Ways of Reciting Mantras

Written by Lian-shen Living Buddha Sheng-yen Lu
Translated by Cheng Yew Chung edited by Victor Hazen
True Buddha Foundation Translation Team

Someone asked,
“It is known that there are many ways of reciting mantras, so which way is the best?”

I replied, “Indeed there are many ways to recite mantras, and it depends on the individual’s affinity to access the best way for his or her chanting. Each person has his or her own habits and preferences, and therefore the merits of reciting mantras are expressed in wondrous ways.

I shall list the different ways of reciting mantras as follows:

1. Loud and audible recitation – The merit of this approach is that all who hear the mantra shall have their karmic transgression removed. When reciting aloud, one may choose to use the mala or prayer beads for counting, or simply chant without the mala.

2. Soft recitation – It is audible to one’s ears. Recite at an easy and comfortable pace, ensuring that each syllable is recited clearly. This approach helps one enter meditative stability.

3. The Vajra recitation – The lips remain sealed and the tongue should not touch the palate, moving slightly within the mouth. This method of recitation is applied in a crowded place. When travelling overseas, riding on boats, cars, or planes, one can employ this method.

4. Breathing recitation – While breathing, imagine the Sanskrit mantra syllables flowing with the breath; an inflow of syllable is recited clearly, weaving the mantra syllables like a continuous string of luminous pearls that goes on and on. This is an approach that combines the breath counting visualisation method with mantra recitation. Its merits are remarkable, and the way of visualisation is wonderful.

5. Yogic recitation – Visualise the moon disc in one’s heart chakra in all its pure clarity. Within the moon disc is imprinted the Sanskrit seed syllable, surrounded by the Sanskrit mantra syllables. Visualise the mantra syllables moving clockwise in a full circle. Such is the yogic recitation. If the practitioner enters Samadhi through this recitation method, he shall become one with his principal deity, the merits of which are simply endless.

Mantra recitation also involves the process of empowering the mala seven times with a mantra, which have a multiplying effect of a thousand times per every complete round of recitation. This is the Thousand Wheel Turning Method which I have transmitted. This approach to mantra recitation increases merits swiftly.