The Purpose of Chanting in Zen

Every major world religion has some form of chanting; Gregorian chants in the Catholic monastic tradition as well as hymns in Christian and Jewish traditions. And so it is in Buddhism. When chanting is done wholeheartedly, it can have a profound effect on one’s being. The sounds of the chanting reach a place beyond the rational mind, and although this may seem contradictory, the meaning of the chants can be absorbed at a level independent of words. Chanting can be invigorating; it can pick us up, give us a “shot in the arm” when we’re dragging. This is why virtually every spiritual practice in the world has its form of chant.

Fundamentally, chanting expresses the spiritual teachings, whether directly from the Buddha’s mouth, as in recitation of specific sutras, or the spiritual teachings of deeply realized Zen masters such as Torei Enji or Dai E Zenji. Because these are profound spiritual teachings they can inform and inspire our practice and our life.

listen to chants