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 and mind, as well as make necessary adjustments. Only by relaxing can you observe the overall state of yourself and others, and truly achieve the effect of collective harmony.

Notes for participating in a Dharma Assembly:

Breathing: Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth, maintaining a natural breathing pace. Breathing through the mouth tends to dry out the throat. When you inhale, try to allow the breath to sink into your lower abdomen. If you are not relaxed, the breath will concentrate in the chest and head, which may in turn cause chest tightness and dizziness. When the body is in good condition, it naturally takes in more air. So, depending on your physical condition, breathe when you need to, and don't force yourself.

Vocalization: After the body relaxes, the diaphragm naturally lowers. As the breath sinks into the lower abdomen, sound naturally arises through abdominal vocalization. This type of vocalization, coming from the Dantian (about three finger-widths below the navel), helps prevent excessive tension in the shoulders and neck, thereby reducing the risk of throat injury. In addition, when chanting, it is helpful to visualize along with the text—imagining the participation of all sentient beings in the Dharma Realm, the scenes of the Pure Land, and the appearance of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas as described in the scriptures. Such visualization supports mental focus while harmonizing the body, voice, and mind.

Movement: Be mindful of your movements, maintaining awareness of each kneeling and bowing action. Your pace should be moderate and in harmony with the rhythm of the Dharma instruments. If you find it difficult to breathe while kneeling and chanting, it's likely that you are not fully relaxed. In that moment, bring your attention back to relaxation and adjust your breathing. With continued practice, your body will gradually adapt.

Deportment: One's deportment can reflect how disciplined one is in body and mind. One of the purposes of Buddhist chanting is to calm delusions. In addition, proper deportment helps prevent mental distraction, allowing practitioners to remain more focused.

Clothing and appearance: The basic principle for clothing is comfort and convenience, so skirts and high heels are not suitable for chanting ceremonies. If you are attending a Dharma assembly, please wear a haiqing (a long black ceremonial robe worn in Chinese Buddhism). If you do not have a haiqing, please still follow the temple's dress code: do not wear shorts or sleeveless tops. Because clothing can affect whether the mind remains calm, please try to wear plain and simple clothing when participating in group practice.



Buddhist Chanting — Awakening Our Innate Buddha-Nature through Sound

[Ethnic Chapter] Exploring the Diverse and Harmonious Culture of Buddhist Chanting

Ethnic Series BOX: What You Should Know about Chinese Buddhist Chanting

[Society] Buddhist music and online Buddhist chants

[Practical Guide] Q&As of Buddhist Chanting

Practical Box: Tips for Buddhist Chanting 


Resource: Issue 298 of Humanity Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Translation: James 
Editing: Keith Brown, 演香法師 (Venerable Yan Hsiang)