It depends much upon the particular school of Buddhism as to what mantras are used in particular ceremonies. However the most commonly used mantras in Chinese Buddhism are The Great Compassion Mantra, The Shurangama mantra, the Heart Sutra and the Ten Small Mantras. Most often these mantras are chanted as part of the morning ceremony.
Mantras can be a single sound, word or group of words which are able to affect transformation of our consciousness. Almost all Chinese mantras have come from Pali or Sanskrit texts. Early Chinese monks made transliterations of the original mantras into Chinese sounds and words. Chinese culture had a huge impact on early Buddhism in China and it was considered that the Chinese language contained a certain linguistic purity. Certainly the original Chinese characters could contain whole meaning within one character and this was considered sacred and important. Gradually over time the mantras became woven into the fabric of not only Chinese liturgical Buddhism but also within the lay culture itself as devotees memorized and used the mantras in order to bring about favourable circumstances as well as healing.
The Sanskrit word “mantra” has the meaning of “holding in thought”. Thus the mantra is used to purify the mind and create higher vibrations of sound to diminish or to remove Karmic obstacles. The mantra becomes like a seed which is implanted in the mind that begins to displace the negative Karmic influences; it is a bit like large plants pushing aside weeds in the garden.
Mantras can be recited silently or chanted aloud during meditation. They are best chanted aloud as this involves all the senses of the body allowing the tones of the words to become absorbed into the subtle consciousness of the mind. It is not unusual after continual chanting of a mantra to not only feel oneself drifting into a semi-trance like state but also to be aware of the mantra “playing” continually in one’s sleep.
Are mantras magical cures? While Mantras in Buddhism do have a very powerful effect we must be careful not to relegate the mantras to a mere talisman. The Mantra is but one expedient to the path of enlightenment along with the reading and reciting of sutras and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. They are to be approached with sincerity of heart and devotion to the Buddha Way.
Mantras are the essential oils of the Sutras. They contain within a few short words and sounds the pure essence of the Buddha’s teaching. Sutras are often long and not easy to commit to memory while mantras can be easily remembered and recited. In that sense they become part of us and we can take them wherever we go.
One such mantra in Pure Land Buddhism is the chant to Amitabha Buddha “Namo Amitofuo”. Chanted to the traditional music this mantra soothes the mind becoming absorbed deep into the consciousness and displacing lifetimes of negative Karma while at the same time planting seeds of good causes and conditions.
So how does this mantra work? A Mantra basically works on the law of displacement in a similar way of displacing a glass of muddy water with pure water. By continually placing drops of pure water into a glass of muddy water the dirty water gradually overflows and is displaced leaving crystal clear water. In the same way the mantra displaces the negative Karma planting the seed of Bodhi Mind.
How to use a Mantra. In our meditation retreats at Guang Jue Temple China and at the T’ai Shen Centre in Sydney I usually introduce the most simple and effective of Mantras, chanting the Buddha Name “Namo Amitofuo”. The chanting of mantras is best done in the morning and evening. The morning chanting prepares and focuses the mind for the coming day and the evening chanting soothes the mind at the end of the day planting seed that nurtures during the sleeping hours. Find a quiet place. Light incense and candle if available. Take a few moments to still the mind and body by concentrating on the breathing. Focus on the words Namo Amitofuo then begin to gently chant the words over and over maintaining concentration on the words. As you chant listen to the words as they are intoned and allow the sound to become absorbed into your whole body. If you have pain or an illness allow the sound and focus to be directed to that part of the body releasing negative Karma. Do remember, however, that Karma is the effect of both good and bad causes and conditions. Sometimes we must live out those effects. However reciting and meditating with a mantra can enable us to live a joyful life in spite of the struggle knowing that we are planting new causes and conditions.
May the merits created by your chanting mantras bring you peace and supreme happiness.
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