understanding its discursive meaning is not a viola-
tion of the text, but the fulfillment of it.
Just as single words can epitomize entire pages, so
can the title of a scripture embrace its totality. Chant-
ing sutra titles is a common practice, and in Japan,
for example, the basic practice of NICHIREN SCHOOL
Buddhism is chanting the phrase Namu Myoho-
renge-kyo (Homage to the Lotus Sutra). While
Nichiren Buddhists chant the text of the LOTUSSU-
TRA(SADDHARMAPUNDARIKA-SUTRA) as well, chant-
ing the Japanese title, Myoho-renge-kyo,is a necessary
and sufficient means for relating the truth of the
sutra to the individual believer and his or her con-
cerns. Chanted repeatedly, the title itself bears the
power of the entire scripture, and is regarded by some
Nichiren traditions as the main object of worship. The
popular Sanskrit mantra, OMMANI PADME HUM(Praise
be the jewel lotus) and its Tibetan version, not only
evokes the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokites ́vara,
but also epitomizes all of the Buddhist teachings.
In a similar manner, chanting the name of a deity
evokes all of its power. One of the most popular prac-
tices in East Asia is chanting the name of the Buddha
of the Western Paradise (Sanskrit, AMITABHA; Japan-
ese, Amida; Chinese, Amituo). Pure Land Buddhist
traditions are built on recitations of Amitabha’s name,
and countless Japanese Buddhists over the centuries
have chanted the phrase Namu Amida Butsu(Homage
to Amitabha Buddha) in hopes that they will be reborn
into Amitabha’s pure land. This practice is known as
the nenbutsuin Japan, nianfoin China, and yo ̆mbulin
Korea.
All of these terms conflate recitation with MIND-
FULNESS. Nenbutsu,for instance, means to be mindful
of a buddha, and does not signify chanting. The term,
however, is used synonymously with chanting because
a proper state of mindfulness is essential to it. In ad-
dition to the formulaic words or phrases, which are
also known as MANTRA, it is the quality of mind that
distinguishes chanting from other oral functions such
as speaking and singing. The effectiveness of mantras
in bringing about intended effects depends on the
chanter’s state of mind, as well as the power of the
words and the format of articulation.
Chanting is a form of sacred music, and its ritual
format often includes instrumental accompaniment.CHANTING ANDLITURGY
A monk beats a drum as other monks pray at the Ivolginski Datsan Temple in Buryatiya, Siberia, 2002. © Oleg Nikishin/Getty Im-
ages. Reproduced by permission.