Question: I heard some saying that
chanting certain mantras or sutras attracts spirits (ghosts) as they also want
to listen to the Dharma. Is there any truth in this? If so, does it really
matter, especially if I sometimes chant at night?
Answer: Generally, chanting, just as it can
catch the attention of seen human beings, can also catch the attention of
unseen spirit beings. Whether it sustains attention is another matter. Just as
not all humans are interested in chanting, not all unseen beings are. Most
people, unless they are very sensitive, are unlikely to feel their presence. The truth this, unseen beings are already kind of around us, passing by day or
night without us knowing, just as undetected insects cross our paths day and
night too. When there is sincere reciting, there is natural connection to the
Triple Gem’s blessings and protection (of the Buddhas, Dharma and Sangha). As
such, there’s no
need to be worried about this – especially if you have never had any strange
encounters, which is the case for most.
Unfounded fear of
relatively rare ghostly encounters should not be an excuse for not practising
chanting as it is a powerful means for reminding us of the Buddha’s teachings
and deepening our understanding of them.
Some unseen beings might want to come and learn by listening to
chanting, or even practise along, while some beings might want to partake of
the merits shared at the end of the chanting for their well-being. This is a
reason why chanting should always be practised sincerely and mindfully –
because both unseen gods and ghosts might be listening to the Dharma intoned;
not just ourselves and those we are chanting with. It is in effect, when
chanting sutras, delivering sermons on the behalf of the Buddha, as
spokespersons. This is a reason why chanting is so meritorious, as it shares
the greatest gift possible – the Dharma, that guides all to True Happiness. Unseen beings can read our minds’ understanding of the sutras and our
intentions to share too, which is why chanting with right knowledge and
motivation can be very beneficial in ‘translating’ or simplifying the sutras
for them.
Especially if there is ‘detection’ of the presence of unseen
beings, it is good to chant more of, for example, Amitabha Sutra and the name
of Amituofo (Amitabha Buddha) to guide them to likewise be mindful of Amituofo
with the right Faith, Aspiration and Practice to be reborn in Pure Land. This
is important because merely having some or even much self-cultivated or shared
merits does not necessarily leads to lessening of wandering spirits’ attachment
to Samsara (and the life that just transpired), and it does not mean they will
automatically have a skilful sense of direction, as to where to aspire to be
born for further spiritual development. Even gods with wisdom appreciate
redirection to Pure Land, as enlightenment is guaranteed there. Incidentally,
Sakyamuni Buddha taught in the Amitabha Sutra, that anyone who is sincerely
mindful of Amituofo and/or the sutra will be mindfully protected by all
Buddhas. This is why we should practise sincerely.
Source : TheDailyEnlightenment.com
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