The meaning of chanting scriptures and reciting Buddha's name.
(Baonghean.vn) - Reciting sutras, chanting mantras, and reciting Buddha's name are three methods of practice that encompass both the practical and the theoretical aspects. Whether lay or monastic, whether Theravada or Mahayana, whether passive or active, no one can abandon these three methods because Buddhists need to learn to recite sutras, recite Buddha's name, and chant mantras so that their words and actions are in harmony, only then can they achieve good results.
Reciting sutras is the respectful reading of the Buddha's teachings in the scriptures, in accordance with the truth and the capacity of sentient beings. Chanting mantras is firmly grasping the secret teachings of the Buddhas. Mantras possess immeasurable power and merit, eradicating karmic obstacles, dispelling calamities, and increasing blessings and wisdom; therefore, they are also called divine mantras. Remembering the Buddha's name is the act of contemplating the Buddha's image and virtues, striving to follow in His footsteps.
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| Monks and Buddhist followers commemorate the enlightened spirits of the founding masters and predecessors who contributed to the establishment of the temple. (Photo: Thanh Cuong) |
In Buddhism, a Buddhist who merely worships, bows to, and makes offerings to the Buddha cannot be considered truly devout. A truly devout Buddhist must also recite sutras, chant mantras, and meditate on the Buddha. If these latter three aspects are neglected, then the former three—worship, bowing, and making offerings—cannot fully encompass both the practical and the theoretical aspects.
The principle of reverence is profound and difficult to practice. If we do not recite scriptures and chant Buddha's name to enlighten our minds and understand the profound and mysterious principles in the scriptures, we will not be able to achieve the four prostrations belonging to the principle of reverence.
The four prostrations include: the prostration of cultivating pure wisdom, the prostration of entering the Dharma realm, the prostration of right contemplation, and the prostration of true equality; and the five wondrous incense offerings to the Buddha are: the incense of precepts, the incense of concentration, the incense of wisdom, the incense of liberation, and the incense of liberating knowledge. If one cannot practice the four prostrations in terms of principle and offer the five wondrous incenses, then the prostration and offering are merely the "formal" aspects.Therefore, it is difficult for a believer to progress on the spiritual path.
Devotees must recite the names of all three Buddhas of the Three Ages:
- Reciting the name of Shakyamuni Buddha is reciting the name of the present Buddha, who is also the Buddha of the religion for all sentient beings.
- Reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha is reciting the name of the Buddha who attained enlightenment in the distant past, and who also guides sentient beings to the Pure Land.
- Reciting the name of Maitreya Buddha is reciting the name of the future Buddha.
While chanting sutras, reciting mantras, and meditating on the Buddha, striking the wooden gong, ringing the bell, and counting beads, one's mind must be cleansed of all unrighteous thoughts and base desires, and imbued with the image of the Compassionate One. Then, one must emulate Him, opening one's heart to boundless compassion, contemplating the suffering of all beings, and vowing to use one's strength to bring joy and alleviate suffering for all. When one ceases chanting and returns to worldly affairs, one must ensure that one's actions are as compassionate as one's thoughts and words.
