Difference Between Chanting and Singing

Chanting vs Singing

Chanting and singing have always been accorded great importance as means of prayers to the almighty in many religions of the world. Though most people are aware of singing aloud devotional songs or prayers, chanting is unknown to many. There are many similarities in chanting and singing but there are also sharp differences that people are unaware of. Some prefer singing over chanting while some say that chanting is a better way to achieve inner peace and calm. This article will describe the features of both forms of prayer to help people to choose one of the two that suits their requirements.

There are religions like Buddhism and Baha’i where devotees are encouraged to adopt one of these two forms of praising the God. Now it is only natural for some people to feel shy as they do not have a flair for singing or they do not have the voice that is melodious. Some cannot keep up with tunes or cannot remember the words of songs. Though singing is a great way to delve deep inside one’s inner self and to communicate with the almighty, it poses a problem for those who cannot take the lead in singing or even keep up with a lead singer. Chanting is a great alternative for all such people. It is nothing but speaking aloud rhythmic words or sounds. This is a process that shuts a devotees mind from all other disturbances and happenings that might be taking place in the surroundings and allows him to concentrate on meditation.

Chanting of shlokas or mantras has been found to be extremely beneficial for both mind and body. Many experiments have been carried out to see the effects of chanting on different parameters of body and in a recent study it was found that chanting reduced blood pressure and heart rate and also slowed down respiration rate by almost 50%. Slower breathing is known to bring many health benefits, especially for heart and lungs. It also helps a person in attaining inner peace and calm.

Chanting vs Singing • Singing and chanting are two popular ways of communicating with the almighty • Though singing is always considered to be superior, it is not possible for many as they may not have a melodious voice or may feel shy. • Chanting rhythmic words or sounds in unison with other people has been developed as a great way to have the same effect on a person as singing. • Chanting has also been found to be beneficial for heart and lungs as it slows down breathing rate.