[EmpaccalGah]

Can someone please explain to me the importance of chanting? I know one chant that is supposed to center yourself. Are they all basically trying to do this? And last, all the chants I hear about are in a foreign language to me, would it not make sense to chant in my own language? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Pcodaygs]

Other traditions may view it differently but to me chanting is just another form of meditation, and it's a good preparation for meditation as it helps ground you, establish mindfulness, and quieten the thinking mind.

From that point of view it's actually better if it's in a language you don't understand or don't habitually think in.

It is also a good way to memorise scripture and this was used historically before it was all writtren down.

[Ceriopal]

I've been wanting to try Mantra practice in my own daily practice. But like he said, they are all in another language. Would it be okay to just use a Mantra in your own language?

Example: gate gate pāragate pārasaṃgate bodhi svāhā - Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone far beyond, enlightenment amen.

[Vedun*]

Mantra's are best not to translate, I think. The real essence of mantra goes beyond any quick meaning that we can give them. From a Vajrayana standpoint, there are reasons that they are recited in Tibetan or Sanskrit- whichever way was transmitted to you by a teacher. I am a little hesitant to go into detail on a public forum, but mantra's are often combined with other aspects of practices and are intended to work on a more subtle level. But these must be taught by a teacher who gives an empowerment/transmission along with the explanation on how to do the practice.

There are some mantra's which are well known and can be recited, such as the "gate" mantra that was mentioned or even the "mani" mantra. These are beneficial to recite, but without going into detail, mantras tend to have much more "weight" and are much more effective to them when passed on from a realized Master.

Terma

[cabonuserollyo]

BENEFITS OF CHANTING

1. Settles and calms the restless or agitated mind.
2. Mindfulness training: must be alert, nimble, and attentive to avoid mistakes.
3. Concentration training: focus the mind on the words and their meaning.
4. Wisdom training: deepening understanding of the teachings that can become direct realization.
5. Confidence (saddhå) develops through familiarity and reflection.
6. Cultivates energy (viriya), joy (pamojjha), and patience, endurance (khanti).
7. Develops friendliness (metta) towards all beings.
8. Fills the mind with skillful, beneficial thoughts so that low and impure thoughts don't enter.
9. Prepares the mind and body for meditation (bhåvåna).
10. Helps us to dedicate life to spiritual practice.
11. Familiarity with Pali, the language that preserves the Buddha's words and its exquisite terms.
12. Thai people will appreciate and love you.

Pali Chanting book ****

[interznakinfo]

I was always taught that if mantras were written / developed in a certain language they stay in that language as that's where the power is. As Terma says, best not to translate.

You can instead create your own based on the language that you are most comfortable with, even if it's a simple mantra of 'peace, peace, peace'

Thank you too Element, for the 'Benefits of Chanting' - very much appreciated

[ayWCZ7VT]

Well, I personally don't think its that big of a deal if you translate the chant, but the real question is: why are you translating it?

I personally don't like to hear myself so when I chant a mantra I do it silently in my head ... in the original language (Sanskrit, usually). I agree that chanting in the original language is best as it allows me to think of the power of the mantra/chant, not the words themselves. I think translating cheats you out of the power of the words.

Think of it this way. In English we say 'Gesundheit' when somebody sneezes. The point of our saying this is not what we are saying, it's German for 'God Bless You' BTW, but the intention or power behind what we are saying. Or someone saying 'Namaste'. I know there are arguments about how this is translated exactly, but for the most part it's something like 'I Bow to the Light in You'. But the translation isn't the important part. It's the intention behind the word itself.

I think, with chanting a mantra. It's the intention or power behind what we chant, not the actual words themselves, that is most important.
So, I again vote for not translating, but do what's best for you.
Just my 2 cents.

Namaste
Chris

[somasideff]

I'm on the fence as to English or (in my case) Pali for chanting. I think I prefer the Pali as it tends to sound right with the rhythm. But the English version was helpful for me to understand initially what was going on and that I wasn't saying something I didn't agree with.

What I would add though is, if you get chance, try to visit a monastery of your chosen tradition and hear it live. I was bowled over with emotion when I attended my local Thai Forest monastery at Wesak and experienced the full Sangha and a large number of lay people chanting in Pali. The rythm and resonance was really tangible. I can't really describe it, but it was something to experience.

Best wishes
Cal

[DoctorTDent]

Hi Cal and everyone,

This is the Amaravati Monastery chanting book of morning and evening chants and reflections.

http://www.amaravati.org/documents/A..._Book_2006.pdf

Audio's of the chants in the book (showing the corresponding pages) can be found at the link below:

http://feeds.amaravati.org/Amaravati...ook-EbookAudio

with metta

Aloka

[Lilji]

I think if we are talking about chanting liturgies (Sutta's/Sutra's, prayers, etc.) than it may be beneficial to do so with the translation into your own language. But mantras should be recited as they have been taught to us, as this is the very essence of transmission. When reciting mantras, it is not so much about the meaning, but resonance of the syllables that have a transformable effect.

I thought the OP was about chanting mantras, but I see the discussion is also regarding chanting liturgies, prayers, etc.

For what it's worth, I do my practices in Tibetan, as this is the instruction I personally received.

Terma