Chanting – The Universal Phenomenon
Chanting is the repetition of a word, a syllable, a phrase or even a song. Some chanting is a verbalized practice using the voice and other chanting practices are silent, repeated inwardly where no one can hear. Some chanting practices are even whispered.
Chanting has many purposes and it depends upon the tradition as to what the actual purpose and objective is.
For some the final objective of chanting is to obtain enlightenment. Many of the Eastern traditions such as the Yogic, Vedic and Tantric traditions and also Buddhism and Hinduism have this objective. Chanting is believed to be a direct path to enlightenment, the highway to enlightenment according to the seekers on this path.
Meanwhile the concept of “mystical love” is the goal of other traditions such as in Sufism and here the mantra acts as the tool. This mystical love is cultivated through the use of the chanting of mantras.
Chanting can also be found in many other traditions including the indigenous cultures of the world such as the shamanic traditions of the American Indians and the Australian Aboriginals. In the Balinese, Islamic, Mongolian and Jewish traditions chanting is also found.
Through out all the traditions regarding the objective of chanting there are similar themes. As mentioned before chanting is a path to reach enlightenment and mystical union. Inward transformation, transcendence and achieving a union with the divine are other purposes. Chanting seems to act as some sort of bridge to reach other realms and as a means of connection.
As chanting occurs through out so many regions and cultures and traditions in the word, it could be said that the 
practice of chanting is a universal phenomenon. The power of sound seems to be inherent. In particular the use of the voice to cultivate power through chanting all the traditions seem to be aware of and are harnessing in their individual traditions and paths.
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Never heard about this before but i founf it very interesting
I feel like chanting could be a form of meditation and that bringing your voice together with a group of people could feel enlightening, but I think it is more about the connection that you feel. I mean, I haven’t tried it, and I won’t knock it till I do, but i will say I might be a bit apprehensive.
Chanting is a way of getting beyond our normal consciousness. I agree with Mike Elman that it is more about the connection your feel. I have used chanting and have found it very useful to step beyond my thoughts to help with relaxation, and I have used healing sounds as a part of my qigong practice for organ health. Intention and feeling are very important when you use chants. Thank you for your interesting and well-written article.