Why Chant?
Chanting is used for many purposes.
- a part of a meditation practice
- a memorization tool
- re-direct our thoughts in a more productive and beneficial direction
- an expression of worship and devotion
- It can be used to celebrate life, respect, and divine principles
What are the benefits of Chanting?
Chanting can help settle a troubled mind. It can help focus a scattered mind. It can bring our physical bodies into a more peaceful state. It can be used to reinforce both secular and religious principles and ideas. It can also help us feel more connected to each other and to our divine source. The way we breathe while chanting (with long exhales and shorter inhales) helps reduce the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and counteract our ‘fight or flight’ response.
Are there drawbacks?
Chanting too long without water can make you thirsty. Feeling open to the larger experience of existence may frighten some people who have limited or excessively conservative mindsets. Sometimes chants don’t sound pretty, but that’s not the point.
If one enters a long practice of chanting and is not physically ready, the worst effect may be sore muscles from sitting for a long period of time, and possibly general fatigue (although it can be very sweet fatigue after a good chanting session). This will diminish as our chanting practice progresses. It is amazing how a chanting practice can increase our awareness and stamina.
Do I have to be a good singer to chant?
Fortunately chanting has no requirements for vocal ability. Anyone with a voice can chant. It is a highly personalized activity that meets us where we are, and affects us with good vibrations, regardless of our talent or ability..
