What
Buddhists Believe
Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda Maha Thera
---o0o---
The
Significance of Paritta Chanting
Paritta chanting is the recital of
some of the Sutras uttered by the Buddha in the Pali language for the
blessing and protection of the devotees.
Paritta
Chanting or Sutra Chanting is a well-known Buddhist practice conducted all
over the world, especially in Theravada Buddhist countries where the Pali
language is used for recitals. Many of these are important sutras from the
basic teachings of the Buddha which were selected by His disciples.
Originally, these sutras were recorded on ola leaves about two
thousand years ago. Later, they were compiled into a book known as the
'Paritta Chanting Book'. The names of the original books from which these
sutras were selected are the Anguttara Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya, Digha
Nikaya, Samyutta Nikaya and Kuddaka Nikaya in the Sutra Pitaka.
The sutras that
Buddhists recite for protection are known as Paritta Chanting. Here
'protection' means shielding ourselves from various forms of evil spirits,
misfortune, sickness and influence of the planetary systems as well as
instilling confidence in the mind. The vibrant sound of the chanting
creates a very pleasing atmosphere in the vicinity. The rhythm of the
chanting is also important. One might have noticed that when monks recite
these sutras, different intonations are adopted to harmonize with
different sutras intended for different quarters. It was found very early
during man's spiritual development that certain rhythms of the human voice
could produce significant psychological states of peacefulness and
serenity in the minds of ardent listeners. Furthermore, intonation at
certain levels would appeal to devas, whilst certain rhythms would created
a good influence over lower beings like animals, snakes, or even spirits
or ghosts. Therefore, a soothing and correct rhythm is an important aspect
of Paritta Chanting.
The use of these rhythms
is not confined to Buddhism alone. In every religion, when the followers
recite their prayers by using the holy books, they follow certain rhythms.
We can observe this when we listen to Quran reading by Muslims and the
Veda Mantra Chanting by Hindu priests in the Sanskrit language. Some
lovely chanting is also carried out by certain Christian groups,
especially the Roman Catholic and Greek orthodox sects.
When the
sutras are chanted, three great and powerful forces are activated. These
are the forces of the Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangha. Buddhism is the
combination of these 'Three Jewels' and when invoked together they can
bring great blessing to mankind:
The Buddha.
He had cultivated all the great virtues, wisdom and enlightenment,
developed His spiritual power and gave us His noble Teachings. Even
though the physical presence of the Teacher is no more with us, His
Teachings have remained for the benefit of mankind. Similarly, the man
who discovered electricity is no more with us, yet by using his
knowledge, the effect of his wisdom still remains. The illumination that
we enjoy today is the result of his wisdom. The scientists who
discovered atomic energy are no longer living, but the knowledge to use
it remains with us. Likewise the Noble Teachings given us through the
Buddha's wisdom and enlightenment, are a most effective power for people
to draw inspiration from. When you remember Him and respect Him, you
develop confidence in Him. When you recite or listen to the words
uttered by Him, you invoke the power of His blessings.
The Dhamma.
It is the power of truth, justice and peace discovered by the Buddha
which provides spiritual solace for devotees to maintain peace and
happiness. When you develop your compassion, devotion and understanding,
this power of the Dhamma protects you and helps you to develop more
confidence and strength in your mind. Then your mind itself becomes a
very powerful force for your own protection. When it is known that you
uphold the Dhamma, people and other beings will respect you. The power
of the Dhamma protects you from various kinds of bad influence and evil
forces. Those who cannot understand the power of the Dhamma and how to
live in accordance with the Dhamma, invariably surrender themselves to
all forms of superstitious beliefs and subject themselves to the
influence of many kinds of gods, spirits and mystical powers which
require them to perform odd rites and rituals. By so doing, they only
develop more fear and suspicion born out of ignorance. Large sums of
money are spent on such practices and this could be easily avoided if
people were to develop their confidence in the Dhamma. Dhamma is also
described as 'nature' or 'natural phenomena' and 'cosmic law'. Those who
have learnt the nature of these forces can protect themselves through
the Dhamma. When the mind is calmed through perfect knowledge
disturbances cannot create fear in the mind.
The Sangha.
It refers to the holy order of monks who have renounced their worldly
life for their spiritual development. They are considered as disciples
of the Buddha, who have cultivated great virtues to attain sainthood or
Arahantahood. We pay respect to the Sangha community as the custodians
of the Buddha Sasana or those who had protected and introduced the
Dhamma to the world over the last 2,500 years. The services rendered by
the Sangha community has guided mankind to lead a righteous and noble
life. They are the living link with the Enlightened One who bring His
message to us through the recital of the words uttered by Him.
The chanting of
sutras for blessing was started during the Buddha's time. Later, in
certain Buddhist countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand and Burma, this
practice was developed further by organizing prolonged chanting for one
whole night or for several days. With great devotion, devotees
participated in the chanting sessions by listening attentively and
intelligently. There were some occasions when the Buddha and His disciples
chanted sutras to bring spiritual solace to people suffering from
epidemics, famines, sickness and other natural disasters. On once
occasion, when a child was reported to be affected by some evil influence,
the Buddha instructed His monks to recite sutras to give protection to the
child from the evil forces.
The blessing service, by
way of chanting, was effective. Of course, there were instances when the
sutra chanting could not be effective if the victims had committed some
strong bad kamma. Nevertheless, certain minor bad kammic effects can be
overcome by the vibrant power combined with the great virtues and
compassion of those holy people who chant these sutras. Here, the
overcoming of a bad kammic effect does not mean the complete eradication
of the effect, but only a temporary suspension of such an effect.
Devotees who were tired
fatigued have experienced relief and calmness after listening to the
chanting of sutras. Such an experience is different from that provided by
music because music can create excitement in our mind and pander to our
emotions but does not create spiritual devotion and confidence.
For the last
2,500 years, Buddhist devotees have experienced the good effects of sutra
chanting. We should try to understand how and why the words uttered by the
Buddha for blessing purposes could be so effective even after His passing
away. It is mentioned in the Buddha's teaching that ever since he had the
aspiration to become a Buddha during His previous births, He had strongly
upheld one particular principle, namely, to abstain from 'telling lies'.
Without abusing or misusing His words, He spoke gently without hurting the
feelings of others. The power of Truth has become a source of strength in
the words uttered by the Buddha with great compassion. However, the power
of the Buddha's word alone is not enough to secure blessing without the
devotion and understanding of the devotees.
The miraculous effect
experienced by many people in ridding themselves of their sickness and
many other mental disturbances through the medium of the Buddhist sutras,
enabled them to develop their faith and confidence in this form of
religious service.
-ooOoo-
Previous
Page Contents Next
Page
---o0o---
Source: Buddhist
Study and Practice Group, http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/Clubs/buddhism/
---o0o---
Layout: Chan Duc - Nguyen Thao
Update : 01-11-2002
