Vipassana Meditation Master
Acharavadee Wongsakon
Chanting is an essential starting point to receive protective energy from the Triple Gem – theBuddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. It serves as a refuge, a shield from harm, and a way to pause from the chaotic world. Chanting helps develop mindfulness and concentration by focusing the mind on the sacred verses.
Pali chants are streams of mindful thought directed toward the Triple Gem, creating merit and opening oneself to their protective energy. While chantingisn’t directly prescribed in Buddhist teachings, it is mentioned in the Scriptures. For instance, the Buddha taught the prayer called Seven Factors of Enlightenment to his disciples. The prayer helped heal himself and disciples including his prominent disciples, Maha Kassapa and Maha Moggallana.
All existence is energy, including the mind and sound. Chanting with faith and mindfulness aligns one’s mind with virtuous energy. It’s a form of devotion to the Buddha and is easier to begin than formal meditation or insight practice. I’d like to recommend the following three chants which are very sacred.
1. Tisarana (Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem)
“Buddham saranam gacchāmi
Dhammam saranam gacchāmi
Sangham saranam gacchāmi
Dutiyampi Buddham saranam gacchāmi Dutiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchāmi Dutiyampi Sangham saranam gacchāmi Tatiyampi Buddham saranam gacchāmi Tatiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchāmi Tatiyampi Sangham saranam gacchāmi”
It was recommended by Somdet Phra Buddhacarya (Toh Phrommarangsi), one of Thailand’s most respected Buddhist monks and masters, it is known for powerful protective energy. There was a tale of him repelling a giant centipede sent by black magicians by chanting this. It serves as a gateway to spiritual strength and practice.
2. Jinapanjara Gatha (Victory Protection Chant)
“Jayāsanāgatā Buddhā Chetvā Mārang Savāhanang Catusaccāsabhang Rasaṃ Ye Pivinsu Narāsabhā…”
This chant invokes the protective energy of the Triple Gem over the entire body. It enhances both worldly and spiritual success, shielding one from harm and enemies. Chant 1–3 rounds daily to allow time for meditation as well.
The key to effective chanting is to chant with concentration, awareness, and genuine faith.
3. Phra Chaiya Mongkhon Gatha or Pahung Mahākā(Victory Blessings Chant)
This is a calming, devotional chant that praises the Buddha’s victories.
“Bhavatu sabba maṅgalaṃ, rakkhantu sabba devatā
Sabbabuddhānubhāvena sadā sotthi bhavantu te Bhavatu sabba maṅgalaṃ, rakkhantu sabba devatā Sabbadhammānubhāvena sadā sotthi bhavantu te Bhavatu sabba maṅgalaṃ, rakkhantu sabba devatā Sabbasaṅghānubhāvena sadā sotthi bhavantu te”Especially powerful is the final stanza: “Bhavatu sabba mangalam…”
This chant has very powerful loving-kindness energy. When it’s directed to our enemy or stubborn/rough people, it can soften and draw them toward virtue. It also bring auspiciousness and enduring well-being into one’s life.
Chanting just 5–15 minutes a day is a simple yet powerful way to generate merit. Life is propelled by past and present Karma. Without making new merit, we may be overwhelmed by negative Karma when it manifests.
Don’t rely solely on mechanical acts of merit like dropping coins in donation boxes without mindful intent. Do it with sincere intention and understanding how merit works truly empowers your life.
Yet chanting is just the beginning. One should also develop themselves through meditation and insight practice. Otherwise, That person’s spiritual potential remains stunted. Life is impermanent, and we all share the same final destination. The path we walk, however, depends on our Karma.
Chanting is a powerful first step that steadies the mind toward that ultimate goal. Doing it daily is an invaluable way to reward your life.
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