subject: Understanding the Purpose of Chanting in Zen [print this page] Understanding the Purpose of Chanting in Zen
The practitioners chant major sutras prevalent in Zen tradition. The most important among them are Heart sutra, Lotus sutra and song of the Jewel Mirror awareness. The sutras contain deep meanings. You can receive many benefits by chanting the Zen sutras. They help harmonizing your body and mind. They also help in creating inner state of consciousness.
It is advisable to chant with your ears and not with the mouth. This is in fact one of the main instructions in Zen practice. The Zen Gurus guide to listen with the eye and see with the ear. It is important to blend your voice with voices of others in group chanting. The voices of all practitioners seem all together. Chanting in Zen practice needs to be made in a steady frequency- neither high and fast nor low and slow. You can learn the correct method of chanting from a senior Zen practitioner.
Repeatedly chanting the Zen sutras can instill the ideas of Buddhism in your mind. You are able to realize the emptiness of oneness, which is the ultimate goal of Zen practice. You can gain wisdom and compassion for Zen Buddhism through chanting.
Chanting is a part of daily life in Zen Buddhist monasteries. The monks chant scriptures from heart sutra and short writings by lineage masters. Zen monasteries also recite dharani, which are long mantras. They chant for many hours together, which is however not possible for a common man. Yet you can chant Zen sutras for few minutes in a group.
Chanting in Zen practice offers a wonderful way to get concentration. It helps you to settle your energy and open your breath. Once you get sufficient practice, you can chant comfortably and voice deepens. Your chanting becomes more powerful at this stage. It is an exploration of reality and your own mind. You can start mobilizing your practice through chanting.
The texts and sutras chanted in Zen practice are extremely rich and include philosophical, ethical and spiritual content. A Zen practitioner can use chanting to connect with celestial beings. According to Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattvas are the celestial beings.
Chanting in Zen practice helps you get relieved from selfish ideas and to realize the power of oneness. It is important to recite chanting in a clear voice. Shouting the sutras is strictly prohibited in Zen practice. Maintaining the harmony on group chanting is particularly important. Mild and consistent chanting benefits more.
The act of chanting requires sheer practice. You can master them by expressing the mantras in clear voice regularly. Hearing other people chanting the Zen sutras can also benefit. In group chanting, it is wise to be aware of how others are chanting. The sutras can fulfill all your spiritual needs.
The purpose of chanting in Zen practice is to express the inner state. It helps to strengthen and reinforce your mind. You can become more aware about yourself and can lead to real harmony. This in turn helps to be in harmony within the group and within the atmosphere.
Here's an excellent way to start enjoying the benefits of meditation today. The Deep Zen audio program is easy for anyone wanting to learn - offering a free demo, and helps advanced meditators achieve deeper levels of meditation too. Try another free demo here:
