A Buddhist Chanting Session.

1. Overview

People face countless responsibilities every day, leaving little room for peace of mind. Their thoughts are often filled with confusion, restlessness, and anxiety. Over time, this can lead to depression and stress due to constant pressure.

Therefore, many Buddhists go to temples to seek inner peace by chanting sutras and paying respect to the Buddha together with monks. Chanting, bowing, meditation, or reciting the Buddha’s name are all considered spiritual practices. These can take place in temples, public spaces, festivals, or even at home, for both monastics and lay followers.

 From a psychological perspective, chanting can also be seen as a form of therapy. The rhythmic and solemn sounds often help people feel lighter and calmer.

 2. Chanting to Recollect the Buddha’s Teachings

Monks recite the teachings of the Buddha aloud from memory. In the past, when the Buddha or his disciples gave teachings, listeners would memorise them. Monks would later gather to discuss, reflect, and chant together so others could learn.

During the first Buddhist council, Venerable Ananda recited the Discourses, and Venerable Upali recited the Monastic Discipline.

Today, chanting is still practised in both Theravada (and Mahayana traditions. Although the styles differ, the purpose remains the same: to recall and internalise the Buddha’s teachings.)

This is similar to listening repeatedly to a favourite song. Even without trying, the lyrics and melody become memorised. Chanting is especially suitable for busy people who may not have time to study scriptures, such as workers, gardeners, office staff, or the elderly. Those with strong spiritual affinity from past lives may learn quickly regardless of the method. Once one deeply realises the teachings, formal rituals may no longer be necessary.

3. Psychological Healing Value of Buddhist Rituals

Instead of listening to emotional or stimulating music, chanting allows us to focus on meaningful teachings. These teachings carry positive messages from the Buddha, preventing negative thoughts from arising. Although we cannot confidently say that chanting can cure all forms of suffering associated with psychological conditions, it can partially reduce afflictions through the power of mindfulness when we anchor our awareness in the present moment with the chanting.

We will now examine the structure of a Buddhist ritual to analyse the healing characteristics of sutra chanting.

 First is taking refuge in the Three Jewels. The Three Jewels are the spiritual refuge for Buddhists. Therefore, chanting the Three Refuges three times reminds us to return to a pure and present state. Next, reflecting on the virtues of the Three Jewels helps us maintain a positive mental state. In Sri Lanka, the Three Refuges ritual is the opening of a chanting session. In Myanmar, additional elements such as confession and inviting celestial beings to listen to the Dharma are included.

Some practice groups may engage in loving-kindness meditation for 5 to 10 minutes to calm and refresh the mind.

In countries that follow Mahayana Buddhism, after paying respect to the Three Jewels, there is an offering of incense, chanting of the Great Compassion Mantra, and then the recitation of the Opening Verse before entering the main chanting session. Chanting the Great Compassion Mantra in Mahayana temples carries a similar meaning to the practice of loving-kindness meditation.

At the end of each chanting session, there is Sharing of merit (Theravada tradition) and Dedication of merit and aspirational prayer (Mahayana tradition). What is the meaning of this part? It helps us open our hearts widely, cultivating generosity and universal loving-kindness. According to Mahayana Buddhism, before concluding, there is also the practice of taking refuge in the Three Jewels within oneself (Self-Refuge in the Three Jewels). This is a way to awaken awareness, purity, and harmony within each of us.

As we can see, if we apply our intention skillfully, a chanting session brings many benefits and can even help the mind become relaxed and at ease. At that time, “happy” and calming hormones such as serotonin and endorphins are released to counteract nervous system stress. Mindfulness is also a key factor in reducing tension. If we maintain mindfulness, feelings of sadness, restlessness, and anxiety have no opportunity to arise. Although it may only act as a temporary pain reliever, Buddhist ritual still contributes to healing. We should go further by maintaining regular practice, such as breath meditation, reciting the name of the Buddha, contemplating the virtues of the Buddha, loving-kindness meditation, and so on.

4. Conclusion

Chanting has existed since the time of the Buddha, although methods have evolved. Its purpose is not only to recall teachings but also to plant wholesome seeds in the mind. The combination of sound and meaning has a powerful healing effect. Even if not everyone fully accepts this, chanting continues to quietly benefit many people seeking peace and happiness.

("Asajjhāyamalā mantā"—"Not reciting is a stain on learning.")

(Dhammapada, verse 241)

“A short presentation on ‘Psychiatric Aspects of Buddhist Rituals’ at the University of Kelaniya—Sri Lanka, Department of Pāli and Buddhist Studies, 2022”

Tâm Cung