You Can Chant Sutras and Recite the Buddha’s Name Even Without Taking Refuge
Some people believe that if they haven’t taken refuge, they cannot chant sutras or recite the Buddha’s name. However, in reality:
- No one forbids a person who hasn’t taken refuge from chanting sutras or reciting the Buddha’s name.
- Anyone can chant sutras, recite the Buddha’s name, and practice without having to formally take refuge.
Chanting sutras and reciting the Buddha’s name is not an obligation, but rather a means to calm the mind and help one live more virtuously.
The Fear of Sinning by Not Taking Refuge – A Wrong View
Some people fear taking refuge because they think that after taking refuge, if they make mistakes, they will accumulate greater sin. But in fact:
- It is because of the fear of sin that we need to take refuge.
- Taking refuge does not increase sin; it provides an opportunity to vow to avoid wrongdoing.
For example, a person wanting to maintain their health needs to set the goal of eating healthily. Even though they may not fully succeed at first, they at least have the awareness and effort to do so.
Similarly, when you take refuge, you gain motivation to uphold precepts, even if imperfect, it helps you gradually reduce mistakes.
Taking Refuge Does Not Increase Sin – But It Helps Guide Us Toward Virtue
Many people think that:
- “If I have taken refuge and make a mistake, my sin will be greater.”
- “If I haven’t taken refuge, my sin is lighter.”
This is not correct. Sin is not dependent on whether or not you have taken refuge, but on your actions and intentions.
However, when you take refuge, you have a point of support, a place to rely on and return to, to learn how to correct mistakes and cultivate humility (the ability to be ashamed of wrongdoings).
Therefore:
- Do not fear sin and avoid taking refuge.
- Consider taking refuge as a beginning, an opportunity to live better.
The Fear of a Distracted Mind – Another Mistake
Some people think that:
- “My mind is often distracted, if I chant sutras but cannot concentrate, will that be sinful?”
In reality:
- It is because your mind is distracted that you need to chant sutras.
- It is because of wandering thoughts that you need to recite the Buddha’s name.
Chanting sutras and reciting the Buddha’s name helps to calm the mind, gradually reducing distractions.
If, during chanting, you still have distractions, there is no sin involved. The important thing is:
- Recognize when you are distracted.
- Return your attention to the words of the sutra.
- Keep doing so persistently, and the mind will gradually calm down.
It’s like when you get lost, and you realize it and find your way back – the key is not how you got lost, but how you find your way back.
The Path of Practice Is Here to Support Our Progress
All practices such as chanting sutras, reciting the Buddha’s name, and meditation are not restraints, but rather supportive tools to help us advance on the path of practice.
- If you haven’t taken refuge, you can still chant sutras.
- If you have taken refuge, it is not a restriction, but an opportunity to live in accordance with the path.
- If your mind is distracted, you need to chant sutras more, not avoid it.
In summary, don’t be afraid to walk the path of practice because this path is here to support you, not to bind you or cause suffering.
Final Thought
- You can chant sutras and recite the Buddha’s name even without taking refuge, no one forbids it.
- The fear of sinning by not taking refuge is a mistaken view. On the contrary, taking refuge helps reduce sin.
- Taking refuge does not increase sin, but helps us be aware of the need to live more virtuously.
- A distracted mind should chant sutras and recite the Buddha’s name to help calm the mind.
- The path of practice is not a restraint but a means to help us progress.
Therefore, don’t worry too much about whether you are sinning or not, but start practicing step by step, to make each day more meaningful and peaceful.
This article is compiled based on a sermon by Venerable Thích Pháp Hoà
