The Significance of Paritta Chanting
诵经
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.
诵念佛陀以巴利语讲述的经典，能获得祝福和保护。
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.
诵念巴利文经典是一种普遍的佛教仪式，特别是奉行以巴利语为主的上座部佛教国家。很多重要的经典，是由佛陀的上座弟子结集的。这些原始经典，原本抄写在贝叶上，后来编汇成巴利语诵念的《护卫经》。这些经文选自《经藏》中的《长部》、《中部》、《相应部》、《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.
佛教徒以巴利语诵念《护卫经》。诵念《护卫经》能保护信徒们不受邪灵、灾难、病魔、星宿的影响和获得信心。诵经的声浪，能使得周围环境安祥、宁静。诵经的节奏也很重要，出家人以不同的节奏在不同的场合下，协调的诵念不同的经典。早期的人类已经发现到某些音调和节奏能令听者在心灵产生宁静与安祥。还有，声调也能和护法神感应，声调同时也对那些低等众生，如：蛇类等、精灵道、鬼道、产生一种好的影响。因此，协调的音调和正确的节奏是诵念巴利文经典的重要组成部份。
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.
有节奏的诵经不仅是佛教的仪式，同时也是所有宗教推行的仪式。我们可以从回教徒诵念《古兰经》和兴都教徒梵文诵经仪式中发现这一点。基督教和它的各别教派，如：天主教、东正教，也都采取了各种优美的诵经方式为主要的宗教仪式。
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.
诵经能生起三种巨大和强烈的力量，这就是佛、法、僧三宝的力量。佛教徒信奉三宝，三宝能为人类带来很大的祝福。
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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