Chant for Me

Recently, a woman asked me to recite a sutra at a specific time on a certain day. She requested this because that was the time she was to undergo a medical procedure. I had mixed emotions about the request for a few reasons.

One was a practical one. While it is helpful for others to chant on our behalf, it is not nearly as effective as when we ourselves chant. At the most, only 1/7^th of the merits generated by our chanting can be transferred to that individual. And that is the optimal amount. To transfer 1/7^th, we would have to focus single-mindedly on our chanting. If our attention wanders, the merit that can be transferred is reduced the more our mind wanders. So if the most we’re starting out with is only 1/7^th, we haven’t got far to go before the chanting generates a negligible amount of merits to transfer.

Also, because we are chanting for one person, our mind is narrow and exclusive, so the merits we generate will also be limited. What about the other people in the hospital who are undergoing medical procedures? Those who are undergoing procedures in hospitals in the United States? In hospitals throughout the world? All those who are ill? Suffering?

When we dedicate the merits from our practice and Buddhist work to all beings, with the sincere wish for all beings to end suffering and attain happiness, our merits will be so much greater than when we dedicate them to one being. And we don’t even need to think of ourselves. We’re one of the “all beings.” When all beings benefit, we benefit.

Comments

[Winston Hoo]

Venerable Wuling, it's great to know that you have a blog. I like listening to your Dharma Talks on the VCDs 'cuz you made them so understandable in English.

Just an hour ago, an uncle of mine passed away due to serious head injury from a road accident. He and his family had gone through a lot of obstacles for many many years and unfortunately, this incident has to happened as well. I hope my uncle will be free from suffering and pain...

Amituofo, Amituofo, Amituofo.

[Venerable Wuling]

Winston, I am so sorry about your uncle. May he be free from suffering and attain happiness. Amituofo...

[Yvonne Hammond]

Dear Ven. Wuling: I am enjoying your daily reminders on this website, and have a question on the correct protocol on when to wear our black "chanting " robes. A member of our sangha died and though I was very ill and couldn't attend, I heard that some people wore their black robes and Ven. said that it was incorrect to do so. She said, the robes are only to be worn for chanting at the temple, for Buddha. Does this mean I shouldn't wear my robe at home when chanting or reciting the Sutra? I am confused as to when it's appropriate, and feel embarrassed to ask at my temple.

Yvonne

[Venerable Wuling]

Yvonne,

On a number of occasions, the monastics from the Pure Land Learning College have attended funeral ceremonies for members from the Amitabha Buddhist Association of Queensland. Everyone wore their robes (haichings).

If you are attending a ceremony with a group from the same sangha and all agree to wear the robes, then it is appropriate to do so. When chanting or reading the sutra at home, you may wear either the robe or your everyday wear as long as it is neat and dignified.

Amituofo

[Yvonne Hammond]

Dear Venerable,

Thank you for clearing this up for me!

Amituofo