Well-Being Chant

in the Soto Zen Tradition

Usually this is not a meditation but I’ve put it into one as a way to practice being with, or connecting to, the intentions of the chant within ourselves — Admitted to settle ourselves first so that we can offer it to others from a more settled place.

The above is chanted in an even pace. The typical Soto Zen way is speeding up faster and faster. This version is offered as a way to learn the chant and, again, more as a way to support the absorption of its intentions.

No dedication is offered after either version above — to leave it for you to add your own. Generally, a dedication may go something like this:

May we awaken to the compassion and wisdom of Buddha’s Way. Having chanted (or, meditated with) the Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo (or Well-being chant), we dedicate the merit of our practice to the well-being, comfort, and healing of our dear friend(s): _____

Below is a translation of the chant, compiled by Kokyo Yakai.

Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo

延命十句観音経        Well-being Ten-Phrase Avalokiteshvara Sutra

観世音            Kan-ze-on                             Avalokiteshvara!

南無佛            Na-mu But-su                      Homage to Buddha!

與佛有因        Yo But-su u in                     With Buddha there are causes,

與佛有緣        Yo But-su u en                    With Buddha there are conditions.

佛法僧緣        Bu Po So en                        Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha – conditions.

常樂我淨        Jo ra-ku ga jo                      Eternal, bliss, Self, purity! (qualities of nirvana)

朝念観世音    Cho nen Kan-ze-on          Morning, thinking of Avalokiteshvara,

暮念観世音    Bo nen Kan-ze-on             Evening, thinking of Avalokiteshvara.

念念從心起    Nen nen ju shin ki             Thought after thought arise from mind,

念念不離心    Nen nen fu ri shin             Thought after thought not separate from mind

            from the Soto Zen Texts for Daily Services: A Study Guide, compiled by Kokyo Yakai

May this be for the benefit of all beings