How to Chant a Prayer in Buddhism: 12 Steps

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How to Chant a Prayer in Buddhism: 12 Steps
How to Chant a Prayer in Buddhism: 12 Steps

Video: How to Chant a Prayer in Buddhism: 12 Steps

Video: How to Chant a Prayer in Buddhism: 12 Steps
Video: Buddhism and the 12 Steps 2024, November
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Buddhism does not have “main” prayers like other religions, but praying to this religion is a spiritual dialogue that will help you to center yourself mentally and emotionally. As you begin to pray, imagine the creature you mention is happy and at peace. Imagine your loving thoughts reaching out, touching and hugging them and making them happy and at peace.

Step

Method 1 of 2: Chanting a Prayer in Buddhism

I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 1
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 1

Step 1. Get into good posture, be aware and steady your breathing

Before praying, take a deep breath, take a comfortable position and close your eyes. Focus on the position you have determined, when you feel comfortable, focus your attention. Now you can absorb the prayer, not just say it.

Candles, fragrances, and dim lights can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus more on prayer

I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 2
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 2

Step 2. Learn some basic mantras

Mantras are simple phrases that are chanted over and over again. You don't have to understand the whole point because it will fade when repeated over and over again. Chanting a mantra can help you avoid distraction.

  • Om mani padme hum:

    It is read as ohm man-ee pad-mae hoom, which means "I bow to the jewel in the lotus."

  • Oṃ Amideva Hrīḥ:

    It reads "OM Ami-dehva re." Or, in Indonesian, "To overcome all obstacles and obstacles"

  • Om A Ra Pa Ca Na Dhih:

    This mantra is believed to increase wisdom, critical thinking and writing skills. Emphasize the pronunciation of "Dhih" (pronounced Di) when chanting the mantra.

  • There are still tons of spells to chant, listen to the spell recordings to learn them quickly.
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 3
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 3

Step 3. Repeat and recite a simple prayer for the Three Jewels

This is a good prayer, a short prayer that can be repeated like a mantra. Always remember to focus on your spiritual development, don't just ask Buddha:

I take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha

Until I attain enlightenment.

With the collection of virtues that I do, both from practicing kindness and other virtues

May I attain enlightenment for the good of all beings.

  • Sangha means "community, group, or association." This word is usually associated with a community that believes in Buddhism.
  • Dharma is a universal truth that applies to all beings. It is the absolute power that binds and unites the world.
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 4
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 4

Step 4. Pray for the happiness and well-being of your friends and family

This prayer is an excellent way to thank those around you, and to strengthen your relationship with them.

May I always be well, happy and at peace.

May all my teachers always be in good condition, happy and peaceful.

I hope my parents are always well, happy and peaceful.

I hope all my relatives are always in good condition, happy and peaceful.

I hope all my friends are always in good condition, happy and peaceful.

May all those who act indifferent always be well, happy and at peace.

May all my enemies always be well, happy and peaceful.

May all practitioners always be well, happy and at peace.

May all beings always be well, happy and peaceful.

I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 5
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 5

Step 5. Say a simple thanksgiving prayer before eating

Mealtime is an excellent time to relax and show gratitude for the worldly blessings you receive. Mealtime is when you can gather with people who are close and appreciate you. Say the following meal prayer:

I offer this food to the three gems

To the precious Buddha

To the precious Dharma

To the precious Sangha

Please bless this food as medicine

Which frees me from attachment and lust

So that I can use this body to work for the good of all beings.

I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 6
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 6

Step 6. Learn the Metta (loving-kindness) prayer

The following prayer is taken from the discourse of the Buddha, this prayer is very powerful and covers all the teachings of the Buddha, read it over and over again:

Bless that I may become skilled in discerning good and bad, bless that I may understand the way of peace,

Bless me to be able to produce good words, honest, straightforward, gentle and free from pride;

Bless me to have a quick attitude of being content, only a little burden, a simple life, the ability to control the senses, wisdom, free from pride and not attached to any nation, race, or group.

Bless me not to make the slightest mistake that would cause the Sage to rebuke me. Instead bless me to have these thoughts:

“May all beings be well and safe, may they all be well.

Any creature, whether moving or stationary, without exception, whether very long, long, medium, or short, whether very small or large,

Whether seen or not, whether near or far,

Has or has not been born; may all beings be happy.

May no beings deceive and insult each other. May no being desire the suffering of another being gripped by anger or hatred."

Like a mother who protects her only child at the risk of her life, so please bless me so that I can awaken thoughts of loving kindness to all beings throughout the universe.

Bless me to be able to awaken thoughts of boundless love to all beings in the world, above, below, and in all directions, without hindrance, without ill will or hatred.

Standing, walking, sitting, or lying down, free from indifference, bless me always to concentrate and remember this. This is called the path of truth.

I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 7
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 7

Step 7. Remember that prayer works for your spiritual development

Buddha is not a creator God although some practices consider him to be. So, prayer is not only meant as an offering to the Buddha. But more to your own spiritual development. If you want to pray, pray, think about the theology later. You can of course make your own mantra (with good words of course) and come up with your own way of praying, because there is no wrong way to practice.

There are countless ways to pray, and there is no single correct way of praying in Buddhism. You can pray and practice spiritually in a way that is comfortable for you, not necessarily according to what other people say

Method 2 of 2: Using Tibetan Prayer Beads

I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 8
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 8

Step 1. Use Mala to help you count the number of prayers or mantras

The Tibetan prayer beads, also known as Malas, are not used as a punishment or as a standard. The mala is similar to the rosary and is used to help, not hinder your spiritual practice.

  • Counting Mala grains will activate your body while praying. This makes 3 things move at once, namely the body (mala), mind (prayer), and mind (visualization).
  • You can use Mala to recite any prayer or mantra as per your wish.
  • Mala can be purchased online, at Buddhist monasteries or in Tibetan shops.
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 9
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 9

Step 2. Understand the composition of Mala

There are usually 108 <ala beads in Tibetan prayer beads, plus one larger mala or "mala head". You will complete approximately 100 recitations of prayers/mantras when using the mala, the other 8 serve as backup in case you miscalculate or skip some mala items.

Some people believe that the head of the mala has a special meaning, and sometimes the head of the mala is called the "teacher grain". This Mala item is a Guru who will guide you while reading the prayer rounds

I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 10
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 10

Step 3. Do the recitation of the prayer for each item of Mala

Close your eyes and feel the first mala grain, usually the mala head. Recite the complete prayer or mantra, then move on to the next mala item, feeling the mala you are holding. Some people use different spells for different sizes of mala, try it if you have several mala of different sizes.

  • You can use your right or left hand to count the mala items.
  • Don't worry if your mala usage isn't "perfect". Focus on visualizing your prayer, becoming aware of yourself. Become aware of your physical place by holding the mala grain.
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 11
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 11

Step 4. Don't skip Mala guru after you finish the first round

When you have completed the first round, continue with the lap in the same direction.

This is a symbol that means you will not “step over” your teacher

I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 12
I'm a Buddhist Prayer Step 12

Step 5. Keep your Mala in a clean place, high or wear it around your neck or hands

There's nothing wrong with wearing a mala, carry it with you so you can count your prayers anywhere. If you don't have one, hang it somewhere safe or place it on your altar.

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