Hi, I'm a young teenager that just recently converted to Buddhism. I'm kind of confused about chanting and what it's supposed to do. Also, does anyone have any tips on bringing Buddhism into difficult relationships with siblings?
Thanks!
Chanting is a part of Buddhism that serves different purposes for different types of Buddhists. When Buddhists chant, it may be the recitation of a sutra (Sanskrit, or ancient Indian for discourse or "talk"). This is similar to how Christians would read from the bible. Chants can also be used in meditation, where they may be called "mantra", which is a phrase that the practitioner uses to focus on a certain quality or virtue. In Vajrayana Buddhism (Tibetan Buddhism is Vajrayana) chanting is seen as part of the Tantra (Tantric practices are meant to be tools that provide enlightenment more efficiently than just meditation).
As for the second part of your post, I'm not really sure what you mean. If you want to know how to use Buddhist practice to improve your relationship with your sibling(s), the most straightforward answer would be that while your sibling is ultimately responsible for his/her own speech and actions, you can improve the relationship through patience, kindness, and understanding, even and especially when you may not think they deserve it.
Here are some pages if you'd like more information on chanting:
Chanting is a part of Buddhism that serves different purposes for different types of Buddhists. When Buddhists chant, it may be the recitation of a sutra (Sanskrit, or ancient Indian for discourse or "talk"). This is similar to how Christians would read from the bible. Chants can also be used in meditation, where they may be called "mantra", which is a phrase that the practitioner uses to focus on a certain quality or virtue. In Vajrayana Buddhism (Tibetan Buddhism is Vajrayana) chanting is seen as part of the Tantra (Tantric practices are meant to be tools that provide enlightenment more efficiently than just meditation).
As for the second part of your post, I'm not really sure what you mean. If you want to know how to use Buddhist practice to improve your relationship with your sibling(s), the most straightforward answer would be that while your sibling is ultimately responsible for his/her own speech and actions, you can improve the relationship through patience, kindness, and understanding, even and especially when you may not think they deserve it.
Here are some pages if you'd like more information on chanting:
