Chanting Guide
English & Lao ceremonies, Pāli–English phonetics
Overview
Chanting guides for general daily merit offerings/blessings and for offerings to deceased relatives are available here and in booklet form at The Sālā Hall.
Prayer vs. Chanting/Recitation
Prayer: address a solemn request or expression of thanks to a deity or other object of worship
Chanting: to repeat or sing a word or phrase continuously
Buddhist monks do not engage in deity worship or horoscope-based prayer—they understand the consequences of kamma (karma) and refrain from “praying” for specific outcomes.
Why Chant?
Chanting reminds us of generosity, ethical conduct, and meditative absorption, creating a protective barrier of good deeds. To the unawakened observer, such focused moral practice can appear as profound luck, spiritual protection, or even “miracles.”
The guides here will help you understand why each phrase is chosen for blessings.
An End to Suffering Through Lovingkindness, Mindfulness, and Spiritual Awareness
