What do we chant?

The origin comes from the Nirvana Sutra, when the Buddha was on his deathbed and told the monks to practise visualising him (Buddhasmrti) in order to calm their agitated minds. If it was too hard to keep the Buddha's image in mind, the best way to help them was to say the Buddha’s name, but as the word has a beginning and an end, one had to keep repeating it to maintain the Buddha’s image in mind.

Amida Buddhists chant primarily to achieve rebirth in the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, known as Sukhavati, where it is easier to attain enlightenment. This practice, known as "nianfo" or "nembutsu," involves reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha, such as "Namu Amida Butsu" in Japanese or "Namo Amituofo" in Chinese and other variations.

Chanting serves several purposes:

1. Spiritual Focus and Mindfulness: Chanting helps practitioners concentrate, eliminating defiled thoughts and fostering a pure mind. This focus aids in the cultivation of a peaceful and serene state, reducing everyday worries.

2. Expression of Gratitude and Connection: Chanting is a way to express gratitude and connect with the unconditional love and compassion embodied by Amitabha Buddha. It acknowledges human limitations while embracing the universal presence of Buddha's teachings.

3. Accessible Practice: Pure Land chanting is simple and can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their intellectual or moral standing. It provides hope and spiritual security, promising rebirth in the Pure Land and eventual Buddhahood.

Overall, chanting in Amida Buddhism is a devotional practice that combines mindfulness, gratitude, and the aspiration for spiritual rebirth.