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THE POWER Of TRUTH
The content of the Ancient Buddhist Chant was invariably Buddha's
own Teaching (Dharma), usually his own discourses to his disciples
along with sepetatone benedictions through the intercession of the
power of the Truth or the Enlightened One. It is mentioned in the
Buddhist literature that people from various religious traditions
sought benedictions from Sakyamuni Buddha, who became known as a
healer, at different times when people encountered misfortunes and
when they were scared of invisible evil forces. For example, the
royal family and the people of the Kingdom, when stricken by menacing
epidemics, sought protection and blessings from Sakyamuni Buddha
who later asked his personal attendant, Ananda, upon the request
from the royal family, to chant the Discourse on Jewels by sprinkling
water around the city of Visala.
The Chant itself, devoid of any sensual stimuli, is intended to
inspire in both the chanter and the audience total dispassion and
detachment (anatta) and concentration. Usually chanted in unison
by an entire congregation of Buddhist monks in "recto tone",
ancient Buddhist Chant creates an impressive atmosphere of serenity
and even grandeur. While no such mystical union as in the care of
the Gregorian chant forms intended, its gear, earthly appeal renders
one to be intensely contemplative.
The Ancient Buddhist Chant has been used for therapeutic purposes
since the time of Buddha. It's no small significance that early
Buddhist missionary monks sent to West by Indian Emperor, Asoka
the Great came to be known as therapeutics in the Greco-Roman world.
Among the many discourses, Buddhist chant derives from three fundamental
discourses, normally chosen by ancient Buddhist teachers, of Sakyamuni
Buddha, the Fully Awakened One. These discourses, which contain
the word of Sakyamuni Buddha, were preserved in Pali, the ancient
language the Buddha spoke. The Discourse on Blessings, the Discourse
on Jewels and the Discourse on Universal Goodwill are the three
key discourses. These are daily recited by Buddhist monks and lay
people alike for inspirational experience.
The Discourse on Blessings (Mangala Sutta from the Sutta Nipata)
contains thirty-six characteristic benedictions identified by Buddha
himself as being most noble and propitious. These benedictions,
when recited with focused attention, advance inner peace and serene
joy. The Discourse on Jewels (Ratana Sutta, another discourse from
the Sutta Nipata) offers a remedial technique through contemplation
on spiritual riches bestowed by the Holy Triple Gem - Buddha (Fully
Awakened One), Dhamma (Doctrine) and Sangha (the community of monks
and nuns). It is said that an ancient city stricken by three menacing
epidemics, evil spirits, diseases and famine was saved and continued
to be protected by the healing power of this discourse.
The Discourse on Universal Goodwill (Karaniya Metta Sutta, another
discourse chosen from the Sutta Nipata) contains a meditative theme
on universal love and compassion which during Sakyamuni Buddha's
own life time came to the aid of a group of monks to continue to
live in their forest habitations unhindered by fear of evil spirits.
Building self-confidence and strength seem to be the primary objective
of this popular Discourse on Universal Goodwill. Next>>
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