A compilation

of

Pāli Chants with English translations

Wat Pah Thap Gung (Wat Tham Sahai)

Baan Thap Gung • Tambon Thap Gung • Amphur Nong Saeng • Jangwat Udorn Thani

First edition 2014/2557

For free distribution only

This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, in any format, for commercial gain. For permission to reprint for free distribution, mail to:

Wat Tham Sahai Baan Pah-Sing

Tambon Mahk-Yah Amphur Nong Wua-Sor

Jangwat Udorn Thani 41360 Thailand

Contents

CONTENTS

Page

Preface ··································································································· Acknowledgements ················································································

ix xi

I) MORNING CHANTING

Ratanattaya-vandanā ············································································· (Homage to the Triple Gem) Pubba-bhāga-namakāra-pāṭha ······························································

(The Preliminary Passage for Revering)

Buddhābhithuti ······················································································· (Praise for the Buddha) Dhammābhithuti ····················································································· (Praise for the Dhamma) Saṅghābhithuti ······················································································· (Praise for the Saṅgha) Ratanattayappaṇāma-gāthā ·································································· (Salutation to the Triple Gem & The Topics for Chastened Dispassion)

1 1 2 3 3 4

II) EVENING CHANTING

Ratanattaya-vandanā ············································································· (Homage to the Triple Gem) Pubba-bhāga-namakāra-pāṭha ······························································ (The Preliminary Passage for Revering) Buddhānussati ························································································ (A Guide to the Recollection of the Buddha) Buddhābhigīti ························································································· (Verses in Celebration of the Buddha) Dhammānussati ····················································································· (A Guide to the Recollection of the Dhamma) Dhammābhigīti ······················································································· (Verses in Celebration of the Dhamma)

11 12 12 12 14 14

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Saṅghānussati ······················································································· (A Guide to the Recollection of the Saṅgha) Saṅghābhigīti ························································································ (Verses in Celebration of the Saṅgha)

16 17

III) PARITTA

An Invitation to the Devas ···································································· Pubba-bhāga-namakāra-pāṭha ····························································· (The Preliminary Passage for Revering) Saraṇa-gamana-pāṭha ·········································································· (The Passage on Going for the Three Refuges) Sacca-kiriyā-gāthā ················································································ (The Verses on Asseverations of Truth) Mahā-kāruṇiko-nāthoti-ādikā-gāthā ···················································· (The Verses on the Great Compassion Protector) Ariya-dhana-gāthā ················································································ (The Verses on the Noble Wealth) Pabbatopama-gāthā ·············································································· (The Verses on the Simile of the Mountains) Khemākhema-saraṇa-gamana-paridīpikā-gāthā ·································· (The Verses on the Secure Refuge) Namakāra-siddhi-gāthā ········································································ (The Verses on Success through Homage)

Sambuddhe ························································································ (The Buddhas) Namo-kāra-aṭṭhakaṁ ··········································································· (The Homage Octet) Maṅgala Sutta ······················································································ (The Discourse on Blessings) Ratana Sutta ························································································· (The Discourse on Treasures) Karaṇīya Metta Sutta ············································································ (The Discourse on Goodwill)

21 22 22 23 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 36

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Khandha Paritta ··················································································· (The Group Protection)

Chaddanta Paritta ················································································ (The Ivory Protection) Mora Paritta ·························································································· (The Peacock's Protection) Vaṭṭaka Paritta ····················································································· (The Baby Quail's Protection) Dhajagga Paritta ··················································································· (The Top-of-the-Banner-Staff Protection) Āṭānāṭiya Paritta ··················································································· (Homage to the Seven Past Buddhas) Aṅgulimāla Paritta ················································································ (Venerable Aṅgulimāla's Protection) Bojjhaṅga Paritta ················································································· (The Factor-for-Awakening Protection) Abhaya Paritta ······················································································ (The Danger-free Protection) Jaya Paritta ··························································································· (The Victory Protection) So attha-laddho sukhito viruḷho… ························································ Sakkatvā buddha-ratanaṁ osathaṁ… ················································· N'atthi me saraṇaṁ aññaṁ… ······························································· Yaṅ-kiñci ratanaṁ loke… ······································································· Devatā-uyyojana-gāthā ······································································· (The Verses on Sending the Devas Off) Buddha-jaya-maṅgala-gāthā ································································ (The Verses of the Buddha's Victory Blessings) Mahā-maṅgala-cakkavāḷa ····································································· (The Great Universe of Blessings) Bhavatu sabba-maṅgalaṁ... ································································· Nakkhatta-yakkha-bhūtānaṁ… ····························································

38 39 40 41 42 43 50 50 52 52 53 54 55 55 56 57 59 61 61

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Jinapañjara-gāthā ·········································································· (The Verses on the Victor's Cage)

62

IV) SUTTA

Dhamma-cakkappavattana Sutta ················································· (The Discourse on Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion) Anatta-lakkhaṇa Sutta ··································································· (The Discourse on the Not-self Characteristic) Āditta-pariyāya Sutta ····································································· (The Fire Discourse) Dhajagga Sutta ················································································ (The Discourse on the Top of the Standard) Dhamma-niyāma Sutta ··································································· (The Discourse on the Orderliness of the Dhamma) Magga-vibhaṅga Sutta ··································································· (The Discourse on an Analysis of the Path) Paṭicca Samuppāda ·········································································· (Dependent Co-arising) Loka-dhamma Sutta ········································································· (The Discourse on the Eight Worldly Conditions) Mahā-samaya Sutta ·········································································· (The Discourse on the Great Meeting)

67 76 84 90 94 96 101 103 110

V) REFLECTIONS

Taṅkhaṇika-paccavekkhaṇa-pāṭha ······················································ (Reflection at the Moment of Using the Requisites) Atīta-paccavekkhaṇa-pāṭha ································································ (Reflection after Using the Requisites) Dhātupaṭikūla-paccavekkhaṇa-pāṭha ·················································· (Reflection on the Elements and Loathsomeness) Kāyagatā-sati-bhāvanā-pāṭha ····························································· (Contemplation of the Body)

125 126 127 129

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Abhiṇha-paccavekkhaṇa-pāṭha ··························································· (Five Subjects for Frequent Recollection)

133

VI) SPREADING METTĀ & DEDICATING MERIT

Mettā Yaṅ-kiñci ·················································································· Mettā-nisaṁsa Sutta ········································································· (The Discourse on the Rewards of Goodwill) Brahma-vihāra-pharaṇā ····································································· (The Sublime Attitudes) Sabbe sattā sadā hontu… ···································································· Sumaṅgala-gāthā ··············································································· Cāturappamaññā-pāṭha ···································································· (The Passage on the Four Measureless) Uddisanādhiṭṭhāna-gāthā ·································································· (The Verses on Dedication and Determination) Devatādipattidāna-gāthā ··································································· (The Verses on Dedication of Merit to the Devas and Others) Tilokavijaya-rāja-pattidāna-gāthā ····················································· (The Verses Recited by the King Tilokavijaya for Dedicating Merit)

137 138 139 140 141 141 143 144 145

VII) THE COUNCIL CHANT

Vinaya ································································································· Sutta ··································································································· Abhidhamma

Dhamma-saṅgaṇī ··········································································· (Enumeration of Phenomena) Vibhaṅga ························································································· (The Book of Analysis) Dhātu-kathā ···················································································· (Discourse on Properties)

Puggala-paññatti ············································································ (Concepts of Individuals)

149 151

152 152 153 153

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Kathā-vatthu ·················································································· (Points of Controversy) Yamaka ··························································································· (The Book of Pairs) Mahāpaṭṭhāna ·················································································

(The Book of Conditional Relations)

154 154 155

VIII) MĀTIKĀ

Dhammasaṅgaṇī-mātikā-pāṭha ······················································· (The Passage on the List from the Dhamma Groupings) Vipassanā-bhūmi-pāṭha ··································································· (The Passage on the Stages of Insight) Paṭṭhāna-mātikā-pāṭha ···································································· (The Passage on the Matrix of the Paṭṭhāna)

159 162 165

IX) PAṀSUKŪLA

Paṁsukūla for the Living ··································································

Paṁsukūla for the Departed ····························································

169 169

X) AFTER THE PĀṬIMOKKHA

Sacca-kiriyā-gāthā ··········································································· (The Verses on Asseverations of Truth) Sīluddesa-pāṭha ············································································· (The Passage on the Virtue Summary) Tāyana-gāthā ················································································· (The Verse to Tāyana) Ovāda-pāṭimokkha-gāthā ···························································· (Pāṭimokkha Exhortation Verses)

173 174 175 176

XI) ANUMODANĀ-VIDHĪ

Yathā vārivahā pūrā paripūrenti sāgaraṁ… ··································· Sabbītiyo vivajjantu… ·····································································

179 179

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Tirokuḍḍakaṇḍa-sutta-gāthā ··························································· (Verses from the Discourse on Those Outside the Wall) Kāla-dāna-sutta-gāthā ····································································· (Verses from the Discourse on Seasonable Gifts)

Devat'ādissa-dakkhiṇā'numodanā-gāthā ········································ (Verses from the Mahā-parinibbāna Suttanta - Great Discourse on the Total Unbinding) Bhojana-dānānumodanā-gāthā ························································ (Verses from the Discourse on Rejoicing in the Gift of Food) Aggappasāda-sutta-gāthā ································································ (Verses from the Discourse on Faith in the Supreme) Ādiya-sutta-gāthā ············································································· (Verses from the Discourse on Benefits to be Obtained) Ratanattayānubhāvādi-gāthā ··························································· (Verses on the Power of the Triple Gem) Vihāradāna-gāthā ············································································· (Verses on the Gift of a Dwelling Place) Saṅgaha-vatthu-gāthā ······································································ (Verses from the Discourse on the Bonds of Fellowship) Cullamaṅgala-cakkavāḷa ··································································· (The Lesser Universe of Blessings)

180 180 181 181 182 182 183 183 184 185

XII) MISCELLANY

Pāda-lañjana-pāṭha ··········································································· (The Passage in Homage to the Buddha's Footprints) The Buddha's Last Words ······························································ Bhaddeka-ratta-gāthā ······································································· (The Verses on an Auspicious Day) Ti-lakkhaṇādi-gāthā ·········································································· (The Verses on the Three Characteristics) Bhāra-sutta-gāthā ············································································· (Verses from the Burden Discourse) The Ten Directions Protection Chant ················································ (by Luang Pū Fan Ācāro)

189 191 192 193 194 195

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Luang Pū Khāo Anālayo's Gāthā ························································ (Luang Pū Khāo Anālayo's Verses)

202

XIII) FORMAL REQUESTS

Taking the Five Precepts ·································································· Taking the Eight Precepts ···························································· Requesting a Discourse ································································ Requesting Blessings ···································································· Requesting Forgiveness ·······························································

205 207 211 211 212

XIV) FORMAL OFFERINGS

Offering Food ···················································································· Offering General Items ···································································· Offering 'Forest Cloth' ······································································ Apaloka-saṅgha-dāna ···································································· (Declaration for a Gift to the Bhikkhu Saṅgha) Offering Rains Bathing Cloth ···························································· Offering Kaṭhina Cloth ······································································ Offering Lodgings ·············································································

217 217 218 219 219 220 220

XV) APPENDIX

The Romanized Pāli ·········································································· Thai Pronunciation Guide ·································································· Bibliography ······················································································ Index of the First Lines of the Chants ···············································

223 225 227 228

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Preface

This compilation contains the chants recited in Wat Tham Sahai. With the help of fellow monks, we have extracted published chants from different sources, mostly from "A Chanting Guide", by The Dhammayut Order in the United States of America. The English translation will definitely contribute to a clear understanding of the meaning of the verses. Understanding what one is chanting or what one hears being recited adds tremendous value to the efficacy of the chantings. The term ‘chanting’ in the Theravada tradition refers to the recitation of verses which document the practicable teachings of the Buddha Gotama, preserved in Pāli language. The importance of chants in this tradition is more than just ritualistic or devotional, evidenced by the rational, coherent and practicable teachings enunciated by the Fully Enlightened One. The recitation of verses is part and parcel of the threefold practice, i.e. Dāna, Sīla, Bhāvanā (Generosity, Virtue, Meditation), and it brings manifold benefits such as protection against dangers and misfortunes (through the chanting of Paritta), facilitation of mental concentration, clearing of unskillful mental states, and establishment of saddhā (faith). The power of the Pāli chants in promoting skillful mental states not only conduces one to worldly efforts to engage in right livelihood, i.e. to gain income and to achieve material progress honestly, without harming others, but also conduces to spiritual efforts to free oneself from the fetters that bind one to Saṁsāra (the cycle of death and rebirth). The level of understanding of the Dhamma will, of course, play a crucial part in determining the degree of benefits that chants can provide to both the reciters as well as the audience listening to them. The understanding of the Dhamma in its fundamental framework comprising concepts such as the Law of Kamma (Karma), the Four Noble Truths, the

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stratification of realms of existence, and the cycle of death and rebirth is essential. It should also be noted that the Pāli chants remind one to follow the words of the Supreme Master in handling difficulties, bearing pain, and overcoming any vicissitudes of the mind and body. May the Pāli chants benefit all Buddhist devotees imbued with wise confidence, sincerity and earnestness.

x

Acknowledgements Our work is greatly helped by the various ready publications on Pāli chants which we have extracted the verses from and special mention goes to Ven. Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu (Geoffrey DeGraff), the Abbot of Metta Forest Monastery, California, USA, for his English translations and romanization of the Pāli, and The Dhammayut Order in the United States of America, the publisher of "A Chanting Guide". In addition, we would like to thank all of our friends who have contributed their precious time and efforts, their valuable suggestions and material support to make this compilation possible. The compilers,

Wat Tham Sahai, May 2014/2557.

xi

I

MORNING CHANTING

Morning Chanting

I) MORNING CHANTING

Ratanattaya-vandanā (Homage to the Triple Gem)

Arahaṁ sammā-sambuddho bhagavā. Buddhaṁ bhagavantaṁ abhivādemi.

(BOW DOWN)

The Blessed One is Worthy & Rightly Self-awakened. I bow down before the Awakened, Blessed One.

Svākkhāto bhagavatā dhammo. Dhammaṁ namassāmi.

(BOW DOWN)

The Dhamma is well-expounded by the Blessed One. I pay homage to the Dhamma.

Supaṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho. Saṅghaṁ namāmi.

(BOW DOWN)

The Saṅgha of the Blessed One's disciples has practiced well. I pay respect to the Saṅgha.

Dedication (by leader):

[Yam-amha kho mayaṁ bhagavantaṁ saraṇaṁ gatā, (Uddissa pabbajitā)1

Pubba-bhāga-namakāra-pāṭha

yo no bhagavā satthā yassa ca mayaṁ bhagavato dhammaṁ rocema. Imehi sakkārehi taṁ bhagavantaṁ sasaddhammaṁ sasāvaka-saṅghaṁ abhipūjayāma]. We have gone for refuge to the Blessed One, (have gone forth on account of) the Blessed One who is our Teacher and in whose Dhamma we delight. With these offerings we worship most highly that Blessed One together with the True Dhamma and the Saṅgha of his disciples.

(The Preliminary Passage for Revering) (Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ buddhassa bhagavato pubba-bhāga-namakāraṁ karomase]: Now let us chant the preliminary passage in homage to the Awakened One, the Blessed One: (All):

[Namo tassa] bhagavato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa. (THREE TIMES) Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Rightly Self-awakened One.

1 If a layman is chanting this passage, the words 'Uddissa pabbajitā' should be omitted.

1

Morning Chanting

Buddhābhithuti (Praise for the Buddha)

(Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ buddhābhithutiṁ karomase]: Now let us give high praise to the Awakened One: (All):

[Yo so tathāgato] arahaṁ sammā-sambuddho, Vijjā-caraṇa-sampanno sugato lokavidū,

Anuttaro purisa-damma-sārathi satthā deva-manussānaṁ buddho bhagavā;

Yo imaṁ lokaṁ sadevakaṁ samārakaṁ sabrahmakaṁ, Sassamaṇa-brāhmaṇiṁ pajaṁ sadeva-manussaṁ sayaṁ abhiññā sacchikatvā pavedesi. Yo dhammaṁ desesi ādi-kalyāṇaṁ majjhe-kalyāṇaṁ pariyosāna-kalyāṇaṁ;

Sātthaṁ sabyañjanaṁ kevala-paripuṇṇaṁ parisuddhaṁ brahma- cariyaṁ pakāsesi. Tam-ahaṁ bhagavantaṁ abhipūjayāmi, Tam-ahaṁ bhagavantaṁ sirasā namāmi.

(BOW DOWN)

He who has attained the Truth, the Worthy One, Rightly Self-awakened, consummate in knowledge & conduct, one who has gone the good way, knower of the cosmos, unexcelled trainer of those who can be tamed, teacher of human & divine beings; awakened; blessed; who made known — having realized it through direct knowledge — this world with its devas, māras, & brahmās, its generations with their contemplatives & brāhmans, their rulers & common people;

who explained the Dhamma fine in the beginning, fine in the middle, fine in the end;

who expounded the holy life both in its particulars & in its essence, entirely complete, surpassingly pure:

I worship most highly that Blessed One, to that Blessed One I bow my head down.

2

Morning Chanting

Dhammābhithuti (Praise for the Dhamma)

(Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ dhammābhithutiṁ karomase]: Now let us give high praise to the Dhamma: (All):

[Yo so svākkhāto] bhagavatā dhammo,

Sandiṭṭhiko akāliko ehipassiko,

Opanayiko paccattaṁ veditabbo viññūhi:

Tam-ahaṁ dhammaṁ abhipūjayāmi, Tam-ahaṁ dhammaṁ sirasā namāmi.

(BOW DOWN)

The Dhamma well-expounded by the Blessed One, to be seen here & now, timeless, inviting all to come & see, pertinent, to be seen by the obeservant for themselves:

I worship most highly that Dhamma, to that Dhamma I bow my head down.

Saṅghābhithuti

(Praise for the Saṅgha) (Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ saṅghābhithutiṁ karomase]: Now let us give high praise to the Saṅgha: (All):

[Yo so supaṭipanno] bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho, Uju-paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho,

Ñāya-paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho,

Sāmīci-paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho,

The Saṅgha of the Blessed One's disciples who have practiced well,

the Saṅgha of the Blessed One's disciples who have practiced straightforwardly,

the Saṅgha of the Blessed One's disciples who have practiced methodically,

the Saṅgha of the Blessed One's disciples who have practiced masterfully,

3

Morning Chanting

Yadidaṁ cattāri purisa-yugāni aṭṭha purisa-puggalā: Esa bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho —

Āhuneyyo pāhuneyyo dakkhiṇeyyo añjali-karaṇīyo, Anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassa: Tam-ahaṁ saṅghaṁ abhipūjayāmi, Tam-ahaṁ saṅghaṁ sirasā namāmi.

(BOW DOWN)

i.e., the four pairs — the eight types — of noble ones: That is the Saṅgha of the Blessed One's disciples — worthy of gifts, worthy of hospitality, worthy of offerings, worthy of respect,

the incomparable field of merit for the world:

I worship most highly that Saṅgha, to that Saṅgha I bow my head down.

(NOW EVERYONE SHALL SIT IN A RESPECTFUL SIDEWISE POSTURE)

Ratanattayappaṇāma-gāthā (Salutation to the Triple Gem & The Topics for Chastened Dispassion)

(Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ ratanattayappaṇāma-gāthāyo ceva saṁvega-vatthu-paridīpaka-pāṭhañ-ca bhaṇāmase]: Now let us recite the stanzas in salutation to the Triple Gem together with the passage on the topics inspiring a sense of chastened dispassion: (All):

[Buddho susuddho] karuṇā-mahaṇṇavo, Yoccanta-suddhabbara-ñāṇa-locano, Lokassa pāpūpakilesa-ghātako: Vandāmi buddhaṁ aham-ādarena taṁ.

Dhammo padīpo viya tassa satthuno, Yo magga-pākāmata-bhedabhinnako, Lokuttaro yo ca tad-attha-dīpano: Vandāmi dhammaṁ aham-ādarena taṁ.

The Buddha, well-purified, with ocean-like compassion, possessed of the eye of knowledge completely purified, destroyer of the evils & corruptions of the world: I revere that Buddha with devotion. The Teacher's Dhamma, like a lamp, divided into Path, Fruition, & the Deathless, both transcendent (itself) & showing the way to that goal: I revere that Dhamma with devotion.

4

Morning Chanting

Saṅgho sukhettābhyatikhetta-saññito, Yo diṭṭha-santo sugatānubodhako, Lolappahīno ariyo sumedhaso: Vandāmi saṅghaṁ aham-ādarena taṁ. Iccevam-ekant'abhipūjaneyyakaṁ, Vatthuttayaṁ vandayatābhisaṅkhataṁ, Puññaṁ mayā yaṁ mama sabbupaddavā, Mā hontu ve tassa pabhāva-siddhiyā. Idha tathāgato loke uppanno arahaṁ sammā-sambuddho, Dhammo ca desito niyyāniko upasamiko parinibbāniko sambodhagāmī sugatappavedito.

Mayan-taṁ dhammaṁ sutvā evaṁ jānāma, Jātipi dukkhā jarāpi dukkhā maraṇampi dukkhaṁ, Soka-parideva-dukkha-domanass'upāyāsāpi dukkhā, Appiyehi sampayogo dukkho piyehi vippayogo dukkho yam-p'icchaṁ na labhati tampi dukkhaṁ. Saṅkhittena pañcupādānakkhandhā dukkhā, Seyyathīdaṁ:

The Saṅgha, called a field better than the best, who have seen peace, awakening after the one gone the good way, who have abandoned heedlessness — the noble ones, the wise: I revere that Saṅgha with devotion.

By the power of the merit I have made in giving reverence to the Triple Gem worthy of only the highest homage, may all my obstructions cease to be.

Here, One attained to the Truth, Worthy & Rightly Self-awakened, has appeared in the world, and Dhamma is explained, leading out (of samsara), calming, tending toward total Unbinding, going to self-awakening, declared by one who has gone the good way. Having heard the Dhamma, we know this:

Birth is stressful, aging is stressful, death is stressful,

sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, & despair are stressful, association with things disliked is stressful, separation from things liked is stressful, not getting what one wants is stressful. In short, the five clinging-aggregates are stressful, namely:

5

Morning Chanting

Rūpūpādānakkhandho, Vedanūpādānakkhandho, Saññūpādānakkhandho, Saṅkhārūpādānakkhandho, Viññāṇūpādānakkhandho. Yesaṁ pariññāya, Dharamāno so bhagavā, Evaṁ bahulaṁ sāvake vineti, Evaṁ bhāgā ca panassa bhagavato sāvakesu anusāsanī, Bahulaṁ pavattati: "Rūpaṁ aniccaṁ, Vedanā aniccā, Saññā aniccā, Saṅkhārā aniccā, Viññāṇaṁ aniccaṁ, Rūpaṁ anattā, Vedanā anattā, Saññā anattā, Saṅkhārā anattā, Viññāṇaṁ anattā, Sabbe saṅkhārā aniccā, Sabbe dhammā anattāti." Te (Tā)2

the form clinging-aggregate, the feeling clinging-aggregate, the perception clinging-aggregate, the fabrication clinging-aggregate, the consciousness clinging-aggregate. So that they might fully understand this, the Blessed One, while still alive, often instructed his listeners in this way,

many times did he emphasize this part of his admonition:

"Form is inconstant, Feeling is inconstant, Perception is inconstant, Fabrications are inconstant, Consciousness is inconstant,

Form is not-self, Feeling is not-self, Perception is not-self, Fabrications are not-self, Consciousness is not-self,

All fabrications are inconstant, All phenomena are not-self."

All of us, beset by birth, aging, & death, by sorrows, lamentations, pains, distresses, & despairs, beset by stress, overcome with stress, (consider),

mayaṁ, Otiṇṇāmha jātiyā jarā-maraṇena, Sokehi paridevehi dukkhehi domanassehi upāyāsehi, Dukkh'otiṇṇā dukkha-paretā,

2 Men chant 'Te mayaṁ'. Women chant 'Tā mayaṁ'.

6

Morning Chanting

"Appeva nām'imassa kevalassa dukkhakkhandhassa antakiriyā paññāyethāti!"

"O, that the end of this entire mass of suffering & stress might be known!"

(Monks & Novices):

Cira-parinibbutampi taṁ bhagavantaṁ uddissa arahantaṁ sammā-sambuddhaṁ, Saddhā agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajitā.

Tasmiṁ bhagavati brahma-cariyaṁ carāma, Bhikkhūnaṁ sikkhā-sājīva-samāpannā3

Though the total Unbinding of the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Rightly Self-awakened One, was long ago, we have gone forth in faith from home to homelessness in dedication to him. We practice that Blessed One's holy life,

Fully endowed with the bhikkhus' training & livelihood. May this holy life of ours bring about the end of this entire mass of suffering & stress.

.

Taṁ no brahma-cariyaṁ, Imassa kevalassa dukkhakkhandhassa antakiriyāya saṁvattatu. (Others):

Cira-parinibbutampi taṁ bhagavantaṁ saraṇaṁ gatā, Dhammañ-ca bhikkhu-saṅghañ-ca,

Tassa bhagavato sāsanaṁ yathā-sati yathā-balaṁ manasikaroma, Anupaṭipajjāma, Sā sā no paṭipatti, Imassa kevalassa dukkhakkhandhassa antakiriyāya saṁvattatu.

Though the total Unbinding of the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Rightly Self-awakened One, was long ago, we have gone for refuge in him, in the Dhamma, & in the Bhikkhu Saṅgha, we attend to the instruction of the Blessed One, as far as our mindfulness & strength will allow, and we practice accordingly. May this practice of ours bring about the end of this entire mass of suffering & stress.

3 Novices omit this phrase:'Bhikkhūnaṁ sikkhā-sājīva-samāpannā'.

7

II

EVENING CHANTING

Evening Chanting

II) EVENING CHANTING

Ratanattaya-vandanā (Homage to the Triple Gem)

Arahaṁ sammā-sambuddho bhagavā. Buddhaṁ bhagavantaṁ abhivādemi.

(BOW DOWN)

The Blessed One is Worthy & Rightly Self-awakened. I bow down before the Awakened, Blessed One.

Svākkhāto bhagavatā dhammo. Dhammaṁ namassāmi.

(BOW DOWN)

The Dhamma is well-expounded by the Blessed One. I pay homage to the Dhamma.

Supaṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho. Saṅghaṁ namāmi.

(BOW DOWN)

The Saṅgha of the Blessed One's disciples has practiced well. I pay respect to the Saṅgha.

Dedication (by leader):

[Yam-amha kho mayaṁ bhagavantaṁ saraṇaṁ gatā, (Uddissa pabbajitā)4

(Leader):

yo no bhagavā satthā yassa ca mayaṁ bhagavato dhammaṁ rocema. Imehi sakkārehi taṁ bhagavantaṁ sasaddhammaṁ sasāvaka-saṅghaṁ abhipūjayāma]. We have gone for refuge to the Blessed One, (have gone forth on account of) the Blessed One who is our Teacher and in whose Dhamma we delight. With these offerings we worship most highly that Blessed One together with the True Dhamma and the Saṅgha of his disciples.

[Handadāni mayantaṁ bhagavantaṁ vācāya abhigāyituṁ pubba-bhāga-namakārañ-c'eva buddhānussati-nayañ-ca karomase]: Now let us chant the preliminary passage in homage to the Blessed One, together with the guide to the recollection of the Buddha:

4 If a layman is chanting this passage, the words 'Uddissa pabbajitā' should be omitted.

11

Evening Chanting

Pubba-bhāga-namakāra-pāṭha (The Preliminary Passage for Revering)

(All): [Namo tassa] bhagavato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa. (THREE TIMES) Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Rightly Self-awakened One.

Buddhānussati

(A Guide to the Recollection of the Buddha) (All):

[Taṁ kho pana bhagavantaṁ] evaṁ kalyāṇo kitti-saddo abbhuggato, Itipi so bhagavā arahaṁ sammā-sambuddho, Vijjā-caraṇa-sampanno sugato lokavidū, Anuttaro purisa-damma-sārathi satthā deva-manussānaṁ buddho bhagavāti.

This fine report of the Blessed One's reputation has spread far & wide:

He is a Blessed One, a Worthy One, a Rightly Self-awakened One,

consummate in knowledge & conduct, one who has gone the good way, knower of the cosmos, unexcelled trainer of those who can be tamed, teacher of human & divine beings; awakened; blessed.

Buddhābhigīti

(Verses in Celebration of the Buddha) (Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ buddhābhigītiṁ karomase]: Now let us chant in celebration of the Buddha:

(All):

[Buddh'vārahanta]-varatādiguṇābhiyutto, Suddhābhiñāṇa-karuṇāhi samāgatatto,

Bodhesi yo sujanataṁ kamalaṁ va sūro,

Vandām'ahaṁ tam-araṇaṁ sirasā jinendaṁ.

The Buddha, endowed with such virtues as highest worthiness:

In him, purity, supreme knowledge, & compassion converge.

He awakens good people as the sun does the lotus.

I revere with my head that Peaceful One, the Conqueror Supreme.

12

Evening Chanting

Buddho yo sabba-pāṇīnaṁ Saraṇaṁ khemam-uttamaṁ. Paṭhamānussatiṭṭhānaṁ Vandāmi taṁ sirenahaṁ. Buddhassāhasmi dāso (dāsī)5

Vandanto'haṁ (Vandantī'haṁ)

va Buddho me sāmikissaro. Buddho dukkhassa ghātā ca Vidhātā ca hitassa me. Buddhassāhaṁ niyyādemi Sarīrañjīvitañ-c'idaṁ.

6

vandamānena (vandamānāya)

carissāmi Buddhasseva subodhitaṁ. N'atthi me saraṇaṁ aññaṁ; Buddho me saraṇaṁ varaṁ: Etena sacca-vajjena, Vaḍḍheyyaṁ satthu-sāsane. Buddhaṁ me

7

The Buddha who for all beings is the secure, the highest refuge,

The first theme for recollection: I revere him with my head.

I am the Buddha's servant, the Buddha is my sovereign master.

The Buddha is a destroyer of suffering & a provider of welfare for me.

To the Buddha I dedicate this body & this life of mine.

I will fare with reverence for the Buddha's genuine Awakening.

I have no other refuge; the Buddha is my foremost refuge:

By the speaking of this truth, may I grow in the Teacher's instruction.

Through the majesty of the merit here produced by my reverence for the Buddha, may all my obstructions cease to be.

Yaṁ puññaṁ pasutaṁ idha, Sabbe-pi antarāyā me, Māhesuṁ tassa tejasā.

5 Men chant 'dāso'. Women chant 'dāsī'. 6 Men chant 'Vandanto'haṁ'. Women chant 'Vandantī'haṁ'. 7 Men chant 'vandamānena'. Women chant 'vandamānāya'.

13

Evening Chanting

(BOW DOWN AND SAY):

Kāyena vācāya va cetasā vā, Buddhe kukammaṁ pakataṁ mayā yaṁ, Buddho paṭiggaṇhatu accayantaṁ, Kāl'antare saṁvarituṁ va buddhe.

Whatever bad kamma I have done to the Buddha by body, by speech, or by mind, may the Buddha accept my admission of it, so that in the future I may show restraint toward the Buddha.

Dhammānussati

(A Guide to the Recollection of the Dhamma) (Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ dhammānussati-nayaṁ karomase]: Now let us recite the guide to the recollection of the Dhamma: (All):

[Svākkhāto] bhagavatā dhammo,

Sandiṭṭhiko akāliko ehipassiko, Opanayiko paccattaṁ veditabbo viññūhīti.

The Dhamma is well-expounded by the Blessed One,

to be seen here & now, timeless, inviting all to come & see,

pertinent, to be seen by the observant for themselves.

Dhammābhigīti

(Verses in Celebration of the Dhamma) (Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ dhammābhigītiṁ karomase]: Now let us chant in celebration of the Dhamma: (All):

[Svākkhātatā]diguṇa-yogavasena seyyo, Yo magga-pāka-pariyatti- vimokkha-bhedo, Dhammo kuloka-patanā tadadhāri-dhārī.

Superior, through having such virtues as being well-expounded,

Divided into Path & Fruit, study & emancipation,

The Dhamma protects those who hold to it from falling into miserable worlds.

14

Evening Chanting

Vandām'ahaṁ tama-haraṁ vara-dhammam-etaṁ. Dhammo yo sabba-pāṇīnaṁ Saraṇaṁ khemam-uttamaṁ. Dutiyānussatiṭṭhānaṁ Vandāmi taṁ sirenahaṁ. Dhammassāhasmi dāso (dāsī)8

Vandanto'haṁ (Vandantī'haṁ)

va Dhammo me sāmikissaro. Dhammo dukkhassa ghātā ca Vidhātā ca hitassa me. Dhammassāhaṁ niyyādemi Sarīrañjīvitañ-c'idaṁ.

9

vandamānena (vandamānāya)

carissāmi Dhammasseva sudhammataṁ. N'atthi me saraṇaṁ aññaṁ; Dhammo me saraṇaṁ varaṁ: Etena sacca-vajjena, Vaḍḍheyyaṁ satthu-sāsane. Dhammaṁ me

10

I revere that foremost Dhamma, the destroyer of darkness. The Dhamma that for all beings is the secure, the highest refuge,

The second theme for recollection: I revere it with my head.

I am the Dhamma's servant, the Dhamma is my sovereign master.

The Dhamma is a destroyer of suffering & a provider of welfare for me.

To the Dhamma I dedicate this body & this life of mine.

I will fare with reverence for the Dhamma's genuine rightness.

I have no other refuge; the Dhamma is my foremost refuge:

By the speaking of this truth, may I grow in the Teacher's instruction.

Through the majesty of the merit here produced by my reverence for the Dhamma, may all my obstructions cease to be.

Yaṁ puññaṁ pasutaṁ idha, Sabbe-pi antarāyā me, Māhesuṁ tassa tejasā.

8 Men chant 'dāso'. Women chant 'dāsī'. 9 Men chant 'Vandanto'haṁ'. Women chant 'Vandantī'haṁ'. 10 Men chant 'vandamānena'. Women chant 'vandamānāya'.

15

Evening Chanting

(BOW DOWN AND SAY):

Kāyena vācāya va cetasā vā, Dhamme kukammaṁ pakataṁ mayā yaṁ, Dhammo paṭiggaṇhatu accayantaṁ, Kāl'antare saṁvarituṁ va dhamme.

Whatever bad kamma I have done to the Dhamma by body, by speech, or by mind, may the Dhamma accept my admission of it, so that in the future I may show restraint toward the Dhamma.

Saṅghānussati

(A Guide to the Recollection of the Saṅgha) (Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ saṅghānussati-nayaṁ karomase]: Now let us recite the guide to the recollection of the Saṅgha: (All):

[Supaṭipanno] bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho, Uju-paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho,

Ñāya-paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho, Sāmīci-paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho, Yadidaṁ cattāri purisa-yugāni aṭṭha purisa-puggalā: Esa bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho — Āhuneyyo pāhuneyyo dakkhiṇeyyo añjali-karaṇīyo, Anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassāti.

The Saṅgha of the Blessed One's disciples who have practiced well,

the Saṅgha of the Blessed One's disciples who have practiced straightforwardly, the Saṅgha of the Blessed One's disciples who have practiced methodically,

the Saṅgha of the Blessed One's disciples who have practiced masterfully,

i.e., the four pairs — the eight types — of noble ones:

That is the Saṅgha of the Blessed One's disciples —

worthy of gifts, worthy of hospitality, worthy of offerings, worthy of respect,

the incomparable field of merit for the world.

16

Evening Chanting

Saṅghābhigīti (Verses in Celebration of the Saṅgha)

(Leader): [Handa mayaṁ saṅghābhigītiṁ karomase]: Now let us chant in celebration of the Saṅgha: (All):

[Saddhammajo] supaṭipatti-guṇādiyutto, Yoṭṭhabbidho ariya-puggala-saṅgha-seṭṭho, Sīlādidhamma-pavarāsaya-kāya-citto, Vandām'ahaṁ tam-ariyāna-gaṇaṁ susuddhaṁ. Saṅgho yo sabba-pāṇīnaṁ Saraṇaṁ khemam-uttamaṁ Tatiyānussatiṭṭhānaṁ Vandāmi taṁ sirenahaṁ. Saṅghassāhasmi dāso (dāsī)11

Vandanto'haṁ (Vandantī'haṁ)

va Saṅgho me sāmikissaro Saṅgho dukkhassa ghātā ca Vidhātā ca hitassa me. Saṅghassāhaṁ niyyādemi Sarīrañjīvitañ-c'idaṁ.

12

Born of the true Dhamma, endowed with such virtues as good practice,

The supreme Saṅgha formed of the eight types of noble ones,

Guided in body & mind by such principles as virtue:

I revere that group of Noble Ones well-purified.

The Saṅgha that for all beings is the secure, the highest refuge,

The third theme for recollection: I revere it with my head.

I am the Saṅgha's servant; the Saṅgha is my sovereign master, The Saṅgha is a destroyer of suffering & a provider of welfare for me.

To the Saṅgha I dedicate this body & this life of mine.

I will fare with reverence for the Saṅgha's genuine practice.

carissāmi Saṅghassopaṭipannataṁ.

11 Men chant 'dāso'. Women chant 'dāsī'. 12 Men chant 'Vandanto'haṁ'. Women chant 'Vandantī'haṁ'.

17

Evening Chanting

N'atthi me saraṇaṁ aññaṁ; Saṅgho me saraṇaṁ varaṁ: Etena sacca-vajjena, Vaḍḍheyyaṁ satthu sāsane. Saṅghaṁ me vandamānena (vandamānāya)13

I have no other refuge; the Saṅgha is my foremost refuge:

By the speaking of this truth, may I grow in the Teacher's instruction. Through the majesty of the merit here produced by my reverence for the Saṅgha, may all my obstructions cease to be.

Whatever bad kamma I have done to the Saṅgha by body, by speech, or by mind, may the Saṅgha accept my admission of it, so that in the future I may show restraint toward the Saṅgha.

Yaṁ puññaṁ pasutaṁ idha, Sabbe-pi antarāyā me, Māhesuṁ tassa tejasā.

(BOW DOWN AND SAY):

Kāyena vācāya va cetasā vā, Saṅghe kukammaṁ pakataṁ mayā yaṁ, Saṅgho paṭiggaṇhatu accayantaṁ, Kāl'antare saṁvarituṁ va saṅghe.

13 Men chant 'vandamānena'. Women chant 'vandamānāya'.

18

III

PARITTA

An Invitation to the Devas

III) PARITTA

An Invitation to the Devas

[Samantā cakkavāḷesu Atr'āgacchantu devatā, Saddhammaṁ muni-rājassa Suṇantu sagga-mokkhadaṁ].14

ayam-bhadantā].

Sagge kāme ca rūpe Giri-sikharataṭe c'antalikkhe vimāne, Dīpe raṭṭhe ca gāme Taruvana-gahane geha-vatthumhi khette. Bhummā c'āyantu devā Jala-thala-visame yakkha- gandhabba-nāgā, Tiṭṭhantā santike yaṁ: Muni-vara-vacanaṁ sādhavo me suṇantu. [Dhammassavana-kālo ayam-bhadantā. Dhammassavana-kālo ayam-bhadantā. Dhammassavana-kālo

15

From all around the galaxies, may the devas come here. May they listen to the True Dhamma of the King of Sages, leading to heaven & emancipation.

Those in the heavens of sensuality & form, on peaks & mountain precipices, in palaces floating in the sky, in islands, countries, & towns, in groves of trees & thickets, around homesites & fields.

And the earth-devas, spirits, heavenly minstrels, & nagas in water, on land, in badlands, & nearby: May they come & listen with approval as I recite the word of the excellent sage. This is the time to listen to the Dhamma, Venerable Sirs. This is the time to listen to the Dhamma, Venerable Sirs. This is the time to listen to the Dhamma, Venerable Sirs.

14 In any formal ceremony connected with the royalty and the government, replace the verse in brackets with: 'Sarajjaṁ sasenaṁ sabandhuṁ narindaṁ, Paritt'ānubhāvo sadā rakkhatū'ti, Pharitvāna mettaṁ samettā bhadantā, Avikkhitta-cittā parittaṁ bhaṇantu.' 15 In any formal ceremony connected with the Saṅgha, eg. beginning of Vassa, Visākha-pūjā, etc., it is customary to change the verse in brackets as follows: 'Buddha-dassana-kālo ayam-bhadantā. (This is time to see to the Buddha, Venerable Sirs). Dhammassavana-kālo ayam-bhadantā. (This is the time to listen to the Dhamma, Venerable Sirs). Saṅgha-payirūpāsana-kālo ayam-bhadantā.' (This is the time to attend to the Saṅgha, Venerable Sirs).

21

Pubba-bhāga-namakāra-pāṭha / Saraṇa-gamana-pāṭha

Pubba-bhāga-namakāra-pāṭha (The Preliminary Passage for Revering)

(Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ buddhassa bhagavato pubba-bhāga-namakāraṁ karomase]: Now let us chant the preliminary passage in homage to the Awakened One, the Blessed One: (All): [Namo tassa] bhagavato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa. (THREE TIMES) Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Rightly Self-awakened One.

Saraṇa-gamana-pāṭha

(The Passage on Going for the Three Refuges) (Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ saraṇa-gamana-pāṭhaṁ bhaṇāmase]: Now let us recite the passage on going for the three refuges:

(All):

Buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi. Dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi. Saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi. Dutiyam-pi buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi. Dutiyam-pi dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi. Dutiyam-pi saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi.

Tatiyam-pi buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi. Tatiyam-pi dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi. Tatiyam-pi saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi.

I go to the Buddha for refuge. I go to the Dhamma for refuge. I go to the Saṅgha for refuge.

A second time, I go to the Buddha for refuge. A second time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge. A second time, I go to the Saṅgha for refuge. A third time, I go to the Buddha for refuge. A third time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge. A third time, I go to the Saṅgha for refuge.

22

Sacca-kiriyā-gāthā / Mahā-kāruṇiko-nāthoti-ādikā-gāthā

Sacca-kiriyā-gāthā (The Verses on Asseverations of Truth)

(Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ sacca-kiriyā-gāthāyo bhaṇāmase]: Now let us recite the verses on asseverations of truth:

(All):

N'atthi me saraṇaṁ aññaṁ Buddho me saraṇaṁ varaṁ. Etena sacca-vajjena Sotthi te (me)16

I have no other refuge. The Buddha is my foremost refuge. Through the speaking of this truth, may you (I) be blessed always.

I have no other refuge. The Dhamma is my foremost refuge. Through the speaking of this truth, may you (I) be blessed always.

I have no other refuge. The Saṅgha is my foremost refuge. Through the speaking of this truth, may you (I) be blessed always.

hotu sabbadā. N'atthi me saraṇaṁ aññaṁ Dhammo me saraṇaṁ varaṁ. Etena sacca-vajjena Sotthi te (me) hotu sabbadā. N'atthi me saraṇaṁ aññaṁ Saṅgho me saraṇaṁ varaṁ. Etena sacca-vajjena Sotthi te (me) hotu sabbadā.

Mahā-kāruṇiko-nāthoti-ādikā-gāthā (The Verses on the Great Compassion Protector)

(Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ mahā-kāruṇiko-nāthoti-ādikā-gāthāyo bhaṇāmase]: Now let us recite the verses on the Great Compassion Protector:

(All):

Mahā-kāruṇiko nātho Atthāya sabba-pāṇinaṁ, Pūretvā pāramī sabbā Patto sambodhim-uttamaṁ. Etena sacca-vajjena Mā hontu sabbupaddavā.

(The Buddha), our protector, with great compassion, for the welfare of all beings, having fulfilled all the perfections, attained the highest self-awakening. Through the speaking of this truth, may all troubles cease to be.

16 If chanting for another person use 'te'. If chanting for oneself use 'me'.

23

Ariya-dhana-gāthā

Mahā-kāruṇiko nātho Hitāya sabba-pāṇinaṁ, Pūretvā pāramī sabbā Patto sambodhim-uttamaṁ. Etena sacca-vajjena Mā hontu sabbupaddavā. Mahā-kāruṇiko nātho Sukhāya sabba-pāṇinaṁ, Pūretvā pāramī sabbā Patto sambodhim-uttamaṁ. Etena sacca-vajjena Mā hontu sabbupaddavā.

(The Buddha), our protector, with great compassion, for the benefit of all beings, having fulfilled all the perfections, attained the highest self-awakening. Through the power of this truth, may all troubles cease to be. (The Buddha), our protector, with great compassion, for the happiness of all beings, having fulfilled all the perfections, attained the highest self-awakening. Through the power of this truth, may all troubles cease to be.

Ariya-dhana-gāthā

(The Verses on the Noble Wealth) (Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ ariya-dhana-gāthāyo bhaṇāmase]: Now let us recite the verses on the noble wealth:

(All):

Yassa saddhā tathāgate Acalā supatiṭṭhitā, Sīlañ-ca yassa kalyāṇaṁ Ariya-kantaṁ pasaṁsitaṁ, Saṅghe pasādo yassatthi Ujubhūtañ-ca dassanaṁ, Adaliddoti taṁ āhu Amoghan-tassa jīvitaṁ, Tasmā saddhañ-ca sīlañ-ca Pasādaṁ dhamma-dassanaṁ, Anuyuñjetha medhāvī Saraṁ buddhāna-sāsananti.

One whose conviction in the Tathāgata is unshakable, well-established, whose virtue is admirable, praised, cherished by the Noble Ones,

who has faith in the Saṅgha, straightforwardness, vision: "Not poor," they say of him. Not in vain his life. So conviction & virtue, faith, & dhamma-vision should be cultivated by the wise, remembering the Buddhas' teachings.

24

Pabbatopama-gāthā

Pabbatopama-gāthā (The Verses on the Simile of the Mountains)

(Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ pabbatopama-gāthāyo bhaṇāmase]: Now let us recite the verses on the simile of the mountains:

(All):

Yathāpi selā vipulā Nabhaṁ āhacca pabbatā, Samantā anupariyeyyuṁ Nippothentā catuddisā, Evaṁ jarā ca maccu ca Adhivattanti pāṇino, Khattiye brāhmaṇe vesse Sudde caṇḍāla-pukkuse, Na kiñci parivajjeti Sabbam-evābhimaddati, Na tattha hatthīnaṁ bhūmi Na rathānaṁ na pattiyā, Na cāpi manta-yuddhena Sakkā jetuṁ dhanena vā, Tasmā hi paṇḍito poso Sampassaṁ attham-attano, Buddhe Dhamme ca Saṅghe ca Dhīro saddhaṁ nivesaye, Yo dhammacārī kāyena Vācāya uda cetasā, Idh'eva naṁ pasaṁsanti Pecca sagge pamodati.

Like massive boulders, mountains pressing against the sky moving in from all sides, crushing the four directions,

In the same way, aging & death roll over living beings: noble warriors, brāhmans, merchants, workers, outcastes, & scavengers.

They spare nothing. They trample everything. Here elephants can hold no ground, nor can chariots or infantry, nor can a battle of spells or wealth win out. So a wise person, seeing his own good, enlightened, secures conviction in the Buddha, Dhamma, & Saṅgha.

He who practices the Dhamma in thought, word, & deed, receives praise here on earth and after death rejoices in heaven.

25

Khemākhema-saraṇa-gamana-paridīpikā-gāthā

Khemākhema-saraṇa-gamana-paridīpikā-gāthā (The Verses on the Secure Refuge)

(Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ khemākhema-saraṇa-gamana-paridīpikā-gāthāyo bhaṇāmase]: Now let us recite the verses on the secure refuge: (All):

Bahuṁ ve saraṇaṁ yanti Pabbatāni vanāni ca, Ārāma-rukkha-cetyāni Manussā bhaya-tajjitā. N'etaṁ kho saraṇaṁ khemaṁ N'etaṁ saraṇam-uttamaṁ, N'etaṁ saraṇam-āgamma, Sabba-dukkhā pamuccati. Yo ca buddhañ-ca dhammañ-ca Saṅghañ-ca saraṇaṁ gato, Cattāri ariya-saccāni Sammappaññāya passati: Dukkhaṁ dukkha-samuppādaṁ, Dukkhassa ca atikkamaṁ, Ariyañ-c'aṭṭhaṅgikaṁ maggaṁ, Dukkhūpasama-gāminaṁ. Etaṁ kho saraṇaṁ khemaṁ Etaṁ saraṇam-uttamaṁ, Etaṁ saraṇam-āgamma, Sabba-dukkhā pamuccatī'ti.

Many are those who go for refuge to mountains, forests, parks, trees, & shrines: People threatened with danger.

That is not the secure refuge, that is not the highest refuge, that is not the refuge, having gone to which, one gains release from all suffering.

But a person who, having gone to the Buddha, Dhamma & Saṅgha for refuge, sees the four Noble Truths with right discernment:

Stress, the cause of stress, the transcending of stress, and the Noble Eightfold Path, the way to the stilling of stress.

That is the secure refuge, that is the highest refuge, that is the refuge, having gone to which, one gains release from all suffering.

26

Namakāra-siddhi-gāthā

Namakāra-siddhi-gāthā (The Verses on Success through Homage)

(Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ namakāra-siddhi-gāthāyo bhaṇāmase]: Now let us recite the verses on success through homage:

(All):

Yo cakkhumā moha-malāpakaṭṭho, Sāmaṁ va buddho sugato vimutto. Mārassa pāsā vinimocayanto, Pāpesi khemaṁ janataṁ vineyyaṁ. Buddhaṁ varantaṁ sirasā namāmi, Lokassa nāthañ-ca vināyakañ-ca. Tan-tejasā te jaya-siddhi hotu, Sabb'antarāyā ca vināsamentu.

Dhammo dhajo yo viya tassa satthu, Dassesi lokassa visuddhi-maggaṁ. Niyyāniko dhamma-dharassa dhārī, Sātāvaho santikaro suciṇṇo.

Dhammaṁ varantaṁ sirasā namāmi, Mohappadālaṁ upasanta-dāhaṁ. Tan-tejasā te jaya-siddhi hotu, Sabb'antarāyā ca vināsamentu.

Saddhamma-senā sugatānugo yo, Lokassa pāpūpakilesa-jetā. Santo sayaṁ santi-niyojako ca, Svākkhāta-dhammaṁ viditaṁ karoti.

The One with Vision, with the stain of delusion removed, self-awakened, Well-Gone & Released, Releasing them from Māra's snares, he leads humanity from evil to security.

I pay homage with my head to that excellent Buddha, the Protector & Mentor for the world. By the majesty of this, may you have triumph & success, and may all your dangers be destroyed. The Teacher's Dhamma, like a banner, shows the path of purity to the world. Leading out, upholding those who uphold it, rightly accomplished, it brings pleasure, makes peace. I pay homage with my head to that excellent Dhamma, which pierces delusion and makes fever grow calm. By the majesty of this, may you have triumph & success, and may all your dangers be destroyed. The True Dhamma's army, following the One Well-Gone, is victor over the evils & corruptions of the world. Self-calmed, it is calming & unfettering, and makes the well-taught Dhamma be known.

27

Sambuddhe

Saṅghaṁ varantaṁ sirasā namāmi, Buddhānubuddhaṁ sama-sīla-diṭṭhiṁ. Tan-tejasā te jaya-siddhi hotu, Sabb'antarāyā ca vināsamentu.

I pay homage with my head to that excellent Saṅgha, awakened following the Awakened One, harmonious in virtue & view. By the majesty of this, may you have triumph & success, and may all your dangers be destroyed.

Sambuddhe (The Buddhas)

Sambuddhe aṭṭhavīsañ-ca Dvādasañ-ca sahassake Pañca-sata-sahassāni Namāmi sirasā ahaṁ. Tesaṁ dhammañ-ca saṅghañ-ca Ādarena namāmi'haṁ. Namakārānubhāvena Hantvā sabbe upaddave Anekā antarāyāpi Vinassantu asesato. Sambuddhe pañca-paññāsañ-ca Catuvīsati sahassake Dasa-sata-sahassāni Namāmi sirasā ahaṁ. Tesaṁ dhammañ-ca saṅghañ-ca Ādarena namāmi'haṁ. Namakārānubhāvena Hantvā sabbe upaddave Anekā antarāyāpi Vinassantu asesato.

I pay homage with my head to the 512,028 Buddhas.

I pay devoted homage to their Dhamma & Saṅgha. Through the power of this homage, having demolished all misfortunes, may countless dangers be destroyed without trace. I pay homage with my head to the 1,024,055 Buddhas.

I pay devoted homage to their Dhamma & Saṅgha. Through the power of this homage, having demolished all misfortunes, may countless dangers be destroyed without trace.

28

Namo-kāra-aṭṭhakaṁ

Sambuddhe navuttarasate Aṭṭhacattāḷīsa sahassake Vīsati-sata-sahassāni Namāmi sirasā ahaṁ. Tesaṁ dhammañ-ca saṅghañ-ca Ādarena namāmi'haṁ. Namakārānubhāvena Hantvā sabbe upaddave Anekā antarāyāpi Vinassantu asesato.

I pay homage with my head to the 2,048,109 Buddhas.

I pay devoted homage to their Dhamma & Saṅgha. Through the power of this homage, having demolished all misfortunes, may countless dangers be destroyed without trace.

Namo-kāra-aṭṭhakaṁ

(The Homage Octet) (Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ namo-kārāṭṭhaka-gāthāyo bhaṇāmase]: Now let us recite the verses on the homage octet:

(All):

Namo Arahato sammā- Sambuddhassa mahesino Namo Uttama-dhammassa Svākkhātasseva tenidha Namo Mahā-saṅghassāpi Visuddha-sīla-diṭṭhino Namo omātyāraddhassa Ratanattayassa sādhukaṁ Namo omakātītassa Tassa vatthuttayassapi Namo-kārappabhāvena Vigacchantu upaddavā

Homage to the Great Seer, the Worthy One, Rightly Self-awakened. Homage to the highest Dhamma, well-taught by him here.

And homage to the Great Saṅgha, pure in virtue & view. Homage to the Triple Gem beginning auspiciously with AUM.

And homage to those three objects that have left base things behind. By the potency of this homage, may misfortunes disappear.

29

Maṅgala Sutta

Namo-kārānubhāvena Suvatthi hotu sabbadā Namo-kārassa tejena Vidhimhi homi, tejavā.

By the potency of this homage, may there always be well-being. By the majesty of this homage, may I be successful in this ceremony.

Maṅgala Sutta

(The Discourse on Blessings) (Leader): [Handa mayaṁ maṅgala suttaṁ bhaṇāmase]: Now let us recite the discourse on blessings:

(All):

[Evam-me sutaṁ], Ekaṁ samayaṁ Bhagavā, Sāvatthiyaṁ viharati, Jetavane Anāthapiṇḍikassa, ārāme. Atha kho aññatarā devatā, Abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkanta-vaṇṇā kevala-kappaṁ Jetavanaṁ obhāsetvā, Yena Bhagavā ten'upasaṅkami. Upasaṅkamitvā Bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekam-antaṁ aṭṭhāsi.

Ekam-antaṁ ṭhitā kho sā devatā Bhagavantaṁ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi. "Bahū devā manussā ca Maṅgalāni acintayuṁ, Ākaṅkhamānā sotthānaṁ Brūhi maṅgalam-uttamaṁ."

I have heard that at one time the Blessed One was staying in Savatthi at Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park. Then a certain devata, in the far extreme of the night, her extreme radiance lighting up the entirety of Jeta's Grove, approached the Blessed One.

On approaching, having bowed down to the Blessed One, she stood to one side. As she was standing there, she addressed the Blessed One with a verse.

"Many devas & human beings give thought to blessing, desiring well-being. Tell, then, the highest blessing."

30

Maṅgala Sutta

>>> "Asevanā ca bālānaṁ Paṇḍitānañ-ca sevanā, Pūjā ca pūjanīyānaṁ Etam-maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. Paṭirūpa-desa-vāso ca Pubbe ca kata-puññatā, Atta-sammā-paṇidhi ca Etam-maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. Bāhu-saccañ-ca sippañ-ca Vinayo ca susikkhito, Subhāsitā ca yā vācā Etam-maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. Mātā-pitu-upaṭṭhānaṁ Putta-dārassa saṅgaho, Anākulā ca kammantā Etam-maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. Dānañ-ca dhamma-cariyā ca Ñātakānañ-ca saṅgaho, Anavajjāni kammāni Etam-maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. Āratī viratī pāpā Majja-pānā ca saññamo, Appamādo ca dhammesu Etam-maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. Gāravo ca nivāto ca Santuṭṭhī ca kataññutā, Kālena dhammassavanaṁ Etam-maṅgalam-uttamaṁ.

(The Buddha:) "Not consorting with fools, consorting with the wise, paying homage to those who deserve homage: This is the highest blessing.

Living in a civilized country, having made merit in the past, directing oneself rightly: This is the highest blessing.

Broad knowledge, skill, discipline well-mastered, words well-spoken: This is the highest blessing.

Support for one's parents, assistance to one's wife & children, jobs that are not left unfinished: This is the highest blessing.

Generosity, living by the Dhamma, assistance to one's relatives, deeds that are blameless: This is the highest blessing.

Avoiding, abstaining from evil; refraining from intoxicants, being heedful with regard to qualities of the mind: This is the highest blessing.

Respect, humility, contentment, gratitude, hearing the Dhamma on timely occasions: This is the highest blessing.

31

Ratana Sutta

Khantī ca sovacassatā Samaṇānañ-ca dassanaṁ, Kālena dhamma-sākacchā Etam-maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. Tapo ca brahma-cariyañ-ca Ariya-saccāna-dassanaṁ, Nibbāna-sacchi-kiriyā ca Etam-maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. Phuṭṭhassa loka-dhammehi Cittaṁ yassa na kampati, Asokaṁ virajaṁ khemaṁ Etam-maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. Etādisāni katvāna Sabbattham-aparājitā, Sabbattha sotthiṁ gacchanti Tan-tesaṁ maṅgalam-uttamanti."

Patience, composure, seeing contemplatives, discussing the Dhamma on timely occasions: This is the highest blessing.

Austerity, celibacy, seeing the Noble Truths, realizing Unbinding: This is the highest blessing.

A mind that, when touched by the ways of the world, is unshaken, sorrowless, dustless, secure: This is the highest blessing.

Everywhere undefeated when doing these things, people go everywhere in well-being: This is their highest blessing."

Ratana Sutta

(The Discourse on Treasures) (Leader):

[Handa mayaṁ ratana suttaṁ bhaṇāmase]: Now let us recite the discourse on treasures:

(All):

Yānīdha bhūtāni samāgatāni, Bhummāni vā yāniva antalikkhe. Sabbe va bhūtā sumanā bhavantu, Athopi sakkacca suṇantu bhāsitaṁ. Tasmā hi bhūtā nisāmetha sabbe, Mettaṁ karotha mānusiyā pajāya. Divā ca ratto ca haranti ye baliṁ, Tasmā hi ne rakkhatha appamattā.

Whatever spirits have gathered here, — on the earth, in the sky — may you all be happy & listen intently to what I say. Thus, spirits, you should all be attentive. Show kindness to the human race. Day & night they give offerings, so, being heedful, protect them.

32

Ratana Sutta

(Beginning of Cha-ratana-paritta-gāthā - The Six Protective Verses from the Discourse on Treasures): (1) Yaṅ-kiñci vittaṁ idha vā huraṁ vā Saggesu vā yaṁ ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ Na no samaṁ atthi tathāgatena. Idam-pi buddhe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ Etena saccena suvatthi hotu.

(2) Khayaṁ virāgaṁ amataṁ paṇītaṁ Yad-ajjhagā sakyamunī samāhito Na tena dhammena sam'atthi kiñci. Idam-pi dhamme ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ Etena saccena suvatthi hotu.

(3) Yam-buddha-seṭṭho parivaṇṇayī suciṁ Samādhim-ānantarik'aññam-āhu Samādhinā tena samo na vijjati. Idam-pi dhamme ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ Etena saccena suvatthi hotu. (4) Ye puggalā aṭṭha sataṁ pasatthā Cattāri etāni yugāni honti Te dakkhiṇeyyā sugatassa sāvakā Etesu dinnāni mahapphalāni. Idam-pi saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ Etena saccena suvatthi hotu.

(5) Ye suppayuttā manasā daḷhena Nikkāmino gotama-sāsanamhi Te pattipattā amataṁ vigayha Laddhā mudhā nibbutiṁ bhuñjamānā.

(1) Whatever wealth — in this world or the next — whatever exquisite treasure in the heavens, is not, for us, equal to the Tathāgata. This, too, is an exquisite treasure in the Buddha. By this truth may there be well-being. (2) The exquisite Deathless — dispassion, ending — discovered by the Sakyan Sage while in concentration: There is nothing equal to that Dhamma. This, too, is an exquisite treasure in the Dhamma. By this truth may there be well-being. (3) What the excellent Awakened One extolled as pure and called the concentration of unmediated knowing: No equal to that concentration can be found. This, too, is an exquisite treasure in the Dhamma. By this truth may there be well-being. (4) The eight persons — the four pairs — praised by those at peace: They, disciples of the One Well-Gone, deserve offerings. What is given to them bears great fruit. This, too, is an exquisite treasure in the Saṅgha. By this truth may there be well-being.

(5) Those who, devoted, firm-minded, apply themselves to Gotama's message, on attaining their goal, plunge into the Deathless, freely enjoying the Unbinding they've

33

Ratana Sutta

Idam-pi saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ Etena saccena suvatthi hotu. (When chanting Cha-ratana-paritta-gāthā, skip to page 35 >>>(6)).

Yath'inda-khīlo paṭhaviṁ sito siyā, Catubbhi vātebhi asampakampiyo. Tathūpamaṁ sappurisaṁ vadāmi, Yo ariya-saccāni avecca passati. Idam-pi saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ, Etena saccena suvatthi hotu.

Ye ariya-saccāni vibhāvayanti, Gambhīra-paññena sudesitāni. Kiñcā-pi te honti bhusappamattā, Na te bhavaṁ aṭṭhamam-ādiyanti. Idam-pi saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ, Etena saccena suvatthi hotu.

Sahā vassa dassana-sampadāya, Tyassu dhammā jahitā bhavanti. Sakkāya-diṭṭhi vicikicchitañca, Sīlabbataṁ vā pi yadatthi kiñci. Catūhapāyehi ca vippamutto, Cha cābhiṭhānāni abhabbo kātuṁ. Idam-pi saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ, Etena saccena suvatthi hotu.

Kiñcāpi so kammaṁ karoti pāpakaṁ, Kāyena vācāyuda cetasā vā. Abhabbo so tassa paṭicchadāya, Abhabbatā diṭṭha-padassa vuttā.

gained. This, too, is an exquisite treasure in the Saṅgha. By this truth may there be well-being. An Indra's pillar, planted in the earth, that even the four winds cannot shake: that, I tell you, is like the person of integrity, who — having comprehended the noble truths — sees. This, too, is an exquisite treasure in the Saṅgha. By this truth may there be well-being. Those who have seen clearly the noble truths well-taught by the one of deep discernment — regardless of what [later] might make them heedless — will come to no eighth state of becoming. This, too, is an exquisite treasure in the Saṅgha. By this truth may there be well-being. At the moment of attaining sight, one abandons three things: identity-views, uncertainty, & any attachment to precepts & practices. One is completely released from the four states of deprivation, and incapable of committing the six great wrongs. This, too, is an exquisite treasure in the Saṅgha. By this truth may there be well-being. Whatever bad deed one may do — in body, speech or in mind — one cannot hide it: an incapability ascribed to one who has seen the Way.

34

Ratana Sutta

Idam-pi saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ, Etena saccena suvatthi hotu. Vanappagumbe yathā phussi-tagge, Gimhāna-māse paṭhamasmiṁ gimhe. Tathūpamaṁ dhamma-varaṁ adesayi, Nibbāna-gāmiṁ paramaṁ hitāya. Idam-pi buddhe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ, Etena saccena suvatthi hotu.

Varo varaññū varado var'āharo, Anuttaro dhamma-varaṁ adesayi. Idam-pi buddhe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ, Etena saccena suvatthi hotu.

>>> (6) Khīṇaṁ purāṇaṁ navaṁ n'atthi sambhavaṁ Viratta-cittāyatike bhavasmiṁ Te khīṇa-bījā aviruḷhi-chandā Nibbanti dhīrā yathā'yam-padīpo. Idam-pi saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ Etena saccena suvatthi hotu. (End of Cha-ratana-paritta-gāthā).

Yānīdha bhūtāni samāgatāni, Bhummāni vā yāniva antalikkhe. Tathāgataṁ deva-manussa-pūjitaṁ, Buddhaṁ namassāma suvatthi hotu.

Yānīdha bhūtāni samāgatāni, Bhummāni vā yāniva antalikkhe. Tathāgataṁ deva-manussa-pūjitaṁ, Dhammaṁ namassāma suvatthi hotu.

This, too, is an exquisite treasure in the Saṅgha. By this truth may there be well-being. Like a forest grove with flowering tops in the first month of the heat of the summer, so is the foremost Dhamma he taught, for the highest benefit, leading to Unbinding. This, too, is an exquisite treasure in the Buddha. By this truth may there be well-being. Foremost, foremost-knowing, foremost-giving, foremost-bringing, unexcelled, he taught the foremost Dhamma. This, too, is an exquisite treasure in the Buddha. By this truth may there be well-being. (6) Ended the old, there is no new taking birth. Dispassioned their minds toward further becoming, they, with no seed, no desire for growth, enlightened, go out like this flame. This, too, is an exquisite treasure in the Saṅgha. By this truth may there be well-being.

Whatever spirits have gathered here, — on the earth, in the sky — let us pay homage to the Buddha, the Tathāgata worshipped by beings human & divine. May there be well-being.

Whatever spirits have gathered here, — on the earth, in the sky — let us pay homage to the Dhamma & the Tathāgata worshipped by beings human & divine. May there be well-being.

35

Karaṇīya Metta Sutta

Yānīdha bhūtāni samāgatāni, Bhummāni vā yāniva antalikkhe. Tathāgataṁ deva-manussa-pūjitaṁ, Saṅghaṁ namassāma suvatthi hotu.

Whatever spirits have gathered here, — on the earth, in the sky — let us pay homage to the Saṅgha & the Tathāgata worshipped by beings human & divine. May there be well-being.

Karaṇīya Metta Sutta (The Discourse on Goodwill)

(Leader): [Handa mayaṁ karaṇīya metta suttaṁ bhaṇāmase]: Now let us recite the discourse on goodwill:

(All):

Karaṇīyam-attha-kusalena yantaṁ santaṁ padaṁ abhisamecca:

Sakko ujū ca suhujū ca suvaco c'assa mudu anatimānī, Santussako ca subharo ca appakicco ca sallahuka-vutti, Santindriyo ca nipako ca appagabbho kulesu ananugiddho. Na ca khuddaṁ samācare kiñci yena viññū pare upavadeyyuṁ. Sukhino vā khemino hontu sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhitattā. Ye keci pāṇa-bhūtatthi tasā vā thāvarā vā anavasesā, Dīghā vā ye mahantā vā majjhimā rassakā aṇuka-thūlā,

This is to be done by one skilled in aims who wants to break through to the state of peace: Be capable, upright & straightforward, easy to instruct, gentle & not conceited, content & easy to support, with few duties, living lightly,

with peaceful faculties, masterful, modest, & no greed for supporters.

Do not do the slightest thing that the wise would later censure.

(Think:) Happy & secure, may all beings be happy at heart.

Whatever beings there may b