SHIH-FU:

If you do not care to know the meaning of a sutra at all, then it would be better to chant mantras instead of sutras. Although mantras have meaning in their original language, it is not necessary to know the meaning. Reading sutras is different. Even though you don't intentionally try to analyze the concepts, the meaning naturally and spontaneously sinks into the mind. As you recite sutras, simultaneously your mind calms down and your understanding of Buddhadharma is constantly corrected and refined. Therefore, it is best to chant sutras in the language you understand best.

A patriarch of the T'ien-tai school was reciting the Lotus Sutra, and while he read the chapter on the Medicine Buddha, he suddenly saw that very Dharma assembly, with Sakyamuni presiding. It was as if the Dharma assembly were still in session. He even saw his own master sitting in attendance. After that, his wisdom increased tremendously, and in fact, he became known as the "Minor Sakyamuni of the East."

In more modern times, Master Tai-shih (1890-1947) was reciting the Mahaprajna Sutra during a reclusive retreat. Suddenly, he lost all sense of time. Sometime later, he returned to his normal state. After that experience, his wisdom welled up like water from a spring. These are examples of enlightenment. In both of these examples, the masters were not analyzing the sutras. They were reciting them over and over, that is all.