Mantra chanting a practice of self-discipline: Monk Dr Chandrakirti
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Jamshedpur, September 29: Sona Devi University organised a special lecture on the significance of mantra chanting in Buddhist…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Jamshedpur, September 29: Sona Devi University organised a special lecture on the significance of mantra chanting in Buddhist studies at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium, offering students and faculty insights into Buddhist philosophy, meditation, mental discipline, compassion and positive thinking.
Monk Dr Chandrakirti, Head of the Department of Buddhist Studies at Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, was the keynote speaker. He explained that the significance of mantra chanting lies not merely in repeating words but in cultivating awareness, concentration and discipline during the practice.
Chanting Helps Develop Concentration and Mental Calm
Through a live chanting session, Dr Chandrakirti explained the role of sound, rhythm and repetition in creating mental calm and focus. He said regular and mindful chanting could help practitioners improve concentration and become more aware of their thoughts and emotions.
He also discussed the role of mantras in different Buddhist traditions, particularly Vajrayana Buddhism, where they form an important part of meditation, spiritual practice and rituals. Referring to “Om Mani Padme Hum”, he explained its association with compassion in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
He highlighted six key dimensions of mantra chanting — concentration, mental calm and balance, compassion and loving-kindness, meditation and spiritual discipline, symbolic and cultural significance, and the relationship between sound and the mind.
University Emphasises Holistic Education
Assistant Registrar Archana Singh, who conducted the programme and introduced the theme, said mantra chanting in Buddhist studies could be viewed as a practice combining concentration, meditation, compassion and mental discipline. She said mindful repetition could help bring the mind back to the present moment.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Braj Mohan Pat Pingua felicitated Dr Chandrakirti and said the university was committed to exposing students to diverse knowledge traditions, philosophies and schools of thought.
Registrar Nit Nayana said education should promote not only academic development but also the mental, ethical and overall development of students. She noted that values such as compassion, loving-kindness, non-violence, peace and self-awareness remained relevant in contemporary society.
Shivchandra Jha, Head of the Department of Political Science, felicitated G.M. Wankhede, retired manager of Union Bank of India, Nagpur, who attended the programme and encouraged the students.
Chancellor Prabhakar Singh said the purpose of education was to develop knowledge, wisdom, discipline, sensitivity and social responsibility rather than merely obtaining degrees. He urged students to connect knowledge with life and approach different intellectual traditions with curiosity, reason and an open mind.
The programme was attended by deans, heads of departments, faculty members, employees and students. The session concluded with a message centred on peace, compassion, positive thinking and self-discipline.
