In this paper, I examine the term sajjhāya- used in the Nikāyas to elucidate the meaning of recitation in early Buddhism. Concerning recitation in the Majjhima-nikāya, I consider the difference between the terms sajjhāya- and ajjhena-. In the four Nikāyas, sajjhāya- means repeating sūtras (or Vedas) aloud to learn and memorize them. In a few cases in the Jātaka, however, sajjhāya- is used to indicate singing to oneself or repeating. In the Saṃyutta-nikāya, although sūtra recitation (sajjhāya-) is one of the most fundamental practices of Buddhist monks, there is no need to cling to sūtra recitation after a monk has achieved dispassion. In the Majjhima-nikāya, ajjhena- appears where brahmins recite the Vedas, whereas sajjhāya- occurs in scenes in which Buddhist monks recite sūtras. Brahmins prescribe Veda recitation (ajjhena-) as one of the practices for the acquisition of merit, for attaining virtue; on the other hand, the Buddha Śākyamuni thought sūtra recitation (sajjhāya-) was a tool for the mind, to practice freeing the mind from hostility and ill will.
