Efficiency of Mantras

[Researcherz104]

A much shorter post with a much simpler question in mind. Do you believe that Mantras are just as effective when recited mentally as when physically chanted?

[kirtu]

A much shorter post with a much simpler question in mind. Do you believe that Mantras are just as effective when recited mentally as when physically chanted?

Just as effective?

My lamas (from different TB lineages) all universally say no. Mantras are more effective when actively recited - so with an engaged mind as well as verbally (although the recitation can be superquiet).

Having said that, they also all universally say that there is value in just mentally reciting mantras (there is a merit and wisdom effect).

[Natan]

A much shorter post with a much simpler question in mind. Do you believe that Mantras are just as effective when recited mentally as when physically chanted?

Depends. Verbal recitation is better for beginners and has lots of benefits.

[climb-up]

A much shorter post with a much simpler question in mind. Do you believe that Mantras are just as effective when recited mentally as when physically chanted?

Generally they should be repeated physically and clearly. Even repeating them under one's breath is generally much more effective than mental repetition; but, there are practices that specifically use mental repetition, often in conjunction with breath holding and things, obvioously that is the way to do those.

[narhwal90]

In Nichiren/SGI practice, daimoku is intended to be chanted aloud, though it is also helpful in calming the mind when recited mentally. I find its easier to sustain for longer periods when done aloud. When chanting in a reasonably sized group (eg in the low 10's) some interesting harmonies develop. Larger groups closer to 100's can be difficult because the cadence tends to break up and slow down, requiring an assertive lead and often a microphone.

Efficiency is a tricky question, efficacy also, though that is approachable in a practical sense; is the mind calmer & clearer afterwards? That said, sometimes a few moments of mental recitation can achieve that, other times its the result of an hour's chanting with others.

[Mirror]

For me is mental recitation better, because my focus is stronger. When I recite physically and focus on the sounds going out of my mouth, my hearing is 'open' to other sounds, so when I can hear something else beside the mantra I can get more easily distracted, but when reciting mentally sometimes I don't even recognize that there are some sounds around me (a dog barks suddenly, a bird tweets, a louder car passing by, etc.). But I have to recite slowly, because it's a little bit harder to concentrate on mental recitation.

[climb-up]

A much shorter post with a much simpler question in mind. Do you believe that Mantras are just as effective when recited mentally as when physically chanted?

Generally they should be repeated physically and clearly. Even repeating them under one's breath is generally much more effective than mental repetition; but, there are practices that specifically use mental repetition, often in conjunction with breath holding and things, obvioously that is the way to do those.

I forgot to mention that my statement was in the context of Tibetan vajrayana, at least as I've learned it. Things are probably different in different traditions.

[muni]

Mantra help to give monkey mind something to do, then it is happy. Mantra help in many ways.

The mantra Om Mani Padme Hung: https://tnp.org/the-meaning-of-om-mani-padme-hum/

[Ayu]

A much shorter post with a much simpler question in mind. Do you believe that Mantras are just as effective when recited mentally as when physically chanted?

I think it depends on how earnest they are being chanted. For me, as a singer, loud chanting is disturbing and distracting often.
Other people might be more focused, if they chant loudly.

I strongly believe, it doesn't matter what you do externally in dharma practice. The focus and the intention are what really matters.

[????]

[Ayu]

For people who do not feel attracted to watch the video: What is it about?

[tingdzin]

More than one teacher has told me that generally speaking, completely silent or "mental" recitation is not as effective, as it does not engage the lung very much. They also have said that saying mantras too loud just raises the general noise level in your mind, and can even provoke negative energies. So-called "collar-length" volume, in which the mantra is only audible to you, is the most recommended. It is also a great gauge of your general mindfulness to keep mantra at a steady low level.

Don't pay too much attention to information (e.g. movie clips) from outside your tradition. It can just be confusing.

[jet.urgyen]

A much shorter post with a much simpler question in mind. Do you believe that Mantras are just as effective when recited mentally as when physically chanted?

no.