Benefits of Mindful Chanting of the Buddha
The Ten Immediate Benefits of Practicing Buddha-name Chanting
Some may say the practice of meditative mindfulness seems merely have experiences of weariness and fatigue with no practical benefits. That’s why it’s likely some practitioners slack and gradually retrogress in their path of enlightenment. But such saying is a misunderstanding and incomprehensive.
Buddhist sutras say that those who invoke the Buddha’s name with utmost sincerity will derive ten greats benefits in this very life. These are the ten benefits described by Buddha Sakyamuni himself, as recorded in the sutra teachings.
Ten Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness of the Buddha (Buddha-name Recitation):
1. Day and night they enjoy the invisible protection of all celestial beings, powerful deities, and the their multitudes of retainers
2. Twenty-five great Bodhisattvas, including the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Kuan Yin) and other Bodhisattvas, constantly keep them in mind and protect them
3. They enjoy the continuous aid and protection of the Buddhas; Amitabha Buddha emits constant light to gather them in
4. No evil demons, ferocious dragons, poisonous snakes or the like can harm them
5. They do not meet with such calamities as drowning, burning or other violent death; nor do they encounter such punishment as being shackled and imprisoned
6. Previous evil karma is gradually dissipated; the souls of those whom they have murdered in past lives are liberated and no longer seek revenge
7. They have restful sleep or dream of auspicious events or view the supremely wonderful body of Amitabha Buddha
8. Their Minds are always joyful and at peace, their complexions clear and bright, their bodies filled with energy and strength; whatever they undertake generally meets with success
9. They are always honored and assisted by others, and are gladly accorded the respect reserved for the Buddhas
10. At the time of death, they do not experience fright, as right thoughts manifest themselves; they witness Amitabha Buddha and the Lotus Sacred Assembly bearing the golden lotus dais, to welcome and escort them to the Pure Land, where they will enjoy peace of Mind and happiness forever
As Buddha-name Recitation can bring such benefits in the present and in the future, such practice should be taken as the most important of all mundane and supra-mundane Dharma methods. Those who are serious practitioners should take this as one in a lifetime opportunity redouble their efforts and not to cast any doubt on this Dharma Door.
Resources:
Singleminded Practice of Buddha-name Chanting
Samples of chanting music of Amitabha Mindful collection.
