CHANTING MEDITATION
Submitted by David Salyers
Being more musically inclined, I was initially
attracted to Jodo Shinshu (aka Shin Buddhism) and
Nichiren Buddhism as practices - with the combination
of chanting a rhythmic phrase (Nembutsu or Odaimoku)
and/or sutra recitation to a visual object (a scroll
of Amida or a Gohonzon). One practice that I find
helpful in the vein of the Way of Oneness (the
realization of interdependence) is to chant “Be One,
Be Peace” in a position of gassho to an object such as
a Dharma Wheel or a drawing of enso (a circle) as used
in Zen. Five minutes of this every morning before work
does wonders for my blood pressure and stress level
(which can be quite high working as a social worker in
child welfare).
You are more than welcome to use the chant if you
think you may find it possibly useful.
I use two forms: “Be One. Be Peace.” for those who
prefer a four syllable “mantra” like “Namandabu.” Or
“Be One. Be Love. Be Peace.” for those who prefer the
pace of a six syllable “mantra” like “Nam(u) Myo-ho
Ren-Ge Kyo” or “Na-Mu A-Mi-da Butsu.” People who like
(or are drawn) to chant are attracted to the rhythm.
For me, the purpose of any practice is to encourage
self-reflection, internalizing this awareness , and
wonder/gratitude/awareness of the interdependent
forces of the Universe (Dharmakaya - in Shin this is
symbolized as Amida Buddha which allows practitioners
to perceivethese forces as “compassionate” and
“caring” thus allowing us to relate to them easier, or
as the Gohonzon in Nichiren Buddhism which is a
calligraphic representation of the “Ceremony in the
Air” from the Lotus Sutra whichis also a
representation of the interdependent forces of the
Universe).
Theme: A Chanting Practice
Purpose: Chanting a recitation as a meditative
practice
Method: Devise appropriate place and time to chant “Be
One. Be Peace.” or “Be One. Be Love. Be Peace.” Use a
constant repetitive rhythm or experiment with
different rhythms; e.g. start slow, speed up, end
slow; etc.
