Chanting and Mantras

[Maddie]

I'm curious about other people's experience and knowledge about Buddhist chanting and mantras. 

 

It seems there is a wide spectrum of opinions and perspectives on chanting and mantras. I follow mainly the Theravada path but mainly because I learned and began practicing Mahayana mantras first use those for my chanting practice.

 

The traditional answer I am given from most Theravada practitioners is that chanting was how the suttas were passed on and memorized. This of course makes sense due to the technology of the time and as a learning technique. But I'm also curious about the uses of chanting in the magic powers sense as well. Which suttas are typically used for which situations.

 

The main chanting practice I have done is primarily the Zhunti Mantra with which I feel that I have had some pretty interesting results. I have also used "Om Mani Padme Hum" Green Tara, Medicine Buddha and others.

 

I find mantras useful for times when meditation is difficult and/or there are factors in my life that I could use some extra help with. I heard the other day that it is common in the west for people to become interested in Buddhism via the path of meditation but in the east to start with devotional practices such as bowing, giving, precepts, chanting and others.

 

I would be interested to hear others understanding and experiences with mantras and chanting.  

[Seeker of Wisdom]

I haven't used mantras regularly for quite a while, but if I'm too on edge for my practice Om Mani Padme Hum, taking refuge, prostration is great for getting rebalanced. Nice to see you on TDB's again!