Paritta Chants

Contents

Thai Tradition

Paritta chanting ceremonies in Thailand vary regionally but may be outlined as:

  • a layperson chants the invitation for paritta chanting
  • the third bhikkhu or nun in seniority chants the invitation to the devas
  • the introductory chants are chanted
  • the core sequence of paritta chants follow
  • the closing chants end the ceremony.

The third introductory chant in the Mahānikāya sect is commonly Sambuddhe. In Dhammayut circles and frequently in the forest tradition, the third chant is Yo cakkhumā instead.

There is a shorter and longer traditional core sequence. The jet tamnaan contains D1-D7 as below, the sipsong tamnaan contains S1-S12. Chants that are not numbered ‘D’ or ‘S’ can be included or not, as wished, but should be recited in the order listed here.

Notes for Particular Chants

Asevanā ca bālānaṁ: The candles on the shrine during a house invitation are lit by the senior bhikkhu or nun at Asevanā.

Yaṅkiñci vittaṁ: The candles are put out at Nibbanti dhīrā yathā’yam padīpo.

Atthi loke sīla-guṇo: On the occasion of blessing a new house, this chant should be included, as it is traditionally considered protection against fire.

Yato’haṁ bhagini: This chant is to be used for expectant mothers since the time of the Buddha for the blessing and protection of the mother and child. It is also a good occasion to chant it when receiving alms from a newly married couple. Sangha members are encouraged to practise it.

Dukkhappattā ca niddukkhā: This is usually chanted as second to last before Bhavatu sabba-maṅgalaṁ. It is considered necessary to include it whenever the devas have been invited at the beginning of the paritta chanting as this chant contains a line inviting them to leave again.

Bāhuṁ sahassam-abhinimmita: This is is a popular later addition to the present day standard chants. It is not listed in the jet tamnaan or sipsong tamnaan sets. Yet these days it is frequently added just before Mahā-kāruṇiko nātho. On some occasions (e.g. public birthdays, jubilees, inauguration ceremonies, etc.), it is an alternative, instead of chanting jet tamnaan or sipsong tamnaan, to do a minimum sequence called suat phorn phra which contains only:

(1) Namo Tassa,
(2) Iti pi so bhagavā,
(3) Bāhuṁ,
(4) Mahā-kāruṇiko nātho, and
(5) Bhavatu sabba-maṅgalaṁ.

In this minimal chanting sequence usually one does not invite the devas.

Te attha-laddhā sukhitā: This is sometimes inserted before closing with Bhavatu sabba-maṅgalaṁ, as a special well-wishing when the occasion has to do with Buddhism in general (e.g. inauguration of a new abbot, or at the end of an upasampadā).

Invitations

Invitation for Paritta Chanting

(After bowing three times, with hands joined in añjali, recite the following)

Vipatti-paṭibāhāya sabba-sampatti-siddhiyā
Sabbadukkha-vināsāya
Parittaṁ brūtha maṅgalaṁ

Vipatti-paṭibāhāya sabba-sampatti-siddhiyā
Sabbabhaya-vināsāya
Parittaṁ brūtha maṅgalaṁ

Vipatti-paṭibāhāya sabba-sampatti-siddhiyā
Sabbaroga-vināsāya
Parittaṁ brūtha maṅgalaṁ

(Bow three times)

For warding off misfortune, for the arising of good fortune,
For the dispelling of all dukkha,
May you chant a blessing and protection.

For warding off misfortune, for the arising of good fortune,
For the dispelling of all fear,
May you chant a blessing and protection.

For warding off misfortune, for the arising of good fortune,
For the dispelling of all sickness,
May you chant a blessing and protection.

Invitation to the Devas

In Thai custom, the third monk in seniority invites the devas, holding his hands in añjali, and lifting up the ceremonial string.

The string is wound up at the beginning of the last chant, Mahā-kāruṇiko nātho or Bhavatu sabba-maṅgalaṁ, which should be kept in mind by the last bhikkhu or sāmaṇera.

Before royal ceremonies, the invitation starts with A.

Before the shorter jet tamnaan set of parittas, B is used and C is omitted. Before the longer sipsong tamnaan set of parittas, B is omitted and C is used.

The verses at D are always chanted.

When chanting outside the monastery, the invitation is concluded with E. When chanting at the monastery, the invitation is concluded with either E or F.

(With hands joined in añjali, recite the following)

A.
Sarajjaṁ sasenaṁ sabandhuṁ nar’indaṁ
Paritt’ānubhāvo sadā rakkhatū’ti

B.
Pharitvāna mettaṁ samettā bhadantā
Avikkhitta-cittā parittaṁ bhaṇantu

C.
Samantā cakka-vāḷesu
Atr’āgacchantu devatā
Saddhammaṁ muni-rājassa
Suṇantu sagga-mokkha-daṁ

D.
Sagge kāme ca rūpe
Giri-sikhara-taṭe c’antalikkhe vimāne
Dīpe raṭṭhe ca gāme
Taru-vana-gahane geha-vatthumhi khette
Bhummā c’āyantu devā
Jala-thala-visame yakkha-gandhabba-nāgā
Tiṭṭhantā santike yaṁ
Muni-vara-vacanaṁ sādhavo me suṇantu

E.
Dhammassavana-kālo ayam-bhadantā (×3)

Or, end with:

F.
Buddha-dassana-kālo ayam-bhadantā
Dhammassavana-kālo ayam-bhadantā
Saṅgha-payirūpāsana-kālo ayam-bhadantā

Benevolent, venerable sirs: having spread thoughts of goodwill, listen to the chant with undistracted mind.

From all around the ten-thousand world-systems, may the devas come here.
May they listen to the True Dhamma of the King of Sages,
leading to heaven and liberation.

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

And the earth-devas, spirits, heavenly minstrels, and nagas
in water, on land, in bad lands, and nearby:
May they come and listen with approval
as I recite the word of the excellent sage.

This is the time to see the Buddha, venerable sirs.
This is the time to listen to the Dhamma, venerable sirs.
This is the time to attend to the Saṅgha, venerable sirs.

Introductory Chants

Pubba-bhāga-nama-kāra-pāṭha

Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa

Saraṇa-gamana-pāṭha

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

Sambuddhe

Sambuddhe aṭṭhavīsañca
Dvādasañca sahassake
Pañca-sata-sahassāni
Namāmi sirasā ahaṁ

Tesaṁ dhammañca saṅghañca
Ādarena namāmihaṁ
Namakārānubhāvena
Hantvā sabbe upaddave
Anekā antarāyāpi
Vinassantu asesato

Sambuddhe pañca-paññāsañca
Catuvīsati sahassake
Dasa-sata-sahassāni
Namāmi sirasā ahaṁ

Tesaṁ dhammañca saṅghañca
Ādarena namāmihaṁ
Namakārānubhāvena
Hantvā sabbe upaddave
Anekā antarāyāpi
Vinassantu asesato

Sambuddhe navuttarasate
Aṭṭhacattāḷīsa sahassake
Vīsati-sata-sahassāni
Namāmi sirasā ahaṁ

Tesaṁ dhammañca saṅghañca
Ādarena namāmihaṁ
Namakārānubhāvena
Hantvā sabbe upaddave
Anekā antarāyāpi
Vinassantu asesato

The Buddhas

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

I pay devoted homage to their Dhamma and 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 and 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 2,048,109 Buddhas.

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

Nama-kāra-siddhi-gāthā

Yo cakkhumā moha-malāpakaṭṭho
Sāmaṁ va buddho sugato vimutto
Mārassa pāsā vinimocayanto
Pāpesi khemaṁ janataṁ vineyyaṁ
Buddhaṁ varan-taṁ 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
Sāt’āvaho santi-karo suciṇṇo
Dhammaṁ varan-taṁ 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
Saṅghaṁ varan-taṁ sirasā namāmi
Buddhānubuddhaṁ sama-sīla-diṭṭhiṁ
Tan-tejasā te jaya-siddhi hotu
Sabb’antarāyā ca vināsamentu

The Verses of Success through Homage

The One with Vision, with the stain of delusion removed,
Self-awakened, Well-Gone, and Released.
Releasing them from the Māra’s snare,
he leads humanity from evils to security.

I pay homage with my head to that excellent Buddha,
the Protector and Mentor for the world.
By the majesty of this, may you have triumph and 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 and success,
and may all your dangers be destroyed.

The True Dhamma’s army, following the One Well-Gone,
is victor over the evils and corruptions of the world.
Self-calmed, it is calming and unfettering,
and makes the well-taught Dhamma be known.

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

Namo-kāra-aṭṭhaka

Namo arahato sammā
Sambuddhassa mahesino
Namo uttama-dhammassa
Svākkhātass’eva ten’idha
Namo mahā-saṅghassāpi
Visuddha-sīla-diṭṭhino
Namo omāty-āraddhassa
Ratanattayassa sādhukaṁ
Namo omakātītassa
Tassa vatthuttayassa-pi
Namo-kārappabhāvena
Vigacchantu upaddavā
Namo-kārānubhāvena
Suvatthi hotu sabbadā
Namo-kārassa tejena
Vidhimhi homi tejavā

The Homage Octet

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 and 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.

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.

Core Sequence

Maṅgala-sutta

[Evam-me sutaṁ: ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā, sāvatthiyaṁ viharati, jeta-vane 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.]

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

Khantī ca sovacassatā
Samaṇānañ-ca dassanaṁ
Kālena dhamma-sākacchā
Etam maṅgalam-uttamaṁ

Tapo ca brahma-cariyañ-ca
Ariya-saccāna-dassanaṁ
Nibbāna-sacchikiriyā 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-uttaman’ti

Snp 2.4

The Thirty-Eight Highest Blessings

[Now let us chant the verses on the Highest Blessings]

[Thus have I heard that the Blessed One]
Was staying at Sāvatthī,
Residing at the Jeta’s Grove
In Anāthapiṇḍika’s Park.

Then in the dark of the night, a radiant deva
Illuminated all Jeta’s Grove.
She bowed down low before the Blessed One
Then standing to one side she said:

‘Devas are concerned for happiness
And ever long for peace.
The same is true for humankind.
What then are the highest blessings?’

Avoiding those of foolish ways,
Associating with the wise,
And honouring those worthy of honour.
These are the highest blessings.

Living in places of suitable kinds,
With the fruits of past good deeds
And guided by the rightful way.
These are the highest blessings.

Accomplished in learning and craftsman’s skills,
With discipline, highly trained,
And speech that is true and pleasant to hear.
These are the highest blessings.

Providing for mother and father’s support
And cherishing family,
And ways of work that harm no being,
These are the highest blessings.

Generosity and a righteous life,
Offering help to relatives and kin,
And acting in ways that leave no blame.
These are the highest blessings.

Steadfast in restraint, and shunning evil ways,
Avoiding intoxicants that dull the mind,
And heedfulness in all things that arise.
These are the highest blessings.

Respectfulness and being of humble ways,
Contentment and gratitude,
And hearing the Dhamma frequently taught.
These are the highest blessings.

Patience and willingness to accept one’s faults,
Seeing venerated seekers of the truth,
And sharing often the words of Dhamma.
These are the highest blessings.

Ardent, committed to the Holy Life,
Seeing for oneself the Noble Truths
And the realization of Nibbāna.
These are the highest blessings.

Although in contact with the world,
Unshaken the mind remains
Beyond all sorrow, spotless, secure.
These are the highest blessings.

They who live by following this path
Know victory wherever they go,
And every place for them is safe.
These are the highest blessings.

Snp 2.4

Ratana-sutta

(In certain monasteries only the numbered verses are chanted.)

Yānīdha bhūtāni samāgatāni
Bhummāni vā yāni va antalikkhe
Sabb’eva bhūtā sumanā bhavantu
Atho pi sakkacca suṇantu bhāsitaṁ
Tasmā hi bhūtā nisāmetha sabbe
Mettaṁ karotha mānusiyā pajāya
Divā ca ratto ca haranti ye baliṁ
Tasmā hi ne rakkhatha appamattā

1.
Yaṅkiñci 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 sakya-munī samāhito
Na tena dhammena sam’atthi kiñci
Idam-pi dhamme ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu

3.
Yam buddha-seṭṭho parivaṇṇayī suciṁ
Samādhim-ānantarikaññam-āhu
Samādhinā tena samo na vijjati
Idam-pi dhamme ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu

4.
Ye puggalā aṭṭha sataṁ pasaṭṭhā
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 patti-pattā amataṁ vigayha
Laddhā mudhā nibbutiṁ bhuñjamānā
Idam-pi saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu

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
Kiñ-cāpi te honti bhusappamattā
Na te bhavaṁ aṭṭhamam-ādiyanti
Idam-pi Saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu

Sahā v’assa dassana-sampadāya
Tay’assu dhammā jahitā bhavanti
Sakkāya-diṭṭhi vicikicchitañ-ca
Sīlabbataṁ vā pi yad-atthi kiñci
Catūh’apāyehi ca vippamutto
Cha cābhiṭhānāni abhabbo kātuṁ
Idam-pi Saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu

Kiñ-cāpi so kammaṁ karoti pāpakaṁ
Kāyena vācā uda cetasā vā
Abhabbo so tassa paṭicchādāya
Abhabbatā diṭṭha-padassa vuttā
Idam-pi Saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu

Vanappagumbe yathā phussitagge
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-citt’āyatike bhavasmiṁ
Te khīṇa-bījā aviruḷhi-chandā
Nibbanti dhīrā yathā’yam padīpo
Idam-pi saṅghe ratanaṁ paṇītaṁ
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu.

Yānīdha bhūtāni samāgatāni
Bhummāni vā yāni va antalikkhe
Tathāgataṁ deva-manussa-pūjitaṁ
Buddhaṁ namassāma suvatthi hotu

Yānīdha bhūtāni samāgatāni
Bhummāni vā yāni va antalikkhe
Tathāgataṁ deva-manussa-pūjitaṁ
Dhammaṁ namassāma suvatthi hotu

Yānīdha bhūtāni samāgatāni
Bhummāni vā yāni va antalikkhe
Tathāgataṁ deva-manussa-pūjitaṁ
Saṅghaṁ namassāma suvatthi hotū’ti.

Snp 2.1

Verses from the Discourse on Treasures

(The translations correspond to the numbered verses above.)

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 gained.
This, too, is an exquisite treasure in the Saṅgha.
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.

Karaṇīya-metta-sutta

Karaṇīyam-attha-kusalena
Yan-taṁ santaṁ padaṁ abhisamecca
Sakko ujū ca suhujū ca
Suvaco c’assa mudu anatimānī

Santussako ca subharo ca
Appakicco ca sallahuka-vutti
Sant’indriyo ca nipako ca
Appagabbho kulesu ananugiddho

Na ca khuddaṁ samācare kiñci
Yena viññū pare upavadeyyuṁ
Sukhino vā khemino hontu
Sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhit’attā

Ye keci pāṇa-bhūt’atthi
Tasā vā thāvarā vā anavasesā
Dīghā vā ye mahantā vā
Majjhimā rassakā aṇuka-thūlā

Diṭṭhā vā ye ca adiṭṭhā
Ye ca dūre vasanti avidūre
Bhūtā vā sambhavesī vā
Sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhit’attā

Na paro paraṁ nikubbetha
Nātimaññetha katthaci naṁ kiñci
Byārosanā paṭighasaññā
Nāññam-aññassa dukkham-iccheyya

Mātā yathā niyaṁ puttaṁ
Āyusā eka-puttam-anurakkhe
Evam’pi sabba-bhūtesu
Mānasam-bhāvaye aparimāṇaṁ

Mettañ-ca sabba-lokasmiṁ

(A shorter form is sometimes started here)

Mettañ-ca sabba-lokasmiṁ
Mānasam-bhāvaye aparimāṇaṁ
Uddhaṁ adho ca tiriyañ-ca
Asambādhaṁ averaṁ asapattaṁ

Tiṭṭhañ-caraṁ nisinno vā
Sayāno vā yāvat’assa vigata-middho
Etaṁ satiṁ adhiṭṭheyya
Brahmam-etaṁ vihāraṁ idham-āhu

Diṭṭhiñca anupagamma
Sīlavā dassanena sampanno
Kāmesu vineyya gedhaṁ
Na hi jātu gabbha-seyyaṁ punaretī’ti

Snp 1.8

The Buddha’s Words on Loving-Kindness

[Now let us chant the Buddha’s words on loving-kindness]

[This is what should be done]
By one who is skilled in goodness
And who knows the path of peace:
Let them be able and upright,
Straightforward and gentle in speech,

Humble and not conceited,
Contented and easily satisfied,
Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways.
Peaceful and calm, and wise and skilful,
Not proud and demanding in nature.

Let them not do the slightest thing
That the wise would later reprove,
Wishing: In gladness and in safety,
May all beings be at ease.

Whatever living beings there may be,
Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none,
The great or the mighty,
medium, short, or small,
The seen and the unseen,
Those living near and far away,
Those born and to be born,
May all beings be at ease.

Let none deceive another
Or despise any being in any state.
Let none through anger or ill-will
Wish harm upon another.

Even as a mother protects with her life
Her child, her only child,
So with a boundless heart
Should one cherish all living beings,
Radiating kindness over the entire world:

Spreading upwards to the skies
And downwards to the depths,
Outwards and unbounded,
Freed from hatred and ill-will.

Whether standing or walking, seated,
Or lying down – free from drowsiness –
One should sustain this recollection.
This is said to be the sublime abiding.

By not holding to fixed views,
The pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision,
Being freed from all sense-desires,
Is not born again into this world.

Snp 1.8

Khandha-paritta

Virūpakkhehi me mettaṁ
mettaṁ erāpathehi me
Chabyā-puttehi me mettaṁ
mettaṁ kaṇhā-gotamakehi ca
Apādakehi me mettaṁ
mettaṁ dipādakehi me
Catuppadehi me mettaṁ
mettaṁ bahuppadehi me
Mā maṁ apādako hiṁsi
mā maṁ hiṁsi dipādako
Mā maṁ catuppado hiṁsi
mā maṁ hiṁsi bahuppado
Sabbe sattā sabbe pāṇā
sabbe bhūtā ca kevalā
Sabbe bhadrāni passantu
mā kiñci pāpam-āgamā

Appamāṇo buddho appamāṇo dhammo

(This part is sometimes chanted on its own)

Appamāṇo buddho
appamāṇo dhammo
appamāṇo saṅgho
Pamāṇavantāni siriṁsapāni
ahi-vicchikā sata-padī
Uṇṇā-nābhī sarabhū mūsikā

Katā me rakkhā katā me parittā
paṭikkamantu bhūtāni
So’haṁ namo bhagavato
namo sattannaṁ
sammā-sambuddhānaṁ

A.II.72-73

The Group Protection

I have goodwill for the Virupakkhas, the Erapathas,
goodwill for the Chabya descendants, and the Black Gotamakas.

I have goodwill for footless beings, two-footed beings,
goodwill for four-footed, and many-footed beings.

May footless beings, two-footed beings do me no harm.
May four-footed beings and many-footed beings do me no harm.

May all creatures, all breathing things, all beings – each and every one –
meet with good fortune. May none of them come to any evil.

Limitless is the Buddha, limitless the Dhamma, limitless the Saṅgha.

There is a limit to creeping things – snakes, scorpions, centipedes, spiders, lizards and rats.

I have made this protection, I have made this spell.
May the beings depart.
I pay homage to the Blessed One,
homage to the seven Rightly Self-awakened Ones.

Chaddanta-paritta

The Great Elephant Protection

Vadhissamenanti parāmasanto
Kāsāvamaddakkhi dhajaṁ isīnaṁ
Dukkhena phuṭṭhassudapādi saññā
Arahaddhajo sabbhi avajjharūpo

Sallena viddho byathitopi santo
Kāsāvavatthamhi manaṁ na dussayi
Sace imaṁ nāgavarena saccaṁ
Mā maṁ vane bālamigā agañchunti

Mora-paritta

(a.m.)

Udet’ayañ-cakkhumā eka-rājā
Harissa-vaṇṇo paṭhavippabhāso
Taṁ taṁ namassāmi harissa-vaṇṇaṁ paṭhavippabhāsaṁ
Tay’ajja guttā viharemu divasaṁ

Ye brāhmaṇā vedagu sabba-dhamme
Te me namo te ca maṁ pālayantu
Nam’atthu Buddhānaṁ nam’atthu bodhiyā
Namo vimuttānaṁ namo vimuttiyā
Imaṁ so parittaṁ katvā
Moro carati esanā’ti

(p.m.)

Apet’ayañ-cakkhumā eka-rājā
Harissa-vaṇṇo paṭhavippabhāso
Taṁ taṁ namassāmi harissa-vaṇṇaṁ paṭhavippabhāsaṁ
Tay’ajja guttā viharemu rattiṁ

Ye brāhmaṇā vedagu sabba-dhamme
Te me namo te ca maṁ pālayantu
Nam’atthu Buddhānaṁ nam’atthu bodhiyā
Namo vimuttānaṁ namo vimuttiyā
Imaṁ so parittaṁ katvā
Moro vāsam-akappayī’ti

Ja.159

The Peacock’s Protection

The One King, rising, with Vision,
golden-hued, illuminating the Earth: I pay homage to you,
golden-hued, illuminating the Earth.
Guarded today by you, may I live through the day.

Those Brahmans who are knowers of all truths,
I pay homage to them; may they keep watch over me.
Homage to the Awakened Ones. Homage to Awakening.
Homage to the Released Ones. Homage to Release.

Having made this protection, the peacock sets out in search for food.

The One King, setting, with Vision,
golden-hued, illuminating the Earth: I pay homage to you,
golden-hued, illuminating the Earth.
Guarded today by you, may I live through the night.

Those Brahmans who are knowers of all truths,
I pay homage to them; may they keep watch over me.
Homage to the Awakened Ones. Homage to Awakening.
Homage to the Released Ones. Homage to Release.

Having made this protection, the peacock arranges his nest.

Vaṭṭaka-paritta

Atthi loke sīla-guṇo
saccaṁ soceyy’anuddayā
Tena saccena kāhāmi
sacca-kiriyam-anuttaraṁ
Āvajjitvā dhamma-balaṁ
saritvā pubbake jine
Sacca-balam-avassāya
sacca-kiriyam-akās’ahaṁ
Santi pakkhā apattanā
santi pādā avañcanā
Mātā pitā ca nikkhantā
jāta-veda paṭikkama
Saha sacce kate mayhaṁ
mahā-pajjalito sikhī
Vajjesi soḷasa karīsāni
udakaṁ patvā yathā sikhī
Saccena me samo n’atthi
esā me sacca-pāramī’ti

Cariyāpiṭaka vv.319-322

The Quail’s Protection

There is in this world the quality of virtue,
truth, purity, tenderness.
In accordance with this truth I will make
an unsurpassed vow of truth.

Sensing the strength of the Dhamma,
calling to mind the victors of the past,
in dependence on the strength of truth,
I made an unsurpassed vow of truth:

Here are wings with no feathers;
here are feet that can’t walk.
My mother and father have left me.
Fire, go back!

When I made my vow with truth,
the great crested flames
avoided the sixteen acres around me
as if they had come to a body of water.
My truth has no equal:
Such is my perfection of truth.

Buddha-dhamma-saṅgha-guṇā

Iti pi so bhagavā arahaṁ sammā-sambuddho
Vijjā-caraṇa-sampanno sugato loka-vidū
Anuttaro purisa-damma-sārathi
Satthā devamanussānaṁ buddho bhagavā’ti

Svākkhāto bhagavatā dhammo sandiṭṭhiko
akāliko ehi-passiko opanayiko
paccattaṁ veditabbo viññūhī’ti

Supaṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho
Uju-paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho
Ñāya-paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho
Sāmīci-paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho
Yad-idaṁ cattāri purisa-yugāni aṭṭha purisa-puggalā
Esa bhagavato sāvaka-saṅgho
Āhuneyyo pāhuneyyo dakkhiṇeyyo añjali-karaṇīyo
Anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassā’ti

Araññe rukkha-mūle vā

Araññe rukkha-mūle vā
Suññāgāre va bhikkhavo
Anussaretha sambuddhaṁ
Bhayaṁ tumhāka no siyā
No ce buddhaṁ sareyyātha
Loka-jeṭṭhaṁ nar’āsabhaṁ
Atha dhammaṁ sareyyātha
Niyyānikaṁ sudesitaṁ
No ce dhammaṁ sareyyātha
Niyyānikaṁ sudesitaṁ
Atha saṅghaṁ sareyyātha
Puññakkhettaṁ anuttaraṁ
Evam-buddhaṁ sarantānaṁ
Dhammaṁ saṅghañ-ca bhikkhavo
Bhayaṁ vā chambhitattaṁ vā
Loma-haṁso na hessatī’ti.

S.I.219-220

Āṭānāṭiya-paritta (short)

Vipassissa nam’atthu
cakkhumantassa sirīmato
Sikhissa pi nam’atthu
sabba-bhūtānukampino
Vessabhussa nam’atthu
nhātakassa tapassino
Nam’atthu kakusandhassa
māra-senappamaddino
Konāgamanassa nam’atthu
brāhmaṇassa vusīmato
Kassapassa nam’atthu
vippamuttassa sabbadhi
Aṅgīrasassa nam’atthu
sakya-puttassa sirīmato
Yo imaṁ dhammam-adesesi
sabba-dukkhāpanūdanaṁ
Ye cāpi nibbutā loke
yathā-bhūtaṁ vipassisuṁ
Te janā apisuṇā
mahantā vīta-sāradā
Hitaṁ deva-manussānaṁ
yaṁ namassanti gotamaṁ
Vijjā-caraṇa-sampannaṁ
mahantaṁ vīta-sāradaṁ
Vijjā-caraṇa-sampannaṁ
buddhaṁ vandāma gotaman’ti

D.III.195-196

Homage to the Seven Past Buddhas

Homage to Vipassī, possessed of vision and splendor.

Homage to Sikhī, sympathetic to all beings.

Homage to Vesabhū, cleansed, austere.

Homage to Kakusandha, crusher of Māra’s host.

Homage to Konāgamana, the Brahman who lived the life perfected.

Homage to Kassapa, everywhere released.

Homage to Aṅgīrasa, splendid son of the Sakyans,

Who taught this Dhamma – the dispelling of all stress.

Those unbound in the world, who have seen things as they have come to be,

Great Ones of gentle speech, thoroughly mature:

Even they pay homage to Gotama, the benefit of human and heavenly beings,

consummate in knowledge and conduct, the Great One, thoroughly mature.

We revere the Buddha Gotama, consummate in knowledge and conduct.

Sacca-kiriyā-gāthā

Natthi me saraṇaṁ aññaṁ buddho me saraṇaṁ varaṁ
Etena sacca-vajjena sotthi te/me hotu sabbadā

Natthi me saraṇaṁ aññaṁ dhammo me saraṇaṁ varaṁ
Etena sacca-vajjena sotthi te/me hotu sabbadā

Natthi me saraṇaṁ aññaṁ saṅgho me saraṇaṁ varaṁ
Etena sacca-vajjena sotthi te/me hotu sabbadā

Yaṅkiñci ratanaṁ loke

Yaṅkiñci ratanaṁ loke
vijjati vividhaṁ puthu
Ratanaṁ buddhasamaṁ
natthi tasmā sotthī bhavantu te
Yaṅkiñci ratanaṁ loke
vijjati vividhaṁ puthu
Ratanaṁ dhammasamaṁ
natthi tasmā sotthī bhavantu te
Yaṅkiñci ratanaṁ loke
vijjati vividhaṁ puthu
Ratanaṁ saṅghasamaṁ
natthi tasmā sotthī bhavantu te

Sakkatvā buddharatanaṁ

Sakkatvā buddharatanaṁ
osadhaṁ uttamaṁ varaṁ
Hitaṁ devamanussānaṁ
buddhatejena sotthinā
Nassantupaddavā sabbe
dukkhā vūpasamentu te
Sakkatvā dhammaratanaṁ
osadhaṁ uttamaṁ varaṁ
Pariḷāhūpasamanaṁ
dhammatejena sotthinā
Nassantupaddavā sabbe
bhayā vūpasamentu te
Sakkatvā saṅgharatanaṁ
osadhaṁ uttamaṁ varaṁ
Āhuneyyaṁ pāhuneyyaṁ
saṅghatejena sotthinā
Nassantupaddavā sabbe
rogā vūpasamentu te

The jet tamnaan sequence ends here and continues with the closing sequence.

Having Revered

Having revered the jewel of the Buddha, the highest, most excellent medicine, the welfare of human and heavenly beings: Through the Buddha’s majesty and safety, may all obstacles vanish. May your sufferings grow totally calm.

Having revered the jewel of the Dhamma, the highest, most excellent medicine, the stiller of feverish passion: Through the Dhamma’s majesty and safety, may all obstacles vanish. May your fears grow totally calm.

Having revered the jewel of the Saṅgha, the highest, most excellent medicine, worthy of gifts, worthy of hospitality: Through the Saṅgha’s majesty and safety, may all obstacles vanish. May your diseases grow totally calm.

Aṅgulimāla-paritta

Yato’haṁ bhagini ariyāya jātiyā jāto
Nābhijānāmi sañcicca pāṇaṁ jīvitā voropetā
Tena saccena sotthi te hotu sotthi gabbhassa

M.II.103

(Three times)

Sister, since being born in the Noble Birth,
I am not aware that I have intentionally deprived a being of life.
By this truth may you be well,
and so may the child in your womb.

Bojjhaṅga-paritta

Bojjhaṅgo sati-saṅkhāto
dhammānaṁ vicayo tathā
Viriyam-pīti-passaddhi
bojjhaṅgā ca tathā’pare
Samādh’upekkha-bojjhaṅgā
satt’ete sabba-dassinā
Muninā sammad-akkhātā
bhāvitā bahulīkatā
Saṁvattanti abhiññāya
nibbānāya ca bodhiyā
Etena sacca-vajjena
sotthi te hotu sabbadā
Ekasmiṁ samaye nātho
moggallānañ-ca kassapaṁ
Gilāne dukkhite disvā
bojjhaṅge satta desayi
Te ca taṁ abhinanditvā
rogā mucciṁsu taṅ-khaṇe
Etena sacca-vajjena
sotthi te hotu sabbadā
Ekadā dhamma-rājā pi
gelaññenābhipīḷito
Cundattherena tañ-ñeva
bhaṇāpetvāna sādaraṁ
Sammoditvā ca ābādhā
tamhā vuṭṭhāsi ṭhānaso
Etena sacca-vajjena
sotthi te hotu sabbadā
Pahīnā te ca ābādhā
tiṇṇannam-pi mahesinaṁ
Magg’āhata-kilesā va
pattānuppatti-dhammataṁ
Etena sacca-vajjena
sotthi te hotu sabbadā

S.V.80f

The Factors of Awakening Protection

The factors for Awakening include: mindfulness, analysis of qualities, persistence, rapture, and calm as factors for Awakening, plus concentration and equanimity.

These seven, which the All-seeing Sage has rightly taught, when developed and matured, bring about heightened knowledge, Unbinding and Awakening.

By the utterance of this truth, may you always be well.

At one time, our Protector – seeing that Moggallāna and Kassapa were sick and in pain – taught them the seven factors for Awakening.

They, delighting in that, were instantly freed from their illness.

By the utterance of this truth, may you always be well.

Once, when the Dhamma King was afflicted with fever, he had the Elder Cunda recite that very teaching with devotion. And as he approved, he rose up from that disease.

By the utterance of this truth, may you always be well.

Those diseases were abandoned by the three great seers, just as defilements are demolished by the Path in accordance with step-by-step attainment.

By the utterance of this truth, may you always be well.

Abhaya-paritta

Yan-dunnimittaṁ avamaṅgalañ-ca
Yo cāmanāpo sakuṇassa saddo
Pāpaggaho dussupinaṁ akantaṁ
Buddhānubhāvena vināsamentu

Yan-dunnimittaṁ avamaṅgalañ-ca
Yo cāmanāpo sakuṇassa saddo
Pāpaggaho dussupinaṁ akantaṁ
Dhammānubhāvena vināsamentu

Yan-dunnimittaṁ avamaṅgalañ-ca
Yo cāmanāpo sakuṇassa saddo
Pāpaggaho dussupinaṁ akantaṁ
Saṅghānubhāvena vināsamentu

The sipsong tamnaan sequence ends here and continues with the closing sequence.

The Danger-free Protection

Whatever unlucky portents and ill omens,
and whatever distressing bird calls,
evil planets, upsetting nightmares:

By the Buddha’s power may they be destroyed.

Whatever unlucky portents and ill omens,
and whatever distressing bird calls,
evil planets, upsetting nightmares:

By the Dhamma’s power may they be destroyed.

Whatever unlucky portents and ill omens,
and whatever distressing bird calls,
evil planets, upsetting nightmares:

By the Saṅgha’s power may they be destroyed.

Closing Sequence

Devatā-uyyojana-gāthā

Dukkhappattā ca niddukkhā
bhayappattā ca nibbhayā
Sokappattā ca nissokā
hontu sabbe pi pāṇino
Ettāvatā ca amhehi
sambhataṁ puñña-sampadaṁ
Sabbe devānumodantu
sabba-sampatti-siddhiyā
Dānaṁ dadantu saddhāya
sīlaṁ rakkhantu sabbadā
Bhāvanābhiratā hontu
gacchantu devatā-gatā\\relax [Sabbe buddhā] balappattā
paccekānañ-ca yaṁ balaṁ
Arahantānañ-ca tejena
rakkhaṁ bandhāmi sabbaso

Verses on Sending Off the Devatā

May all beings: who have fallen into suffering be without suffering,
who have fallen into danger be without danger,
who have fallen into sorrow be without sorrow.

For the sake of all attainment and success, may all heavenly beings
rejoice in the extent to which we have gathered a consummation of merit.

May they give gifts with conviction, may they always maintain virtue.
May they delight in meditation. May they go to a heavenly destination.

From the strength attained by all the Buddhas,
the strength of the Private Buddhas,
by the majesty of the arahants,
I bind this protection all around.

Jaya-maṅgala-aṭṭha-gāthā

Bāhuṁ sahassam-abhinimmita sāvudhan-taṁ
Grīmekhalaṁ udita-ghora-sasena-māraṁ
Dān’ādi-dhamma-vidhinā jitavā mun’indo
Tan-tejasā bhavatu te jaya-maṅgalāni

Mārātirekam-abhiyujjhita-sabba-rattiṁ
Ghoram-pan’āḷavakam-akkhama-thaddha-yakkhaṁ
Khantī-sudanta-vidhinā jitavā mun’indo
Tan-tejasā bhavatu te jaya-maṅgalāni

Nāḷāgiriṁ gaja-varaṁ atimatta-bhūtaṁ
Dāv’aggi-cakkam-asanīva sudāruṇan-taṁ
Mett’ambu-seka-vidhinā jitavā mun’indo
Tan-tejasā bhavatu te jaya-maṅgalāni

Ukkhitta-khaggam-atihattha-sudāruṇan-taṁ
Dhāvan-ti-yojana-path’aṅguli- mālavantaṁ
Iddhī’bhisaṅkhata-mano jitavā mun’indo
Tan-tejasā bhavatu te jaya-maṅgalāni

Katvāna kaṭṭham-udaraṁ iva gabbhinīyā
Ciñcāya duṭṭha-vacanaṁ jana-kāya majjhe
Santena soma-vidhinā jitavā mun’indo
Tan-tejasā bhavatu te jaya-maṅgalāni

Saccaṁ vihāya-mati-saccaka-vāda-ketuṁ
Vādābhiropita-manaṁ ati-andha-bhūtaṁ
Paññā-padīpa-jalito jitavā mun’indo
Tan-tejasā bhavatu te jaya-maṅgalāni

Nandopananda-bhujagaṁ vibudhaṁ mah’iddhiṁ
Puttena thera-bhujagena damāpayanto
Iddhūpadesa-vidhinā jitavā mun’indo
Tan-tejasā bhavatu te jaya-maṅgalāni

Duggāha-diṭṭhi-bhujagena sudaṭṭha-hatthaṁ
Brahmaṁ visuddhi-jutim-iddhi-bakābhidhānaṁ
Ñāṇāgadena vidhinā jitavā mun’indo
Tan-tejasā bhavatu te jaya-maṅgalāni

Etā pi buddha-jaya-maṅgala-aṭṭha-gāthā
Yo vācano dina-dine saratem-atandī
Hitvān’aneka-vividhāni c’upaddavāni
Mokkhaṁ sukhaṁ adhigameyya naro sapañño

Verses on the Buddha’s Victories

Creating a form with a thousand arms, each equipped with a weapon,
Māra, on the elephant Girimekhala,
uttered a frightening roar together with his troops.
The Lord of Sages defeated him by means of such qualities as generosity:
By the majesty of this, may you have blessings of victory.

Even more frightful than Māra making war all night,
was Āḷavaka, the arrogant unstable ogre.
The Lord of Sages defeated him by means of well-trained endurance:
By the majesty of this, may you have blessings of victory.

Nāḷāgiri, the excellent elephant, when maddened,
was very horrific, like a forest fire, a flaming discus, a lightning bolt.
The Lord of Sages defeated him by sprinkling the water of goodwill:
By the majesty of this, may you have blessings of victory.

Very horrific, with a sword upraised in his expert hand,
Garlanded-with-Fingers ran three leages along the path.
The Lord of Sages defeated him with mind-fashioned marvels:
By the majesty of this, may you have blessings of victory.

Having made a wooden belly to appear pregnant,
Ciñcā made a lewd accusation in the midst of the gathering.
The Lord of Sages defeated her with peaceful, gracious means:
By the majesty of this, may you have blessings of victory.

Saccaka, whose provocative views had abandoned the truth,
his mind delighting in argument, had become thoroughly blind.
The Lord of Sages defeated him with the light of discernment:
By the majesty of this, may you have blessings of victory.

Nandopananda was a serpent with great power but wrong views.
The Lord of Sages defeated him by means of a display of marvels,
sending his son (Moggallāna), the serpent-elder, to tame him:
By the majesty of this, may you have blessings of victory.

His hands bound tight by the serpent of wrongly held views,
Baka, the Brahmā, thought himself pure in his radiance and power.
The Lord of Sages defeated him by means of his words of knowledge: By the majesty of this, may you have blessings of victory.

These eight verses of the Buddha’s blessings of victory:
Whatever person of discernment
recites or recalls them day after day without lapsing,
destroying all kinds of obstacles,
will attain liberation and happiness.

Jaya-paritta

Mahā-kāruṇiko nātho
Hitāya sabba-pāṇinaṁ
Pūretvā pāramī sabbā
Patto sambodhim-uttamaṁ
Etena sacca-vajjena
Hotu te jaya-maṅgalaṁ

Jayanto bodhiyā mūle

(This part is sometimes chanted on its own)

Jayanto bodhiyā mūle
Sakyānaṁ nandi-vaḍḍhano
Evaṁ tvaṁ vijayo hohi
Jayassu jaya-maṅgale
Aparājita-pallaṅke
Sīse paṭhavi-pokkhare

Abhiseke sabba-buddhānaṁ
Aggappatto pamodati
Sunakkhattaṁ sumaṅgalaṁ
Supabhātaṁ suhuṭṭhitaṁ
Sukhaṇo sumuhutto ca
Suyiṭṭhaṁ brahma-cārisu

Padakkhiṇaṁ kāya-kammaṁ
Vācā-kammaṁ padakkhiṇaṁ
Padakkhiṇaṁ mano-kammaṁ
Paṇidhi te padakkhiṇā
Padakkhiṇāni katvāna
Labhant’atthe padakkhiṇe

A.I.294

Victory Protection

(The Buddha), our protector, with great compassion,
for the welfare of all beings,
having fulfilled all the perfections,
attained the highest self-awakening.
By the utterance of this truth,
may you have a blessing of victory.

Victorious at the foot of the Bodhi tree,
was he who increased the Sakyans’ delight.
May you have the same sort of victory.
May you win blessings of victory.

At the head of the lotus leaf of the world
on the undefeated seat
consecrated by all the Buddhas,
he rejoiced in the utmost attainment.

A lucky star it is, a lucky blessing,
a lucky dawn, a lucky sacrifice,
a lucky instant, a lucky moment,
a lucky offering: i.e., a rightful bodily act
a rightful verbal act, a rightful mental act,
your rightful intentions
with regard to those who lead the holy life.
Doing these rightful things, your rightful aims are achieved.

So attha-laddho

So attha-laddho sukhito
viruḷho buddha-sāsane
Arogo sukhito hohi
saha sabbehi ñātibhi (×3)

May he gain in his aims, be happy, and flourish in the Buddha’s teachings. May you, together with all your relatives, be happy and free from disease.

Sā attha-laddhā

Sā attha-laddhā sukhitā
viruḷhā buddha-sāsane
Arogā sukhitā hohi
saha sabbehi ñātibhi (×3)

Te attha-laddhā sukhitā

Te attha-laddhā sukhitā
viruḷhā buddha-sāsane
Arogā sukhitā hotha
saha sabbehi ñātibhi (×3)

A.I.294

Bhavatu sabba-maṅgalaṁ

Bhavatu sabba-maṅgalaṁ rakkhantu sabba-devatā
Sabba-buddhānubhāvena sadā sotthī bhavantu te

Bhavatu sabba-maṅgalaṁ rakkhantu sabba-devatā
Sabba-dhammānubhāvena sadā sotthī bhavantu te

Bhavatu sabba-maṅgalaṁ rakkhantu sabba-devatā
Sabba-saṅghānubhāvena sadā sotthī bhavantu te

Mahā-kāruṇiko nātho’ti ādikā gāthā

Mahā-kāruṇiko nātho
Atthāya sabba-pāṇinaṁ
Hitāya sabba-pāṇinaṁ
Sukhāya sabba-pāṇinaṁ

Pūretvā pāramī sabbā
Patto sambodhim-uttamaṁ
Etena sacca-vajjena
Mā hontu sabb’upaddavā

Āṭānāṭiya-paritta (long)

(Solo introduction)

Appasannehi nāthassa sāsane sādhusammate
Amanussehi caṇḍehi sadā kibbisakāribhi
Parisānañca-tassannam ahiṁsāya ca guttiyā
Yandesesi mahāvīro parittan-tam bhaṇāma se

(If starting with Vipassissa…, continue below without the solo introduction)

[Namo me sabbabuddhānaṁ]
uppannānaṁ mahesinaṁ
Taṇhaṅkaro mahāvīro
medhaṅkaro mahāyaso
Saraṇaṅkaro lokahito
dīpaṅkaro jutindharo
Koṇḍañño janapāmokkho
maṅgalo purisāsabho
Sumano sumano dhīro
revato rativaḍḍhano
Sobhito guṇasampanno
anomadassī januttamo
Padumo lokapajjoto
nārado varasārathī
Padumuttaro sattasāro
sumedho appaṭipuggalo
Sujāto sabbalokaggo
piyadassī narāsabho
Atthadassī kāruṇiko
dhammadassī tamonudo
Siddhattho asamo loke
tisso ca vadataṁ varo
Phusso ca varado buddho
vipassī ca anūpamo
Sikhī sabbahito satthā
vessabhū sukhadāyako
Kakusandho satthavāho
koṇāgamano raṇañjaho
Kassapo sirisampanno
gotamo sakyapuṅgavo
Ete caññe ca sambuddhā
anekasatakoṭayo
Sabbe buddhā asamasamā
sabbe buddhā mahiddhikā
Sabbe dasabalūpetā
vesārajjehupāgatā
Sabbe te paṭijānanti
āsabhaṇṭhānamuttamaṁ
Sīhanādaṁ nadantete
parisāsu visāradā
Brahmacakkaṁ pavattenti
loke appaṭivattiyaṁ
Upetā buddhadhammehi
aṭṭhārasahi nāyakā
Dvattiṁsa-lakkhaṇūpetā
sītyānubyañjanādharā
Byāmappabhāya suppabhā
sabbe te munikuñjarā
Buddhā sabbaññuno ete
sabbe khīṇāsavā jinā
Mahappabhā mahātejā
mahāpaññā mahabbalā
Mahākāruṇikā dhīrā
sabbesānaṁ sukhāvahā
Dīpā nāthā patiṭṭhā
ca tāṇā leṇā ca pāṇinaṁ
Gatī bandhū mahassāsā
saraṇā ca hitesino
Sadevakassa lokassa
sabbe ete parāyanā
Tesāhaṁ sirasā pāde
vandāmi purisuttame
Vacasā manasā ceva
vandāmete tathāgate
Sayane āsane ṭhāne
gamane cāpi sabbadā
Sadā sukhena rakkhantu
buddhā santikarā tuvaṁ
Tehi tvaṁ rakkhito santo
mutto sabbabhayena ca
Sabba-rogavinimutto
sabba-santāpavajjito
Sabba-veramatikkanto
nibbuto ca tuvaṁ bhava
Tesaṁ saccena sīlena
khantimettābalena ca
Tepi tumhe1 anurakkhantu
ārogyena sukhena ca
Puratthimasmiṁ disābhāge
santi bhūtā mahiddhikā
Tepi tumhe anurakkhantu
ārogyena sukhena ca
Dakkhiṇasmiṁ disābhāge
santi devā mahiddhikā
Tepi tumhe anurakkhantu
ārogyena sukhena ca
Pacchimasmiṁ disābhāge
santi nāgā mahiddhikā
Tepi tumhe anurakkhantu
ārogyena sukhena ca
Uttarasmiṁ disābhāge
santi yakkhā mahiddhikā
Tepi tumhe anurakkhantu
ārogyena sukhena ca
Purimadisaṁ dhataraṭṭho
dakkhiṇena viruḷhako
Pacchimena virūpakkho
kuvero uttaraṁ disaṁ
Cattāro te mahārājā
lokapālā yasassino
Tepi tumhe anurakkhantu
ārogyena sukhena ca
Ākāsaṭṭhā ca bhummaṭṭhā
devā nāgā mahiddhikā
Tepi tumhe anurakkhantu
ārogyena sukhena ca

1 If chanting for oneself, change tumhe to amhe here and in the lines below.

Natthi me saraṇaṁ aññaṁ

Natthi me saraṇaṁ aññaṁ
buddho me saraṇaṁ varaṁ
Etena saccavajjena
hotu te2 jayamaṅgalaṁ
Natthi me saraṇaṁ aññaṁ
dhammo me saraṇaṁ varaṁ
Etena saccavajjena
hotu te jayamaṅgalaṁ
Natthi me saraṇaṁ aññaṁ
saṅgho me saraṇaṁ varaṁ
Etena saccavajjena
hotu te jayamaṅgalaṁ

2 If chanting for oneself, change te to me here and in the lines below.

Yaṅkiñci ratanaṁ loke

Yaṅkiñci ratanaṁ loke
vijjati vividhaṁ puthu
Ratanaṁ buddhasamaṁ
natthi tasmā sotthī bhavantu te
Yaṅkiñci ratanaṁ loke
vijjati vividhaṁ puthu
Ratanaṁ dhammasamaṁ
natthi tasmā sotthī bhavantu te
Yaṅkiñci ratanaṁ loke
vijjati vividhaṁ puthu
Ratanaṁ saṅghasamaṁ
natthi tasmā sotthī bhavantu te

Sakkatvā

Sakkatvā buddharatanaṁ
osadhaṁ uttamaṁ varaṁ
Hitaṁ devamanussānaṁ
buddhatejena sotthinā
Nassantupaddavā sabbe
dukkhā vūpasamentu te
Sakkatvā dhammaratanaṁ
osadhaṁ uttamaṁ varaṁ
Pariḷāhūpasamanaṁ
dhammatejena sotthinā
Nassantupaddavā sabbe
bhayā vūpasamentu te
Sakkatvā saṅgharatanaṁ
osadhaṁ uttamaṁ varaṁ
Āhuneyyaṁ pāhuneyyaṁ
saṅghatejena sotthinā
Nassantupaddavā sabbe
rogā vūpasamentu te

Sabbītiyo vivajjantu

Sabbītiyo vivajjantu
sabbarogo vinassatu
Mā te bhavatvantarāyo
sukhī dīghāyuko bhava
Abhivādanasīlissa
niccaṁ vuḍḍhāpacāyino
Cattāro dhammā vaḍḍhanti
āyu vaṇṇo sukhaṁ balaṁ

The Twenty-Eight Buddhas’ Protection

Solo introduction

We will now recite the discourse given by the Great Hero
(the Buddha), as a protection for virtue-loving human beings,
Against harm from all evil-doing, malevolent non-humans who are
displeased with the Buddha’s Teachings.

Homage to all Buddhas, the mighty who have arisen:
Taṇhaṅkara, the great hero, Medhaṅkara, the renowned,
Saraṇaṅkara, who guarded the world, Dīpaṅkara, the light-bearer,
Koṇḍañña, liberator of people, Maṅgala, great leader of people,
Sumana, kindly and wise, Revata, increaser of joy,
Sobhita, perfected in virtues, Anomadassī, greatest of beings,
Paduma, illuminer of the world, Nārada, true charioteer,
Padumuttara, most excellent of beings, Sumedha, the unequalled one,
Sujāta, summit of the world, Piyadassī, great leader of men,
Atthadassī, the compassionate, Dhammadassī, destroyer of darkness,
Siddhattha, unequalled in the world, and Tissa, speaker of Truth,
Phussa, bestower of blessings, Vipassī, the incomparable,
Sikhī, the bliss-bestowing teacher, Vessabhū, giver of happiness,
Kakusandha, the caravan leader, Koṇāgamana, abandoner of ills,
Kassapa, perfect in glory, Gotama, chief of the Sakyans.

These and all self-enlightened Buddhas are also peerless ones,
All the Buddhas together, all of mighty power,
All endowed with the Ten Powers, attained to highest knowledge,
All of these are accorded the supreme place of leadership.
They roar the lion’s roar with confidence among their followers,
They observe with the divine eye, unhindered, all the world.
The leaders endowed with the eighteen kinds of Buddha-Dhamma,
The thirty-two major and eighty minor marks of a great being,
Shining with fathom-wide haloes, all these elephant-like sages,
All these omniscient Buddhas, conquerors free of corruption,
Of mighty brilliance, mighty power, of mighty wisdom, mighty strength,
Of mighty compassion and wisdom, bearing bliss to all,
Islands, guardians and supports, shelters and caves for all beings,
Resorts, kinsmen and comforters, benevolent givers of refuge,
These are all the final resting place for the world with its deities.
With my head at their feet I salute these greatest of humans.
With both speech and thought I venerate those Tathāgatas,
Whether lying down, seated or standing, or walking anywhere.
May they ever guard your happiness, the Buddhas, bringers of peace,
And may you, guarded by them, at peace, freed from all fear,
Released from all illness, safe from all torments,
Having transcended hatred, may you gain cessation.

By the power of their truth, their virtue and love,
May they protect and guard you in health and happiness.
In the Eastern quarter are beings of great power,
May they protect and guard you in health and happiness.
In the Southern quarter are deities of great power,
May they protect and guard you in health and happiness.
In the Western quarter are dragons of great power,
May they protect and guard you in health and happiness.
In the Northern quarter are spirits of great power,
May they protect and guard you in health and happiness.
In the East is Dhataraṭṭha, in the South is Viruḷhaka,
In the West is Virūpakkha, Kuvera rules the North.
These Four Mighty Kings, far-famed guardians of the world,
May they all be your protectors in health and happiness.
Sky-dwelling and earth-dwelling gods and dragons of great power,
May they all be your protectors in health and happiness.
For me there is no other refuge, the Buddha is my excellent refuge:
By this declaration of truth may the blessings of victory be yours.
For me there is no other refuge, the Dhamma is my excellent refuge:
By this declaration of truth may the blessings of victory be yours.
For me there is no other refuge, the Saṅgha is my excellent refuge:
By this declaration of truth may the blessings of victory be yours.

Whatever jewel may be found in the world, however splendid,
There is no jewel equal to the Buddha, therefore may you be blessed.
Whatever jewel may be found in the world, however splendid,
There is no jewel equal to the Dhamma, therefore may you be blessed.
Whatever jewel may be found in the world, however splendid,
There is no jewel equal to the Saṅgha, therefore may you be blessed.
If you venerate the Buddha jewel, the supreme, excellent protection,
Which benefits gods and humans, then in safety, by the Buddha’s power,
All dangers will be prevented, your sorrows will pass away.
If you venerate the Dhamma jewel, the supreme, excellent protection,
Which calms all fevered states, then in safety, by the Dhamma’s power,
All dangers will be prevented, your fears will pass away.
If you venerate the Saṅgha jewel, the supreme, excellent protection,
Worthy of gifts and hospitality, then in safety, by the Saṅgha’s power,
All dangers will be prevented, your sicknesses will pass away.
May all calamities be avoided, may all illness pass away,
May no dangers threaten you, may you be happy and long-lived,
Greeted kindly and welcome everywhere.
May four things accrue to you: long life, beauty, bliss, and strength.

Pabbatopama-gāthā

Verses on Mountains

Yathā pi 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 dhamma-cārī kāyena
vācāya uda cetasā
Idh’eva naṁ pasaṁsanti
pecca sagge pamodati

S.I.102

Bhāra-sutta-gāthā

Verses on the Burden

Bhārā have pañcakkhandhā
bhāra-hāro ca puggalo
Bhār’ādānaṁ dukkhaṁ loke
bhāra-nikkhepanaṁ sukhaṁ

The five aggregates indeed are burdens,
The beast of burden though is man.
In this world to take up burdens is dukkha.
Putting them down brings happiness.

Nikkhipitvā garuṁ bhāraṁ
aññaṁ bhāraṁ anādiya
Samūlaṁ taṇhaṁ abbuyha
nicchāto parinibbuto

A heavy burden cast away,
Not taking on another load,
With craving pulled out from the root,
Desires stilled, one is released.

S.III.26

Khemākhema-saraṇa-gamana-paridīpikā-gāthā

True and False Refuges

Bahuṁ ve saraṇaṁ yanti
pabbatāni vanāni ca
Ārāma-rukkha-cetyāni
manussā bhaya-tajjitā

To many refuges they go –
To mountain slopes and forest glades,
To parkland shrines and sacred sites –
People overcome by fear.

N’etaṁ kho saraṇaṁ khemaṁ
n’etaṁ saraṇam-uttamaṁ
N’etaṁ saraṇam-āgamma
sabba-dukkhā pamuccati

Such a refuge is not secure,
Such a refuge is not supreme,
Such a refuge does not bring
Complete release from suffering.

Yo ca buddhañ-ca dhammañ-ca
saṅghañ-ca saraṇaṁ gato
Cattāri ariya-saccāni
sammappaññāya passati

Whoever goes to refuge
In the Triple Gem
Sees with right discernment
The Four Noble Truths:

Dukkhaṁ dukkha-samuppādaṁ
dukkhassa ca atikkamaṁ
Ariyañ-c’aṭṭh’aṅgikaṁ maggaṁ
dukkhūpasama-gāminaṁ

Suffering and its origin
And that which lies beyond –
The Noble Eightfold Path
That leads the way to suff’ring’s end.

Etaṁ kho saraṇaṁ khemaṁ
etaṁ saraṇam-uttamaṁ
Etaṁ saraṇam-āgamma
sabba-dukkhā pamuccatī’ti.

Such a refuge is secure,
Such a refuge is supreme,
Such a refuge truly brings
Complete release from all suffering.

Dhp 188-192

Bhadd’eka-ratta-gāthā

Verses on a Shining Night of Prosperity

Atītaṁ nānvāgameyya
nappaṭikaṅkhe anāgataṁ
Yad’atītaṁ pahīnan-taṁ
appattañca anāgataṁ

One should not revive the past
Nor speculate on what’s to come;
The past is left behind,
The future is un-realized.

Paccuppannañca yo dhammaṁ
tattha tattha vipassati
Asaṁhiraṁ asaṅkuppaṁ
taṁ viddhām-anubrūhaye

In every presently arisen state
There, just there, one clearly sees;
Unmoved, unagitated,
Such insight is one’s strength.

Ajj’eva kiccam-ātappaṁ
ko jaññā maraṇaṁ suve
Na hi no saṅgaran-tena
mahā-senena maccunā

Ardently doing one’s task today,
Tomorrow, who knows, death may come;
Facing the mighty hordes of death,
Indeed one cannot strike a deal.

Evaṁ vihārim-ātāpiṁ
aho-rattam-atanditaṁ
Taṁ ve bhadd’eka-ratto’ti
santo ācikkhate muni

To dwell with energy aroused
Thus for a night of non-decline,
That is a ‘night of shining prosperity.’
So it was taught by the Peaceful Sage.

M.III.187

Ti-lakkhaṇ’ādi-gāthā

Sabbe saṅkhārā aniccā’ti
yadā paññāya passati
Atha nibbindati dukkhe
esa maggo visuddhiyā
Sabbe saṅkhārā dukkhā’ti
yadā paññāya passati
Atha nibbindati dukkhe
esa maggo visuddhiyā
Sabbe dhammā anattā’ti
yadā paññāya passati
Atha nibbindati dukkhe
esa maggo visuddhiyā

Dhp 277-279

Appakā te manussesu
ye janā pāra-gāmino
Athāyaṁ itarā pajā
tīram-evānudhāvati
Ye ca kho sammad-akkhāte
dhamme dhammānuvattino
Te janā pāram-essanti
maccu-dheyyaṁ suduttaraṁ
Kaṇhaṁ dhammaṁ vippahāya
sukkaṁ bhāvetha paṇḍito
Okā anokam-āgamma
viveke yattha dūramaṁ
Tatrābhiratim-iccheyya
hitvā kāme akiñcano
Pariyodapeyya attānaṁ
citta-klesehi paṇḍito
Yesaṁ sambodhiy-aṅgesu
sammā cittaṁ subhāvitaṁ
Ādāna-paṭinissagge
anupādāya ye ratā
Khīṇ’āsavā jutimanto
te loke parinibbutā’ti

Dhp 85-89

Verses on the Three Characteristics

‘Impermanent are all conditioned things’ –
When with wisdom this is seen
One feels weary of all dukkha;
This is the path to purity.

‘Dukkha are all conditioned things’ –
When with wisdom this is seen
One feels weary of all dukkha;
This is the path to purity.

‘There is no self in anything’ –
When with wisdom this is seen
One feels weary of all dukkha;
This is the path to purity.

Few amongst humankind
Are those who go beyond,
Yet there are the many folks
Ever wand’ring on this shore.

Wherever Dhamma is well-taught,
Those who train in line with it
Are the ones who will cross over
The realm of death so hard to flee.

Abandoning the darker states,
The wise pursue the bright;
From the floods dry land they reach
Living withdrawn so hard to do.
Such rare delight one should desire,
Sense pleasures cast away,
Not having anything.

Dhamma-gārav’ādi-gāthā

Verses on Respect for the Dhamma

Ye ca atītā sambuddhā
ye ca buddhā anāgatā
Yo c’etarahi sambuddho
bahunnaṁ soka-nāsano

All the Buddhas of the past,
All the Buddhas yet to come,
The Buddha of this current age –
Dispellers of much sorrow.

Sabbe saddhamma-garuno
vihariṁsu viharanti ca
Atho pi viharissanti
esā buddhāna dhammatā

Those having lived or living now,
Those living in the future,
All do revere the True Dhamma –
That is the nature of all Buddhas.

Tasmā hi atta-kāmena
mahattam-abhikaṅkhatā
Saddhammo garu-kātabbo
saraṁ buddhāna sāsanaṁ

Therefore desiring one’s own welfare,
Pursuing greatest aspirations,
One should revere the True Dhamma –
Recollecting the Buddha’s teaching.

S.I.140

Na hi dhammo adhammo ca
Ubho sama-vipākino
Adhammo nirayaṁ neti
Dhammo pāpeti suggatiṁ

What is true Dhamma and what not
Will never have the same results,
While lack of Dhamma leads to hell-realms –
True Dhamma takes one on a good course.

Dhammo have rakkhati dhamma-cāriṁ
Dhammo suciṇṇo sukham-āvahāti
Esānisaṁso dhamme suciṇṇe

The Dhamma guards who lives in line with it
And leads to happiness when practised well –
This is the blessing of well-practised Dhamma.

Thag 303-304

Paṭhama-buddha-bhāsita-gāthā

Verses on the Buddha’s First Exclamation

Aneka-jāti-saṁsāraṁ
sandhāvissaṁ anibbisaṁ
Gaha-kāraṁ gavesanto
dukkhā jāti punappunaṁ

For many lifetimes in the round of birth,
Wandering on endlessly,
For the builder of this house I searched –
How painful is repeated birth.

Gaha-kāraka diṭṭho’si
puna gehaṁ na kāhasi
Sabbā te phāsukā bhaggā
gaha-kūṭaṁ visaṅkhataṁ
Visaṅkhāra-gataṁ cittaṁ
taṇhānaṁ khayam-ajjhagā

House-builder you’ve been seen,
Another home you will not build,
All your rafters have been snapped,
Dismantled is your ridge-pole;
The non-constructing mind
Has come to craving’s end.

Dhp 153-154

Pacchima-ovāda-gāthā

Verses on the Last Instructions

Handa dāni bhikkhave āmantayāmi vo
Vaya-dhammā saṅkhārā
Appamādena sampādethā’ti
Ayaṁ tathāgatassa pacchimā vācā

‘Now, take heed, bhikkhus, I caution you thus: Dissolution is the nature of all conditions. Therefore strive on with diligence!’ These are the final words of the Tathāgata.

D.II.156

Ye dhammā hetuppabhavā

Arising From a Cause

Ye dhammā hetuppabhavā
Tesaṁ hetuṁ tathāgato āha
Tesañca yo nirodho
Evaṁ-vādī mahāsamaṇo’ti

Whatever phenomena arise from a cause,
The Tathāgata has explained their cause,
And also their cessation.
That is the teaching of the Great Ascetic.

Mv.1.23.5

Nakkhattayakkha

The paritta chanting may be closed with the following:

Nakkhatta-yakkha-bhūtānaṁ
Pāpa-ggaha-nivāraṇā
Parittassānubhāvena
Hantvā tesaṁ upaddave

(Three times)

Verses on Respect

Satthu-garu dhamma-garu,
Saṅghe ca tibba-gāravo,
Samādhi-garu ātāpī,
Sikkhāya tibba-gāravo,
Appamāda-garu bhikkhu,
Paṭisanthāra-gāravo:
Abhabbo parihānāya,
Nibbānasseva santike.

One with respect for the Buddha and Dhamma,
and strong respect for the Saṅgha,
one who is ardent, with respect for concentration,
and strong respect for the Training,
one who sees danger and respects being heedful,
and shows respect in welcoming guests.
A person like this cannot decline,
stands right in the presence of Nibbāna.

A.IV.28