In the faiths of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Catholicism, chanting occupies an important place in history and practice. A seventh-century monk known as I. Tsing noted that chanting has the following several benefits:
1. Understanding the virtues of Buddha
2. Teaching language
3. Teaching poetic structure and rhythm of speech
4. Working out the lungs
5. Exercising the chest
6. Overcoming reservations about being in front of others
When the Buddhist sutras are chanted, positive forces are activated that bring blessings on humanity and the world. That is a good reason to learn to chant, but another reason is to be able to use chanting as a means of ritually preparing to meet your angels. Chanting can put you in the right frame of mind, instill feelings of sacredness, and evoke a sense of great power and peace. Gregorian chanting, named after Pope Gregory 1, the sixth-century bishop of Rome, has ancient roots, but it still has a role within Western Christian practices, especially in conjunction with ritual services and also accompanying Mass.
If you enjoy hearing chants (said to be to music what calligraphy is to writing), listen to some audiotapes or CDs of chants. Whether you enjoy hearing chants of Tibetan Buddhist, Native American, Anglican, Vedic, Baha’i, or Eastern Orthodox tradition, the chanting of verses from the Qur’an, or the chazzanut (Jewish liturgical music), spend time chanting your favorite prayers or angel names. (Many Hindu chants, in fact, are based on the various names of the divine.) You can also listen to affirmations in preparation for meeting your angels.