The Significance of Paritta Chanting

　　誦經

　　Paritta chanting is the recital of some of the Sutras uttered by the Buddha in the Pali language for the blessing and protection of the devotees.

　　誦念佛陀以巴利語講述的經典，能獲得祝福和保護。

　　Paritta Chanting or Sutra Chanting is a well-known Buddhist practice conducted all over the world, especially in Theravada Buddhist countries where the Pali language is used for recitals. Many of these are important sutras from the basic teachings of the Buddha which were selected by His disciples. Originally, these sutras were recorded on ola leaves about two thousand years ago. Later, they were compiled into a book known as the ”Paritta Chanting Book”. The names of the original books from which these sutras were selected are the Anguttara Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya, Digha Nikaya, Samyutta Nikaya and Kuddaka Nikaya in the Sutra Pitaka.

　　誦念巴利文經典是一種普遍的佛教儀式，特別是奉行以巴利語爲主的上座部佛教國家。很多重要的經典，是由佛陀的上座弟子結集的。這些原始經典，原本抄寫在貝葉上，後來編彙成巴利語誦念的《護衛經》。這些經文選自《經藏》中的《長部》、《中部》、《相應部》、《增支部》和《小部》。

　　The sutras that Buddhists recite for protection are known as Paritta Chanting. Here ”protection” means shielding ourselves from various forms of evil spirits, misfortune, sickness and influence of the planetary systems as well as instilling confidence in the mind. The vibrant sound of the chanting creates a very pleasing atmosphere in the vicinity. The rhythm of the chanting is also important. One might have noticed that when monks recite these sutras, different intonations are adopted to harmonize with different sutras intended for different quarters. It was found very early during man”s spiritual development that certain rhythms of the human voice could produce significant psychological states of peacefulness and serenity in the minds of ardent listeners. Furthermore, intonation at certain levels would appeal to devas, whilst certain rhythms would created a good influence over lower beings like animals, snakes, or even spirits or ghosts. Therefore, a soothing and correct rhythm is an important aspect of Paritta Chanting.

　　佛教徒以巴利語誦念《護衛經》。誦念《護衛經》能保護信徒們不受邪靈、災難、病魔、星宿的影響和獲得信心。誦經的聲浪，能使得周圍環境安祥、甯靜。誦經的節奏也很重要，出家人以不同的節奏在不同的場合下，協調的誦念不同的經典。早期的人類已經發現到某些音調和節奏能令聽者在心靈産生甯靜與安祥。還有，聲調也能和護法神感應，聲調同時也對那些低等衆生，如：蛇類等、精靈道、鬼道、産生一種好的影響。因此，協調的音調和正確的節奏是誦念巴利文經典的重要組成部份。

　　The use of these rhythms is not confined to Buddhism alone. In every religion, when the followers recite their prayers by using the holy books, they follow certain rhythms. We can observe this when we listen to Quran reading by Muslims and the Veda Mantra Chanting by Hindu priests in the Sanskrit language. Some lovely chanting is also carried out by certain Christian groups, especially the Roman Catholic and Greek orthodox sects.

　　有節奏的誦經不僅是佛教的儀式，同時也是所有宗教推行的儀式。我們可以從回教徒誦念《古蘭經》和興都教徒梵文誦經儀式中發現這一點。基督教和它的各別教派，如：天主教、東正教，也都采取了各種優美的誦經方式爲主要的宗教儀式。

　　When the sutras are chanted, three great and powerful forces are activated. These are the forces of the Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangha., Buddhism is the combination of these ”Three Jewels” and when invoked together they can bring great blessing to mankind.

　　誦經能生起叁種巨大和強烈的力量，這就是佛、法、僧叁寶的力量。佛教徒信奉叁寶，叁寶能爲人類帶來很大的祝福。

　　The Buddha. He had cultivated all the great virtues, wisdom and enlightenment, developed His spiritual power and gave us His noble Teachings. Even though the physical presence of the Teacher is no more with us, His Teachings have remained for the benefit of mankind. Similarly, the man who discovered electricity is no more with us, yet by using his knowledge, the effect of his wisdom still remains. The illumination that we enjoy today is the result of his wisdom. The scientists who discovered atomic energy are no longer living, but the knowledge to use it remains with us. Likewise the Noble Teachings given us through the Buddha”s wisdom and enlightenment, are a most effective…

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