Chanting brings countless benefits especially when done with sincerity. These benefits bless not only ourselves but also our family and friends when we chant and dedicate the blessings to them. But how should one chant and can chanting really transform our fate? This article will help you understand the significance and benefits of chanting, as well as how to do it at home. Readers will also be introduced to the “Chanting for Three Generations” method advocated by Grandmaster JinBodhi, which is a way to pray for blessings for our ancestors, ourselves, and our future generations.
What is Chanting? What are the Benefits?
Chanting is a simple yet meaningful spiritual practice. By continuously chanting the name of the Buddha, either aloud or silently in our heart, our mind is purified, karmic obstacles eliminated, and our mental states elevated. Chanting frequently with sincerity yields various significant benefits:
1.Protection from Calamities:
Chanting frequently protects us from natural disasters and accidents, ensuring safety even in dire situations.
2.Mental and Physical Purification and Protection against Nightmares:
Chanting helps eliminate distractions, purifying the mind to help us sleep peacefully without nightmares.
3.Karmic Obstacle Elimination for a Smooth Life:
Sincere chanting can eliminate karmic obstacles and attract merits for a smoother life.
4.Wisdom Boost for Better Work and Academic Performance:
Chanting enhances wisdom, helps us get rid of bad habits, and steers us towards the right path, which can improve our academic and career performance.
5.Improved Appearance:
Frequent chanting may lead to changes in appearance, such as brighter eyes, healthier skin, fleshier palms, fresher body odor, etc. All of these signify improved luck and merits.
6.Compassion Cultivation to Become One with Heaven:
Chanting not only nurtures compassion but also connects us with all beings in the Universe if done with sincerity.
How to Chant and the “Three Lifetimes Chanting to Buddha Method”
Should we chant aloud or silently? The choice depends on our environment; if it does not disturb others, it is better to chant aloud. Here are three ways to chant:
- Silent Way: Silently chant within the heart without moving the lips.
- Bodhisattva Way: Chant at a volume only you can hear.
- Vajra Way: Repeatedly chant the authentic way in a non-disruptive environment for the best result.
Grandmaster JinBodhi reminds all practitioners that we chant to dedicate our blessings to all beings around the world. As such, what matters is our sincerity, not volume.
“Chanting for Three Generations” Method
This method is introduced by Grandmaster JinBodhi. It focuses on chanting and dedicating the blessings for three generations: ancestors (past), ourselves (present), and future generations. It emphasizes that by sincerely chanting for our parents (past), it helps to improve our (present) life. Additionally, by chanting for our children (future), we can bless them with a brighter future. The method stresses filial piety and the positive impact it has on our lives.
Real-Life Stories of Life Transformation Thanks to Chanting
Is it true that chanting with sincerity helps connect us to the buddhas and bodhisattvas? Here are two real-life stories that demonstrate how chanting can lead to the transformation of fate:
a) Miraculous Rescue from Drowning:
“Twenty years ago, I fell into the sea and as I was sinking, I chanted “Namo Guanyin Bodhisattva” three times in my heart. After that, it felt as if someone was holding me up, and the next thing I knew I was magically lifted to the surface by an unknown force.
b) Divine Intervention in a Car Accident:
“Two years ago, while I was chanting at night, the portrait of Guanyin Bodhisattva suddenly fell from the altar. I thought it might be a bad omen, so I quickly called my husband and asked him to come home immediately. A few minutes after he got home, his friend called to say that the colleague he had just left had been in a car accident and was on the way to the hospital. My husband was supposed to be with that colleague. I believe it was Guanyin Bodhisattva’s intervention that my husband avoided this disaster.”
How to Chant and Chanting Dos and Don’ts:
Once you have a basic understanding of chanting, you may have more questions. Is there anything you should not do when chanting? How do you chant at home? Here are some chanting reminders:
- Be safe and comfortable when chanting. For those who are sitting, choose a chair with back support and armrests to prevent falling off the chair.
- Avoid sitting near air conditioning vents, drafts, or direct fans.
- Wear loose, natural-fiber clothing for comfort. Cover your back and thighs with a blanket to prevent catching cold.
- If you feel drowsy while chanting, try opening your eyes. Most importantly, chant with sincerity.
- Avoid being too hungry or too full while chanting, as this can affect concentration and effectiveness.
Bodhi Meditation Chanting Class
For those interested in learning how to chant, joining a chanting class at the nearest center is recommended, as the centers not only come with a conducive environment suitable for chanting but also provide expert guidance to ensure each participant learns the correct way to chant.
If attending in person is not feasible, online courses are also available (puticollege.com). You can also follow Grandmaster JinBodhi’s Facebook page and YouTube channel for updates on related courses.
Extra Reading:
Eliminate Disasters and Increase Longevity Chanting Class (2022) – Testimonials