Chanting – Joyful Path

Chanting is a simple, easy to learn practice that can have profound benefits. Research has shown that when we sing choral songs or chant mantras together that we breathe together, our hearts beat together and we may experience a sense of relaxation and deeper connection. When chanting alone, research indicates we might find that chanting reduces anxiety and depression, creates a sense of alignment, decreases mental chatter, releases neurosis, boosts immunity, cultivates compassion, and soothes the senses. It is possible that there are additional benefits to chanting mantras or prayers that have been said for hundreds or thousands of years. Joyful Path periodically offers workshops in chanting as well as private instruction. Below are some of the most common chants we cover in our classes, although we can also assist you individually in identifying and learning chants in your primary tradition.

How to Chant Mantras

There is a lot of helpful information on chanting and mantra — far more than can be covered in a single Web page. However, the following instruction can help you get started in a chanting practice.

You can say the mantra at any time, but for longer periods you can sit comfortably in a chair or on a cushion with the spine erect. The mantra is said or chanted in a circular manner so that there is no pause between ending the mantra and beginning it again. Some people find it helpful to say mantra in the car, but do not induce a meditative state if you are driving or operating heavy machinery or in situations where you need to be fully alert to stay safe.

Take a breath at any time, letting the mantra continue in your mind without pausing.
In public, you can recite mantra silently from the heart center.
In private it is best to say or chant the mantra out loud. You can do so very quietly or more loudly.
It some traditions it is not necessary to enunciate the mantra or to pronounce it perfectly, it is more important to just try it sincerely.
Chanting traditionally involves the body, speech and mind. For the body component, some people like to use prayer beads and pull one bead for each mantra. Prayer beads can be acquired at Joyful Path or in our shop. You do not need prayer beads to get started.

The Mantra of Compassion: Om Mani Padme Hum
The ‘Mani” mantra is said to be the most widely recited of all Buddhist mantras, and open to anyone who feels inspired to practice it. There are various ways of chanting this mantra, according to various traditions. The following short recording was made during a summer storm, when participants who were attending a teaching on altruism were asked to move to the basement of Joyful Path for their safety. The explanation of chanting continued as we waited out the storm. We feel the last few rounds of the chant are particularly sweet as the group comes together.

Listen to a short explanation and then chant the mantra: