Special Topics
Buddhist Chanting — Awakening Our Innate Buddha-Nature through Sound
Buddhist chanting is one of the essential daily practices for Buddhists. Through scared sound, practitioners pay homage to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, recite scriptures and internalize Buddhist teachings. In Dharma assemblies, chanting forms the backbone of ritual structure. However, we are so familiar with Buddhist chanting that we can easily overlook its deeper meaning. Buddhist chanting is not only a form of religious sound but also a method of practice that helps purify and collect t...
[Ethnic Chapter] Exploring the Diverse and Harmonious Culture of Buddhist Chanting
Adhering to the principle of "reciting Buddhist scriptures in accordance with local languages and customs," Buddhist chanting has continuously evolved across vast stretches of time and space. The traditions of India Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism each have their own distinct styles. This article provides a brief introduction to the characteristics of chanting in these four traditions. ■ By Lin Chun-Ling (林純綾) With over two thousand year...
Ethnic Series BOX: What You Should Know about Chinese Buddhist Chanting
Chanting in Chinese Buddhism, originally known as Yushan Fanbai, was first created by Cao Zhi (Prince Si of Chen) during the Cao Wei period. It was later structurally formalized by Master Dao'an during the Jin dynasty. It has been primarily used in three areas: Dharma teaching ceremonies, six-period daily practices (now known as morning and evening chanting), and repentance rituals in monasteries. These are collectively referred to as the "Three Divisions of Dharma Assemblies," ...
[Society] Buddhist music and online Buddhist chants
The booming development of Buddhism in Taiwan has led to the emergence of various new ways of spreading Buddhism, including the appearance of "Buddhist music" and various online Buddhist chants for free download in the past decade. However, what exactly is Buddhist music? Is it directly related to Buddhist chants? In the face of the developed online Buddhist chant information, what attitude should we adopt? ■ Gao Yuwen (高煜玟) The development of Buddhism in Taiwan is a boo...
[Practical Guide] Q&As of Buddhist Chanting
■ Editorial team What are the things to keep in mind when practicing Buddhist chanting at home or participating in Dharma service or group practice? What to do if you can't hear the cantor's voice during a Dharma service? Ever worried that your pronunciation of the Buddhist chanting might not be accurate? Let this Buddhist Chanting Q&A session help clear up your doubts, so that you can be well prepared for the next Buddhist chanting session. Harmony with the assembly ...
Practical Box: Tips for Buddhist Chanting
■ Explanation / Venerable Guo Kae (果慨法師) and Venerable Guo Tseng (果增法師) from Dharma Drum Mountain Department of Dharma Service ■ Compilation / Gao Yuwen (高煜玟) The basic principle of Buddhist chanting is actually the same as that of Chan meditation, which is relaxation. When you are relaxed, your breathing, vocalization, and movements naturally become harmonized and free of tension. In this state, it becomes easier to observe the changes and fluctuations in your body ...