Chanting is a powerful tool that has been used for centuries in most of the world's religions. When one repeats sacred words in a meditative state, it releases a vibration that extends to the furthest reaches of the Universe. While chanting can be just as powerful when practiced by one person, the experience of chanting can be one hundred fold when practiced by groups. I have used chanting in many of the spiritual paths I have explored over the years and currently utilize several chants as a Shin Buddhist. On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to lead a small group of interested people, some Buddhist, some of other faiths, in simultaneous chants for peace, compassion, and oneness with the Universe. We chanted Om Mani Padme Hum, Nembutsu, and Om at the same time. There were 2-3 people carrying each chant and the way the three chants reverberated about our space, off each other, and within was truly transformational. It was an experiment for me. I had never attempted to do simultaneous chants that were related but used completely different words. The way the vibrations began to blend was as if the three chants became one and also reminded me of the way the sounds of drums in a drum circle will become as one without any conscious effort from the participants. It's a wonderful example and experience of Universal Oneness.
The Buddha said that the mind is a creator; it paints reality like an artist paints a portrait. Your mind's portrait is the life you are leading right at this moment. Through the practice of the following Eightfold Daily Observances, and Practices you can transform your inner reality and “paint” a new life, full of liberation, peace and joy, thereby positively transforming your life and the world you live in. ...[T]he observance ends with the (chanting) of the Nembutsu - Namu-Amida-Butsu, as the living embodiment of the Oneness of reality (Buddha-nature) manifesting itself in our hearts and minds.
The vibration produced by chanting Om in the physical universe corresponds to the original vibration that first arose at the time of creation.
