interested in chanting
Hi there.
I'm new here. I am not a Buddhist. I consider myself a very spiritual person and have read various spiritual books over the years. I meditate almost daily, have done yoga as part of my spirituality, and have used mantras. I've had some wonderful and amazing experiences while meditating.
I am very drawn to Eastern philosophy. I have been reading about Buddhism specifically because I am interested in chanting (not that I have to be Buddhist to chant:). I became intrigued by Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
However, I am very careful about such things b/c I feel that you may be calling upon certain lineages when you chant. I want to know what I'm getting into, and I want it to resonate with me when I do decide to do it. Maybe this idea is wrong and maybe I'm just giving energy to that idea when I shouldn't? Maybe the chant is about my own connection with my inner self? (Just thinking out loud here.)
I am finding it a bit confusing. I live in the boondocks, so there is no finding a meetup group or anything.
I know this is a pretty wide-open question, but can anyone give me input or direction on chanting and maybe around Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Or, maybe share some thoughts or ideas around chanting? I understand a bit about it now, but direction here would be nice.
Thanks!
spicegirl
I'm new here. I am not a Buddhist. I consider myself a very spiritual person and have read various spiritual books over the years. I meditate almost daily, have done yoga as part of my spirituality, and have used mantras. I've had some wonderful and amazing experiences while meditating.
I am very drawn to Eastern philosophy. I have been reading about Buddhism specifically because I am interested in chanting (not that I have to be Buddhist to chant:). I became intrigued by Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
However, I am very careful about such things b/c I feel that you may be calling upon certain lineages when you chant. I want to know what I'm getting into, and I want it to resonate with me when I do decide to do it. Maybe this idea is wrong and maybe I'm just giving energy to that idea when I shouldn't? Maybe the chant is about my own connection with my inner self? (Just thinking out loud here.)
I am finding it a bit confusing. I live in the boondocks, so there is no finding a meetup group or anything.
I know this is a pretty wide-open question, but can anyone give me input or direction on chanting and maybe around Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Or, maybe share some thoughts or ideas around chanting? I understand a bit about it now, but direction here would be nice.
Thanks!
spicegirl
0
Comments
I love the diamoku and chant it daily, for a few years, now. I don't pay much attention to its meaning but I really belive there is something special about the words.
I suffer ADHD and its pretty good for focuss, settling the mind before meditating and walking down the street:)
My kids chant it too, though I think they think its more like a nursery rhyme:)
Chant on!:)
Mat
Thanks for sharing that.
I was going to ask for how long and to what rhthym, but I googled and found this nice tidbit of info and thought I'd share it here.
PACE: Most people chant at about 1½ seconds per Daimoku or 40 Daimoku per minute. Some people chant much faster. When chanting on your own, choose the speed you feel comfortable with. In a group, follow the pace of the leader without trying to force the pace slower or faster.<o></o><o></o>
DURATION Chant for as long as you feel like chanting. Nichiren Daishonin's only instruction to his disciples (us) was "Chant to your heart's content".
sg
It also resonates with who you are I believe. And because who YOU are is not entirely dependent on any one thing that means you are indestructible. Though of course there is a certain amount of joy and sorrow on our travels.
I would check out the vibes and you will be able to see.
My good friend,
You must have very good karma, for beings who are heavily burdened with bad karma doesn't like chanting, they find it repelling. You must have both good affinity and karma to like chanting. I am so happy for you!
As for the chanting, I would suggest "Namo Amitabha Buddha" or his mantra "Om Ami Dewa Hri" (though for his mantra you would need empowerment from a qualified lama)
Amitabha Buddha - "King among Buddhas" was spoken of in many Sutras. It is indeed a blessing to be able to know his name.
All the best.
Thank you for your kind words.
I wanted to start somewhere, so I have been chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for a few days. I absolutely love chanting. I can do it anytime and once I start I really don't want to stop. My bedtime has been affected:) I also wake up early with the desire to chant.
I am hopeful that chanting will help me to see myself clearly and maintain calm in life's storms.
Thank you for the chants you have suggested. I will look into the meaning behind them.
May I ask why you have shared those particular chants?
Warmly,
sg
I suggested Amitabha Buddha as he was specifically mentioned in many of Buddha's teachings. Amitabha comes with a long traditional lineage, and Sukhavati is widely accepted amongst Buddhist sects to be a fast and efficient method to liberation.
All the best my friend.
If you have any suggestions for books, I would appreciate hearing from you. I am rather right-brained, so I learn best by getting the big picture first, and then details.
I am not familiar with much as far as lineages, etc., but am naturally drawn to things out of India/Nepal.
Warmly.
sg
Hi I just stumbled upon this site http://amidatrust.ning.com/ perhaps you can get some reading material there.
Cheers