Chinese Buddhism

Paper Summary:

This paper describes the daily invocations and chanting, which comprise one part of Buddhist practice. The author points out that, contrary to what certain Christian observers have claimed, the daily rituals of Chinese Buddhist monks are not mere formulated exercises. The paper explains that these chants are , sophisticated rituals designed to extirpate uncleanliness from the spirit and achieve a higher state of moral and philosophical being.

From the Paper:

"This brief essay is a review of the sonorous and seemingly inscrutable chanting that informs Chinese Buddhism. Contrary to what certain Christian observers have claimed, the daily rituals of Chinese Buddhist monks are not mere "external exercises, carried out in prescribed order" (Welch, 80-81). They are, rather, sophisticated and significant rituals designed to extirpate uncleanliness from the spirit and achieve a higher state of moral and philosophical being - chanting of the Buddhist liturgy being of especial importance. With that in mind, this brief essay examines the chanting of Chinese Buddhist monks in greater detail for it is only through such inquiry that true understanding can emerge."

More papers on Chinese Buddhism:

• Comparison Essay # 149294 : "Chinese Buddhism and Tibet Mythology"
• Essay # 83990 : "Chinese Buddhism "
• Comparison Essay # 142038 : "Taoism, Chinese Buddhism and Confucianism"

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