Why do zen buddhists chant

In other schools, such as Pure Land, chanting is the central practice. In many schools of Mahayana Buddhism, chanting is viewed as coming from the deepest level of reality, the true nature of the self, which is emptiness, oneness, or the formless source of the buddha body, the dharmakaya.

We chant so we can receive the spontaneous cosmic power of no-self, emptiness, and oneness. This is often accompanied by a shift in the physical center of chanting, as we feel it move from the throat to the heart to deep in the abdomen and, ultimately, into buddhanature, the deep flow of the oneness of reality. Christian melodies and chants are meant to convey the feeling of transcendence into heaven or the spirit rising in devotion to the divine.

In contrast, Buddhist chanting conveys a deepening awareness of nirvana or cosmic oneness. Yet, in blending with others, we do not erase our individuality. Additional Content. Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva when practicing deeply the Prajna Paramita perceives that all five skandhas are empty and is saved from all suffering and distress. Shariputra, form does not differ from emptiness, emptiness does not differ from form.

That which is form is emptiness, that which is emptiness form. The same is true of feelings, perceptions, impulses, consciousness. Shariputra, all dharmas are marked with emptiness. They do not appear or disappear, are not tainted or pure, do not increase or decrease. What if my friends saw me doing this? Chanting as exposure to profound teachings: Even though you may not understand the words, images, and teachings you are chanting, you are becoming familiar with them at a subconscious level.

At some point during your week you may find certain lines of the chants popping in your head, and you may suddenly understand what they are about and how they apply to your life.

It is entirely possible to study the sutras teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha and other scriptures we chant if you want to — sometimes we do this together in class, and there are many books available ask Domyo for references. Chanting as a way to connect with our tradition, and with other Zen Buddhists all over the world: It may seem inappropriate or anachronistic that we sometimes chant the Heart Sutra in Sino-Japanese. Click here to see a video of a chanting service at a large monastery in Japan ; there are countless English translations of the Heart Sutra, but the Japanese have standardized theirs, so you will find the same Sino-Japanese Heart Sutra recited all over the world.

Click here to view the entire morning chanting service at Sojo-ji. Other Soto Zen Buddhists all over the world regularly chant — and if you end up traveling, or moving away from a particular sangha Buddhist community , it can be very comforting to encounter a familiar chanting ritual.

Click to here to view the morning chanting service as it is done in a monastery in California. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Share Flipboard Email. Barbara O'Brien.

Zen Buddhism Expert. Updated January 06, Cite this Article Format. O'Brien, Barbara. The Role of Chanting in Buddhism. Brief Guide to Major Schools of Buddhism. Buddhist Verses to Chant Before Eating. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for LearnReligions. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.