The Role of Chanting and Prayer in Buddhism: A Multidimensional Review
International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education 2026 DOI: 10.20431/2349-0381.1303002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Buddhism |
| Keywords | Prayer Field mathematics Context archaeology Test biology |
| Key findings | Vocal practices including chanting and prayer are crucial vehicles for transmitting doctrine, cultivating virtues, regulating mental states, and constructing religious communities in Buddhism. |
Abstract
While early Western scholarship often portrayed Buddhism as a rational philosophy emphasizing individual meditation and ethical discipline, contemporary research increasingly recognizes vocal practices including sutta recitation, paritta chanting, mantra repetition, and devotional invocation as crucial vehicles for transmitting doctrine, cultivating virtues, regulating mental states, and constructing religious communities (Kumar, 2023;Yulianti, 2012;Perry et al., 2021).The term "chanting" in Buddhist contexts typically refers to rhythmic vocal recitation of canonical texts (Pli suttas, Sanskrit stras), protective formulas (paritta, rak), and mantras or dhras, often performed in liturgical languages not fully understood by lay participants (Kumar, 2023;Piyadassi, 1999;Payne, 2018)."Prayer" overlaps significantly with aspirational verses, bodhisattva vows, and invocations directed toward buddhas, bodhisattvas, or protective deities, particularly prominent in Mahyna and Vajrayna traditions where relational devotion and supplication are more explicitly articulated (Kumar, 2023;Jones, 2021;Beer, 2003).Unlike theistic petitionary prayer, much Buddhist prayer emphasizes aspiration for universal welfare, confession of unwholesome actions, and dedication of merit, though popular practice also includes requests for protection, health, prosperity, and favorable rebirth (