Abstract
This paper describes a particular Chinese Buddhist chant used for both individual and group practice, which is the repetition, through singing or chanting, of one of the names of Buddha - Amitabha. The author points out that Amitabha, which is an ancient chant, was written in the Sanskrit language before Buddhism was transmitted to China. The paper relates that the chanting is sometimes accompanied by percussion instruments.

From the Paper
"The Chinese Buddhist chant I have chosen to describe is, perhaps, one of the simplest and most ancient - the chanting of Amitabha. While some Chinese Buddhist chants were originally written in Chinese, this one predates the transmission of Buddhism to China and is therefore written in Sanskrit, the original language of Buddhism that comes from northern India. Amitabha is one of the names of Buddha, and the chant is associated with repentance and forgiveness. It is, in most cases, as simple repetition of the four-syllable word `Amitabha', though in some cases other syllables are added to it. Buddhist thought values simplicity above all things."

Tags:chinese, buddhist, chant

Abstract
This paper examines how Shinshu Buddhism stems from Mahayana Buddhism and is one of the Pure Land Buddhist schools called also True Pure Land Buddhism. The paper then looks at how Shinshu is characterized by the total negation of monasticism, making it the religion of the ordinary man. It also discusses how Shinshu Buddhism bears many similarities to other Buddhist schools particularly those of the Pure Land and how there are significant important differences in the practices and moral values between Shinshu and others.

From the Paper
"The Shinshu Buddhism practice is focused on chanting practice termed nembutsu, which "literally means to think on or be mindful of (nen) the Buddha (Butsu)" (Ueda and Hirota, 127). It simply consists of chanting the phrase "I take the refuge in Amitabha Buddha". This chanting presents gratitude to Amitabha and his Eighteenth Vow and as such some do not consider it a practice at all but plain affirmation of gratitude and trust in this Vow. The vow ensures that those who sincerely commend to the Vow and desire to be born in Pure Land and who perform even ten nen (or nembutsu) will secure the birth in the Pure Land for themselves. This was enough to gain the support of the Other Power."

Tags:Pure, Land, Mahayana, Amitabha