Significance of Chanting
Synonyms: Singing, Reciting, Intoning, Murmuring, Repeating, Echoing, Humming, Incantation, Prayer., Mantra
In Italian: Canto; In Dutch: Zingen; In Finnish: Laulaamassa; In Spanish: Cantando; In Portugese: Cantando; In German: Singen; In Polish: Śpiewanie
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Chanting'
Chanting in Buddhism involves reciting texts or mantras to invoke blessings and achieve mental clarity. It's a spiritual practice, individually or in groups, absorbing the mind in Dhamma, leading to calmness and peace.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A vocal expression of spiritual practice involving repeated phrases or mantras to achieve clarity of mind and connection.[1]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) The practice of reciting names or texts to invoke blessings, protection, and spiritual progress, particularly touching upon its significance in the Earth Store Sutra.[2]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Chanting is a practice where the citta is absorbed in the aspects of Dhamma, which can lead to calmness and peace, and it was a routine for Venerable Acharn and others, done individually or in groups.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Chanting'
In Hinduism, chanting involves the repetitive recitation of mantras, prayers, or divine names as a form of worship, meditation, and devotion. It aims to deepen spiritual connection and can lead to spiritual attainment.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Chanting refers to the rhythmic recitation or singing of the holy name of the Lord, which is emphasized as the sole method of liberation.[4] (2) Devotional service manifests in a heart that has been melted by hearing, chanting, and remembering.[5] (3) The activity of chanting the names of Krishna is presented as a means to achieve completeness and realize the essence of studying linguistic literatures.[6] (4) Chanting is the vocal repetition of a name, such as Hari, that expresses devotion, reverence, or spiritual connection through the rhythmic utterance.[7] (5) This activity was initiated by the Lord in the midst of His devotees, who were decorated with garlands, colored powder, and sandalwood paste.[8]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The text states that all sins are destroyed and all auspiciousness comes when Lord Acyuta’s names are chanted in nama-kirtana, and even the sinful Ajamila obtained liberation through this practice.[9] (2) It is known as kirtana, it is one of the nine limbs of bhakti, used to taste the mellows.[10] (3) It is one of the activities that can be experienced through meditation and is compared to dhyana.[11] (4) An activity of the tongue, related to devotional service, which new devotees experience as a function of their senses, bringing satisfaction.[12] (5) The act of reciting or singing hymns or mantras, synonymous with sankirtana, which can be done alone or with others.[13]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) "Chanting" the maha-mantra regularly is described as the path to attaining all perfection, enabling the vanishing of all bondage and ultimately leading to the achievement of krishnaprema.[14] (2) The desire for enjoyment will gradually diminish through hearing and chanting, eventually leading to the attainment of bhakti.[15] (3) During this activity, one should be one-pointed, refrain from discussing mundane topics, and maintain a pure heart.[16] (4) The act of repeating the holy name, both day and night, is described as a means to increase repentance and fix the mind on the Lord.[17] (5) The act of reciting or repeating the holy names as a form of devotion.[18]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Chanting refers to the recitation of the mantra-prayer, a spiritual practice intended to invoke the blessings and pleasure of Lord Balarama.[19] (2) The act of singing or reciting sacred verses or sounds during the bathing ritual.[20] (3) The act of reciting or repeating the mantra.[21]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Chanting, specifically the Holy Name of Krishna, is a practice described in the Vishnu-dharma as having the ability to turn to ashes ten million of the worst sins.[22] (2) It is the act of singing the Holy Name of the Lord with devotion.[23]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) An activity involving the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, done for several hours with closed eyes, deeply hearing and depending completely on mercy.[24]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) Chanting of verses from the Sixteenth Chapter of the Shrimad Bhagavad-gita is presented as a practice that leads to spiritual attainment and control over anger.[25]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Relates to Sama, which is the act of vocalization considered to be supported by the voice.[26]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) This refers to the act of reciting or singing the Stotra, which is done by the Saman-chanters, the priests, and the sacrificer.[27]
The concept of Chanting in local and regional sources
The text indicates that "chanting" refers to the act of reciting or singing religious texts, specifically the Ramayana. The subject of the text, as a boy, was deeply engrossed in listening to these Ramayana chants.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) In boyhood Swamiji had a great predilection for hearing the chanting of the Ramayana by professional singers, and he would be so deeply engrossed in it as to forget all about home.[28]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The repeated act of reciting or singing Kantham's name, which the speaker desires to continue eternally.[29]
The concept of Chanting in scientific sources
Chanting is a religious practice involving devoted repetition. The text lists chanting alongside meditation, temple residence, robes, and shaved heads as examples of religious devotion.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) A ritual that provided linguistic tropes and prompted the theorisation of properties, identifiers, and symbolic words, where individuals saw how words could substitute for realities.[30] (2) It is among the religious practices to which individuals devote themselves, alongside meditation, residing in a nearby temple, wearing monastic robes, and having their heads shaved.[31]