Prayer vs Chanting/Recitation:

Praying (according to Cambridge Dictionary) is defined as :

• address a solemn request or expression of thanks to a deity or other object of worship.

  • "the whole family is praying for Michael"

• wish or hope strongly for a particular outcome or situation.

  • "after several days of rain, we were praying for sun"

Chanting (according to Cambridge Dictionary) is defined as:

• to repeat or sing a word or phrase continuously:

  • The crowd were chanting the team's name.

  • Demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans in the square.

It is important to note that Buddhist monks are prohibited from deity worship and even horoscopes! They understand the consequences of Kamma (Karma in Sanskrit) and therefore do not “pray” for certain outcomes.

Chanting helps us remind ourselves of generosity, moral/ethical conduct and meditative absorption that helps to create a protective barrier of good deeds (good khamma). To the unawakened person, it looks like a person of high conduct is incredibly lucky, protected from harm, and able to perform miracles.

The chanting guides listed here is intended for you to understand why the words are chosen for blessings.