Archive for the ‘Chanting’ Category
Chanting is the phenomena whereby a word, phrase, syllable or song is repeated. The practice of chanting can be either using the voice in a verbalized form or repeated silently to oneself where no one else can hear. Some chanting practices are even whispered.
The purposes and objectives of chanting are many and it depends on the tradition.
In many traditions the ultimate aim of chanting is to reach enlightenment. Many of the Eastern traditions such as the Yogic, Vedic and Tantric traditions and also Buddhism and Hinduism have this objective. Chanting is believed to be a direct path to enlightenment, the highway to enlightenment according to the seekers on this path.
Meanwhile the concept of “mystical love” is the goal of other traditions such as in Sufism and here the mantra acts as the tool. It is through the chanting of mantras that this mystical love is cultivated.
In many other areas around the globe chanting can also be found, for example the indigenous cultures of Australia and America, the Aborigines and Native Indians. The practice of chanting is also found in Islamic, Jewish, Mongolian and Balinese traditions to name a few.
Through out all the traditions regarding the objective of chanting there are similar themes. As mentioned before chanting is a path to reach enlightenment and mystical union. Inward transformation, transcendence and achieving a union with the divine are other purposes. Chanting seems to act as some sort of bridge to reach other realms and as a means of connection.
Chanting could be said to be a universal phenomenon given that the practice occurs within so many traditions, cultures and regions of the world. There seems to be something inherent in the power of sound. In particular the use of the voice to cultivate power through chanting all the traditions seem to be aware of and are harnessing in their individual traditions and paths.
