Please tell me how to get better at reciting sutras like a monk!

This is the Shonrakuin Temple of the Otani school of Shinshu.
There is a saying [six pairs of voice] for the work of our school. As far as you can see from the questions, I understand that it's a different denomination from mine, but I think it probably fits any denomination, so just for reference.

Voice call for six couples
Soft, weak, evil (soft is good, weak is bad)
Strong Kiha, Strong, Evil (Strong is good, Hard is bad)
Quiet Naruha, Humid Evil (being quiet is good, slack is bad)
Slowly naruha, stickiness bad (gentle is good, stickiness is bad)
Advance is good, busy is bad (advance is good, busy is bad)
Light is bad, light is bad (light is good, ignoring is bad)

“You may say that understanding the content and keeping in mind is more important than reciting sutras well”
Certainly, you are right.
Nonetheless, of course, there's nothing better than being able to recite in a more beautiful voice and better. In fact, I honestly think monks are good or bad at reciting sutras depending on their voice quality and musical sense. However, no one is as happy as a monk who is really good at chanting sutras when they are praised for things like “you're good at it” and “you have a nice voice.”

What we should aim for

“Oh, it was a really good job, wasn't it?”

It's a job where you can say that.
By all means, I want to study day and night so that I can say that with myself and others. Let's do our best together.

I am a monk of the Ji sect.
The sect called the Jishu sect has beautiful sutras.

Inevitably, there are many famous sutras, and I'm probably in the middle of it.

Like Harusora, I want to get better at something!
20 years while hoping so.
However, it is far from famous...

I'm sorry.
It's important, so I'll dare write it with some insight or attitude.

I noticed it recently.
Like you, while making a pilgrimage to sacred places.

I wonder if the real sutras are heartfelt sutras.
It feels like squeezing it out of the back of my head.

If you're aware of your surroundings, you won't be able to make use of the sutras.
That alone is all there is.

Now, here's the trick.
To improve voice flow, make a voice through your stomach and lungs.
You can't just do it from your stomach.
Incidentally, don't make a J-pop sensual voice.

It's a breath, but this is an important scene.
The moment you inhale and exhale the next time you exhale, you quickly make a voice out of your stomach and mouth.

When swallowing the spit, swallow slowly and confidently.
If possible, if you exhale through your nose at that time, it will be less likely to cause shortness of breath.

When I'm out of breath, my voice trembles as I catch my breath.
So how not to get out of breath is important.

Of course, it's ultimately about the number of times.
I think this is familiar to me.

Now, please read the sutras wholeheartedly to the Buddha.
It was fulfilling just by writing something.
Thank you for your kind question.

Hello Harusora.

You want to improve your sutras well, don't you?
Sutras are the same as songs. I'll give you a lot. Furthermore, it's about listening to lots of sutras from wonderful monks, as if imitating a great singer. Actually, monks are good and bad at chanting sutras. I admired the old monk who was also fascinated, and I practiced a lot. In particular, our Tendai sect also has statements, so if you remove the pitch, it will still be difficult to hear the sutras.

By all means, Harusora can find a monk, master, or monk you like and imitate her, just like your favorite singer (laughs). Good luck!

I read the question.

Other people have talked about the philosophy and spirituality part, so I'll tell you specific exercises.
We are in the Jodo Shinshu sect, and I won't give you the Heart Sutra, but I think there are parts that work.

> The voice doesn't go well, and the sutras are interrupted unnaturally when you catch your breath or swallow your spit.

My voice is a voice I recognize from the vibrations of my cheekbones.
Other people's voices are voices where the ears catch the vibrations of the air.
So the voices I think and the voices people around me say are different things.
After checking that...

If you want to improve voice communication.
Humming for about 30 seconds x 3 times.
It may be itchy before you get used to it, but be aware that your nose, teeth, and cheekbones are vibrating properly.

If you're worried about breathing.
・Inhale through your mouth and exhale through your mouth
・Inhale through your mouth and exhale through your nose
・Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth
・Inhale through your nose and exhale through your nose.
Now that I can do these 4 breaths...

Please practice how to inhale slowly and how to inhale sharply all at once.
If you try to inhale sharply through your mouth, you will be concerned about the sound of breathing and the “gap” that stops when taking a breath.

It may just be a book reading, but if you pay attention to the movement and structure of the body, it can also be said that it is a splendid act. As an aside, in yoga breathing, there is also breathing by holding one side of the nose with your finger.
Pull through your right nose and exhale through your mouth; inhale through your left nose and exhale through your mouth
The senses are different even with the same nose.

If you become aware of breathing and bone conduction, you can make a relaxed voice without putting a strain on your vocal cords.
I don't need a thank you, so I'd appreciate it if you could share your impressions after actually trying it out.