What benifit is there to repetitive prayers or saying certain words over & over using beads or a rosary?

Answer 1

In order to answer this question from a Tibetan Buddhist perspective, you need to have an understanding of mantras. Mantras are chants, usually in Sanskrit words or syllables, used in ceremonies that act as a conduit for the individual saying the chant. Sometimes repeating a mantra is referred to as "japa yoga." The vibrations of the sounds in the mantra help the practitioner clear his/her mind in preparation for mediation. They are frequently repeated using a mala (a Buddhist "rosary" or prayer beads) to count the number of times the person has recited the mantra. Mantras usually have two meanings: one is a literal meaning of the words and the other is more esoteric and usually explained by a teacher.

"A meditation technique used a great deal in Tibetan Buddhism is uniting the mind with the sound of a mantra. The definition of mantra is 'that which protects the mind.' That which protects the mind from negativity, or which protects you from your own mind, is mantra.

"When you are nervous, disoriented, or emotionally fragile, inspired chanting or reciting of a mantra can change the state of your mind completely, by transforming its energy and atmosphere. How is this possible? Mantra is the essence of sound, the embodiment of the truth in the form of sound. Each syllable is impregnated with spiritual power, condenses a deep spiritual truth, and vibrates with the blessing of the speech of the buddhas. It is also said that the mind rides on the subtle energy of the breath, the prana, which moves through and purifies the subtle channels of the body. So when you chant a mantra, you are charging your breath and energy with the energy of the mantra, and so working directly on your mind and your subtle body."
~Sogyal Rinpoche "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying"

I hope this answers your question.

May all be at peace.

John

Answer 2

I pray (notice the word "pray," not "say") a Rosary just about every day. I meditate on events in the lives of Jesus and Mary, and I think about ways that I can apply the Scriptures that are the basis of the Rosary prayers to my own life. Through the Rosary, I have learned valuable lessons about kindness, compassion, faith, hope, and especially love. And each time I pray the Rosary, the Holy Spirit teaches me something new about God and His will for me. Does that sound like "vain repetition" or "babbling" to you?

Answer 3

None. Jesus would know the proper way to pray to our Heavenly Father and this is what he had to say:

Matthew 6:7 - . But when praying, do not say the same things over and over again, just as the people of the nations do, for they imagine they will get a hearing for their use of many words

Answer 4

It puts the person into a semi-hypnotic trance. This will give them a 'religious' experience and make them think that something has changed in some way.

If they are praying for something they have actual control over, even if they are unaware that they do, then it will have a placebo effect.

It may also put them into a meditative state which will allow their body to heal slightly better. The same effect can be had by just meditating without any supplication to a higher power.

If they are praying for something they have no actual control over it will have zero effect.


The above statements have been proved in scientific studies.

Answer 5

I believe that according to the Bible that there is no benefit in such type of praying....Matthew 6:7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. That verse says so much on this subject. God already knows your needs before you ask. Make your request and believe that it's been heard and He will answer. Just pray in His will and for His will to be done. God bless!!

Answer 6

There's a parable in the New Testament where a lady goes before a judge over and over to ask him for resolution to a wrong that was done to her. Eventually the judge relents and grants her wish.

The lesson is that the more we pray about a certain thing, the more faith it shows that our prayer will be answered. God answers the prayers of the faithful. If you doubt that your prayer will be answered, then why ask for it to begin with?

Answer 7

The rosary is a meditation on the life of Christ. Each decade has assigned to it a major event from His life. The repetitive prayers really form a sort of background music, while we meditate on our Lord's life, passion, death and resurrection. It's a higher level of spirituality than most Protestants are accustomed to.

Answer 8

one benefit is your obeying 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Answer 9

Quiets the mind, opens the heart.
.

Answer 10

The biggest benefit is that when the mind is focused in one direction, you become fully present. A focused mind cannot wander into interpretation, judgment, or analytical perception. Be Here Now!