Chanting is a universal practice among all sects of Buddhism. The various schools of Buddhism have their own rituals, mantras, and melodies that go along with the practice. While the act of chanting can be varied there are some core themes that span across all sects. The most plain-to-see being the blurring of the self and others. This may seem strange to non-buddhists. While it may seem strange at first, a similar phenomenon can be found all across the world in an unlikely place: sports arenas.
What is the Buddhist Concept of Non-Self?
There are many reasons that Buddhists chant. For the purpose of this article we’ll focus on the Buddhist concept of non-self or Anatta. Non-self, selflessness, or Anatta is the idea that there is no permanent, unchanging essence or self that is separate from the outside world or reality. In other words, no one thing is separate from every other thing, including people! Buddhists believe we are all interconnected and that what we believe to be our “selves” or “souls” are the result of dependent arising. This means all things in existence are dependent on other things. Everything and everyone are interconnected.
How is Buddhist Chanting Related to Anatta?
It’s entirely possible to chant by yourself but many Buddhists encourage you to do it with a Sangha. The act of chanting with a group is a physical representation of interdependence and dependent arising. When Buddhists Chant together they experience the interdependence of all beings. Chanting in unison with others lessens the delusion of self. Our voices merging into one is an auditory representation of our oneness in the universe.
Finding Buddhist Chanting Principles Modern Sports Arenas
You may have experienced this if you’ve ever been to a professional hockey, football or baseball game. After a big hit on the ice, a grand slam over the outfield wall or a Hail Mary pass that finds a receiver in the end zone an eruption of “Let’s Go (insert team name)” or primal screams of joy will start raining down from the stands. In these moments we cease to be ourselves and are engulfed in the enthusiasm and oneness of being a fan of our team. We become interdependent with everyone around us. Our personal opinions, goals and fears melt away. For that brief moment in time we are one. We are selfless. We are chanting for our team much like Buddhists chanting sutras. We are experiencing interdependence.