Chanting
Chanting
Chanting is found in nearly all spiritual traditions of the world. In
historical India, the birthplace of Brahmanism and Buddhism, the use of the voice was
considered sacred and true words spoken aloud were considered eternal.)
The origin of chanting in Muay Thai Sangha comes from Buddhism.
Muay Thai Sangha chanting is performed in 'pali', an ancient Indian dialect that comes from Sanskrit, in which the Scripture of the Theravada Buddhist Canon is recorded.
Chanting is a way of cultivating the virtues of 'respect'.
Another main reasons to chant in the Muay Sangha Style of fighting is to open the different energetic points within the body. These points are called chakras.)
The human body contains seven different chakras. Each chakra is located along the spine. The energy on each point deals with different functions and organs inside the body. The opening of each point will bring us a new different ability inside our body.
To open the chakras the muay Sangha practitioner should practice daily the breathing from the bottom of the stomach all the way up to the mouth. When the inhalation occurs the stomach should expand to its maximum range and then, while chanting exhale slowly until the stomach contracts to its minimum range and no air is left in the lungs. When the lungs are completely empty, we will fill them up again with new air. The process of inhalation or exhalation can vary in time, according to the kind of result that we would like to achieve. Some breathing exercises also adopt a little pause between them, but that is more advanced and requires a good level of understanding.
The first chakra that should be opened is the one located in the lower part of the spine(the root chakra). Our breath should be concentrated on this point until it opens. With a lot of daily breathing practice the second chakra, located around the stomach area, will be next to open.
With more practice, time and the right guidance the other chakras will follow.
The opening of the first five chakras (root, lower abdominal, solar plexus, heart and throat chakras)can take many years of hard practice but the last two (third eye and crown chakra) are the most difficult and they require a very committed spiritual life.
The Muay Sangha style has adopted techniques of breathing from the Indian Pranayama and Chinese Taoist methods. These methods have given very good results under intensive training. The result of these techniques will improve the distribution of oxygen in the body and greatly expand our lung capacity.
Examples of Chanting
Chanting is a way of cultivating the virtues of 'respect'. Here is a brief overview of some of the chants we use at the school.
To give respect to the Enlightened Beings (Buddhas)
NAMO THASSA PAKAGUATO ARAHATO SAMMA SAMPUTASSA (3X)
Buddha who is without lust, desire or greed, Buddha who reached enlightenment by himself, I salute you.
Itipiso Pakawa Arahang Samma Sam Putto
Wishcha Yarana Sampanno
Sukato Lokawitu Anuttaro
Purisa Thamma Sarati, Sattha Tewa Manutsanang,
Putto Pakawati
With all these reasons, Buddha is far from lust, greed, desire.
He achieved this by himself. He is the one who can train
man, as no one can train like him.
Buddha is the teacher of humans and angels etc.
1. Phahung Sahad Samapinim Mitasavu Thanthang
Krimekhalang Utitako Raasase Namarang
Thanatithamma Vithina Chitawa Muninto
Tante Chasa Pawatume Chayamang Kalani
Buddha is fighting with the Head of Devils, when suddenly he tries to remember all his merit and remembers the 10 Thanbaramee. Every time he made merit he always poured water on the earth, whereby the Water Goddess appeared and squeezed her hair. As a result of Buddha's merit, so much water came out of her hair all the Devils were flooded away.
2. Maratireka Maphiyuth Chitta Sappharathing, Korampana,
Rawaka Makkhamathad Tayakhang Khanti Suthanta Withina
Chitawa Muninto Tante Chasa Pawatume Chayamang Kalani
Buddha used Khanti Baramee to defeat the powerful giant.
3. Naraa Kiring, Kachawarang Atimattha Puthang
Tawak Kichaka Masaniwa Sutharu Nanthang
Mettham Puseka Withina Chitawa Muninto Tante Chasa
Pawatume Chayamang Kalani
Pra Taewatad released a mean elephant with the intention of harming Buddha. However, Buddha dedicated merit to the elephant, whereby it became tame and paid respect to Buddha.
4. Ukkitta Khakamati Hathasutaru Nanthang
Tawantiyo Chanapathang Kulimala
Wantang Ittipi Sangkha Tamano
Chitawa Muninto Tante Chasa
Pawatume Chayamang Kalani
Ahung Kuleeman killed many people and wanted the last finger from Buddha. He chased Buddha but the more he ran the further away Buddha became. Buddha said to him I have stopped but you have not! Then Buddha preached to him until Ahung Kuleeman became enlightened.
5. Katta Waana Katta Mutarang Iwa Kappiniya, Chinchaya
Tudtha Wachanang Chanakaya Maddche Santena
Somawitina Chitawa Muninto Tante Chasa
Pawatume Chayamang Kalani
Mrs. Jinjamanwika was hired by all bad monks and hermits to pretend to be pregnant, and lied to everyone that she was pregnant by Buddha.
Suddenly the earth parted and she dropped straight down to hell.
6. Satchang Wihaya Matisatja Kawataketung Watapiro Pitamanang
Ati Antha Puthang Phanya Patipa Chalito Chitawa Muninto
Tante Chasa Pawatume Chayamang Kalani
All the monks and hermits wanted to try Buddha. They showed their miracles and magic but no one could match Buddha. Buddha floated on top of a mango tree, then released water with flames from his body. Everyone saw this, and surrendered to Buddha.
7. Nantopananta Puchakang Wiputang Mahithing
Putena Thera Puchakena Tamapayantu Itupate
Sawitina Chitawa Muninto Tante Chasa Pawatume Chayamang Kalani
Naga mistakenly believed he was more powerful than Buddha. In an effort to prove his power he transform himself into a giant, so large his body blocked out the sun. Then Buddha let his disciple Pra Mokekalana turn himself into a giant a 1000 times bigger than Naga and envelope his body. Naga was so hurt he surrendered to Buddha.
8.Tukkaha Titthipuchakena Sutattha Hatthang,
Prammang Wisut Tichuthi Mitthipaka Pithanang,
Yanakatena Witina Chitawa Muninto Tante Chasa
Pawatume Chayamang Kalani
Even Brahma, who was more pure than anyone in 3 worlds, had to make himself lower than Buddha, when compared to Buddha's purity.
9. Itapi Puttha Chaya Mangkala At-Tha Khatha Yowachano
Tinatine Sarate Matanti Hitawa Naneka Wiwithani
Yupat Tawani Mokang Sukhang
Athikamaya Narosapanyo
If you chant these 8 prayers every day: your enemies will never get close to you. You will have wisdom, overcome obstacles and upon death be reborn in heaven.
Kayena Vaca Cittena
Pamatena Maya Katam
Accayam Khama Me Pante
Bhuri Panya Tatakata
If by deeds, speech or thought heedlessly, I have done anything wrong, forgive me O master! O teacher, most wise.
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