short essay

The presence of Buddhist practice in geographically and culturally disparate parts of Asia has created a complex set of religious and artistic traditions. Each is distinct in its particular characteristics, yet related in devotional purpose and textual origins. Buddhist chant is the continuing manifestation of one of the world’s oldest continuously practiced musical traditions. It is believed that disciples of the Buddha were called to chant the teaching (Dhamma) shortly after his death. The body of Buddhist teaching was preserved for centuries through oral tradition, the memorization of which was possibly aided by chant formulas.

Like the other examples of ancient religious or sacred chanting, Buddhist chant is also monophonic and fluid in its rhythmic style, typically determined by accentual patterns associated with the language of the chant. Typical instruments used in East Asian cultures include bells, cymbals, drums, gongs, flutes, and wood blocks. Also characteristic of this style of chanting is the nasal tonal quality of the voice, which is common in many types of Asian secular and sacred musical contexts.

Discussion

1. Compare the examples of sacred chant from the various religious traditions (Christian, Buddhist, and Muslim). What similarities and differences exist? What aspects of the function of sacred chant account for their similarities? What cultural features or traditions account for differences?