This handout was meant to help someone understand some of the reasons for including chanting in a daily practice. It can also be downloaded as a pdf file.
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1.
What is chanting?
Chanting
is the recitation of Buddhist texts using an agreed upon style of
rhythm and intonation. This makes it more suitable for group
recitation and aids memorization.
2.
Are there any reasons I should NOT
chant?
The
Buddha always encouraged us to be aware of our intentions in whatever
we do, and chanting is no exception. In the Vinaya Pitaka (ii. 108)
we are warned:
“Bhikkhus,
there are these five dangers when Dhamma is chanted with a long,
singing sound:
He
is pleased with himself regarding that sound, (= pride)
others
are pleased regarding that sound (they have regard for it but not
for Dhamma)
householders
look down upon him (as music is for those who enjoy sense-pleasures)
while
trying for accuracy of sound his concentration is broken, (he
neglects the meaning of what he is chanting)
people
coming after fall into views (by emulation) ("saying: Our
teachers and preceptors sang it thus" [Commentary] — a source
of both pride and quarreling among later generations of Buddhists).”
"Lay
Buddhist Practice: The Shrine Room, Uposatha Day, Rains Residence",
by Bhikkhu Khantipalo.
3.
So, why chant at all? Why has chanting remained a part of Buddhist
practice across traditions and cultures?
Quite
simply, chanting is a mindfulness practice, an intentional act in
which we bring and keep the Buddha's teachings in mind.
We
become familiar with the teachings, call them to mind throughout our
daily activities, reflect on their meanings for our personal lives,
and make choices that arise out of the wisdom of those reflections.
The
chants become incorporated into our thoughts, speech and actions.
Chanting
is also an act of confidence in the Buddha's teachings and in our
own ability to change, a sign both of respect and commitment.
Chanting
helps to build concentration and positive mood states and can be a
very effective preparation for meditation.
4.
What language should be used to chant?
It is
common to learn a some chants in Pali and others in your vernacular.
Chanting in Pali has the advantage of helping the practitioner become
familiar with key words and phrases that occur throughout the
Buddha's teachings. But chanting in your native language gives you
more immediate access to the Buddha's teachings and the benefits of
chanting.
5.
How do I chant?
Normally,
the practitioner would kneel or sit in a respectful position and
bring hands together in anjali (hands together, palm-to-palm,
at heart level). As for the chants themselves, different traditions
will use different words, rhythms and tones. Chanting leaders, book
collections of chants and audio recordings all provide good ways to
learn.
6.
What are some common chants?
Many
lay Buddhists will memorize different homages to the Triple Gem (or
the Buddha specifically) in Pali, as well as the 5 or 8 Precepts.
Formal requests (e.g., for a dhamma talk or taking refuge) are
also commonly used at monasteries. Teachings commonly chanted
include: the Metta Sutta, Subjects for Frequent Recollection,
the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, and the Four Requisites. For
a daily practice using both Pali and English, the Salutation to theTriple Gem and Passage of Encouragement combine both devotional and
didactic elements.
