Chanting Book

Morning and Evening Chanting (Pj) and Reflections

Chanting Book
Morning and Evening Chanting (Pj), Reflections, and Suttas, as used by Buddhist Monasteries and Groups associated with the Western Forest Sangha in the lineage of Venerable Ajahn Chah

AMARAVATI PUBLICATIONS
3

WE WISH GRATEFULLY TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FOLLOWING:

The late Venerable Dr. Saddhtissa and Mr. Maurice Walshe for assistance with the English translation, Melanie bhassar Davies for establishing the tonal system for much of the English version, All those Monks, Nuns and Lay People who have given generously of their time and resources to produce this book.

Support for the printing of this book is dedicated to Mrs Alice Ranasinghe Dassanayake.

Amaravati Publications Amaravati Buddhist Monastery G reat Gaddesden H emel Hempstead H ertfordshire H P1 3BZ U.K. First edition 1994 by Amaravati Publications. Second edition 2006 by Amaravati Publications. 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pli/English

PART ONE: D A I L Y C H A N T I N G MORNING CHANTING Dedication of Offerings Preliminary Homage Homage to the Buddha Homage to the Dhamma Homage to the Sangha Salutation to the Triple Gem Closing Homage EVENING CHANTING Dedication of Offerings Preliminary Homage Recollection of the Buddha Supreme Praise of the Buddha Recollection of the Dhamma Supreme Praise of the Dhamma Recollection of the Sangha Supreme Praise of the Sangha Closing Homage 7 8 9 9 10 11 12 16 19 20/21 20/21 20/21 22/23 22/23 22/23 24/25 24/25 26/27

Table of Contents

Pli/English

PART TWO: R E F L E C T I O N S & R E C O L L E C T I O N S

31 32/33 34/35 38/39 40/41 42/43 44 45 47 48 53 54 54 55 56 59 65 66 67 68

Reflections on Sharing Blessings Karaya-mett Sutta The Buddhas Words on Loving-Kindness Suffusion with the Divine Abidings Magala Sutta The Highest Blessings Reflections on Universal Well-Being Reflections on the Four Requisites Reflections on the Thirty-Two Parts Five Subjects for Frequent Recollection Ten Subjects for Frequent Recollection by One who has Gone Forth
PART THREE: F O R M A L R E Q U E S T S

Requesting a Dhamma Talk Acknowledging the Teaching Requesting Paritta Chanting Requesting the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts Requesting the Three Refuges and the Eight Precepts APPENDIX Pli Phonetics and Pronunciation Chanting Technique Glossary of Pli Terms

6 Table of Contents

PART ONE: DAILY CHANTING

MORNING CHANTING
Dedication of Offerings Preliminary Homage Homage to the Buddha Homage to the Dhamma Homage to the Sangha Salutation to the Triple Gem Closing Homage 8 9 9 10 11 12 16

Part One Morning Chanting, Table of Contents

DEDICATION OF OFFERINGS
(Yo so) bha gav a raha sammsambuddho To the Ble ssed One, the Lord, who f u lly a ttained perfect enli ghtenment, Svkkh to yena bha gava t dhammo To the Teaching which he expo unde d so well, Supai panno yassa bha gava to svaka sagho And to the Blessed Ones disc i ples who have pra ctised well, Tam-ma ya bha gavanta sa dhamma sa sagha To these the Buddha, the Dhamma, a nd the Sa ngha Imehi sakkrehi yathraha ropi tehi a bhi pja yma We render wi th offerings our ri ghtful ho mage. Sdhu no bhante bha gav su cira-parinibbu topi It is we ll for us that the Ble ssed One, having attained li bera tion, Pacchi m-ja na tnu kampa -mnas Still had co mpassion for later ge nera tions. Ime sakkre dugga ta -pakra -bhte pa iggahtu May the se simple off erings be acce pted Amh ka dgha ratta hi tya su khya For o ur long-lasting benefit and fo r the ha ppiness it giv es us. Araha sammsambuddho bha gav The Lord, the Perfectly Enli ghtened and Ble ssed One Buddha bha gavanta a bhi vdemi I render homage to the Bu ddha, the Ble ssed One. (Bow.) (Svkkh to) bha gava t dhammo The Teaching so co mpletely expla ined by him Dhamma namassmi I bo w to the Dha mma. (Bow.) (Supai panno) bha gava to svaka sagho The Blessed Ones disci ples who have pra ctised well Sa gha na mmi I bo w to the Sa ngha. (Bow.)
8 Part One Dedication of Offerings

PRELIMINARY HOMAGE
(Ha nda maya buddhassa bha gavato pubbabhga-namak ra karomase) [No w let us pay preliminary homage to the Bu ddha.] (Namo tassa) bha gava to araha to sa mmsa mbuddha ssa (Three times.) Ho ma ge to the Ble ssed, No ble, a nd Pe rfectly Enli ghtened One. (Three times.)

HOMAGE TO THE BUDDHA

(Ha nda maya buddhbhi tthu ti karomase) [No w let us chant in praise of the Bu ddha.] (Yo so) tath ga to a raha sammsambuddho The Tathga ta is the Pu re One, the Perfectly Enli ghtened One. Vijjca raa -sampanno He is i mpeccable i n conduct and u ndersta nding, Su ga to The A cco mplished One, Loka vi d The Knower of the Worlds. Anu tta ro purisa damma-srathi He trains perfectly tho se who wi sh to be trained. Satth deva-ma nussna He is Teacher of go ds and hu mans. Buddho bha gav He is Awake and Ho ly. Yo ima loka sa devaka sa mraka sa brahma ka In this world with i ts gods, demons, a nd kind sp i rits, Sassa maa-brhmai pa ja sa deva-ma nuss a sa ya a bhi sacchika tv pa vedesi Its se ekers and sa ges, ce lestial and hu ma n beings, he has by de ep insight reve aled the Truth.

Part One Preliminary Homage Homage to the Buddha

Yo dhamma dese si di -kalya majjhe -ka lya pa riyosna-k alya He has pointed out the Dha mma: beautiful in the begi nning, beautiful in the mi ddle, beautiful i n the end. Sttha sa byajaa kevala-pa ripua pa risuddha brahma-ca ri ya pa ksesi He has explained the Spi ri tu al Life of co mplete pu rity in its e ssence and conve ntions. Tam-aha bha gavanta a bhi pja ymi tam-aha bha gavanta si ras na mmi I chant m y praise to the Ble ssed One, I bow m y head to the Ble ssed One. (Bow.)

HOMAGE TO THE DHAMMA

(Ha nda maya dhammbhi tthu ti karomase) [No w let us chant in praise of the Dha mma.] (Yo so) svkkh to bha gava t dhammo The Dhamma is we ll expo unded by the Ble ssed One, Sa ndihi ko Apparent here a nd now, A kli ko Timeless, Ehi passi ko E ncouraging inve stiga tion, Opanayi ko Leading i nwards, Pa cca tta vedi ta bbo vihi To be e xperienced indi vidually by the wise. Tam-aha dhamma a bhi pja ymi tam-aha dhamma si ras na mmi I chant m y praise to this Te aching, I bow m y head to thi s Truth. (Bow.)
10 Part One
Homage to the Buddha Homage to the Dhamma

HOMAGE TO THE SANGHA

(Ha nda maya saghbhi tthu ti karomase) [No w let us chant in praise of the Sa ngha.] (Yo so) supai panno bha gava to svaka sagho They are the Blessed Ones disci ples, who have pra ctised well, Ujupai panno bha gava to svaka sagho Who have practised dire ctly, yapai panno bha gava to svaka sagho Who have practised insi ghtfully, S mci pa i panno bha gava to svaka sagho Those who pra ctise with inte grity Yadida cattri purisa yugni aha purisa pugga l That is the fo ur pairs, the eight kinds of no ble beings Esa bha gava to svaka sagho These are the Blessed Ones disci ples. hu eyyo Such ones a re worthy of gifts, Phu eyyo Worthy of ho spita lity, Dakkhi eyyo Worthy of o fferings, Aja li-ka r a yo Worthy of re spect; Anu tta ra puakkhe tta lokassa They give o ccasion for i ncomparable go odness to ari se i n the world. Tam-aha sagha a bhi pja ymi tam-aha sagha si ras na mmi I chant m y praise to this Sa ngha, I bow m y head to thi s Sa ngha. (Bow.)

Part One Homage to the Sangha

11

SALUTATION TO THE TRIPLE GEM

(Ha nda maya ratanattaya-pama-gth yo ceva sa vegaparikittana-phaca bhamase) [No w let us chant our salutation to the Tri ple Gem and a passage to arouse urgency.] (Buddho su suddho) ka rumaha avo The Bu ddha, absolutel y pure, with o cean-like compa ssion, Yoccanta -suddhabba ra-a -loca no Possessing the clear sight of wi sdom, Lokassa pppa ki lesa -ghta ko Destroyer o f worldly self corru ption Vandmi buddha a ha m-da rena ta Devote dly i ndeed, that Buddha I re vere. Dhammo pa dpo vi ya tassa satthu no The Teaching of the Lord, like a lamp, Yo magga pkma ta -bheda -bhinna ko Illuminating the Path and its Fruit: the De athless, Lokuttaro yo ca ta dattha -dpa no That which is beyo nd the condi tioned world Vandmi dhamma a ha m-da rena ta Devote dly i ndeed, that Dhamma I re vere. Sa gho su khettbhyati-khe tta-sa ito The Sangha, the mo st fertile gro und for cultiva tion, Yo diha santo su ga tnu bodha ko Those who have reali sed peace, awakened after the Acco mplished One, Lolappa hno a ri yo su medha so No ble a nd wise, all longing aba ndoned Vandmi sagha a ha m-da rena ta Devote dly i ndeed, that Sangha I re vere. Iccevam-ekanta bhi pja -neyya ka vatthuttaya vanda ya tbhi sakha ta This salutation should be made to tha t which is wo rthy.

12 Part One Salutation to the Triple Gem

Pua ma y ya ma ma sabbu padda v m ho ntu ve tassa pa bhva siddhi y Through the power of su ch good ac tion, may a ll obstacles di sa ppear. Idha tath ga to loke u ppanno a raha sammsambuddho One who knows things as the y are has come into thi s world; and he is an A rahant, a perfectly Awa kened being. Dhammo ca desi to niyyni ko u pa sa miko pa rinibbni ko sa mbodha gm su ga tappa vedi to Purifying the way leading o ut o f de lu sion, calming and di recting to pe rfect peace, and leading to enli ghtenment this Way he ha s ma de known. Ma yanta dhamma su tv eva jnma Having heard the Teaching, we kno w this: Jtipi dukkh Birth is du kkha, Jarpi dukkh Ageing is du kkha, Ma raampi dukkha And death is du kkha; So ka-pa rideva-dukkha -domanassu pys pi dukkh So rrow, lamenta tion, pain, grief, and de spair are du kkha; Appiyehi sa mpa yogo dukkho Associ ation with the di sliked is du kkha; Piyehi vi ppa yogo dukkho Sepa ration from the liked is du kkha; Yampicch a na labhati tampi dukkha Not attaining ones wi shes is du kkha. Sa khittena pacu pdnakkha ndh dukkh In brief, the five focuses of iden tity are du kkha. Seyya thda These are as fo llows: Rppdna kkha ndho attachment t o form,
Part One Salutation to the Triple Gem

13

Vedanpdna kkha ndho attachment to fe eling, Sa pdna kkha ndho attachment to perce ption, Sa kh rpdna kkha ndho attachment to formati ons, Vipdna kkha ndho attachment to sense-co nsciousness. Yesa pa riya For the co mplete understa nding of this, Dha ramno s o bha gav eva ba hula s va ke vi neti The Blessed One in his li fetime frequently i nstructed his disci ples in just thi s way. Eva bhg ca panassa bha gava to s va kesu a nus sa n ba hul pa vatta ti In addition, he fu rthe r i nstru cted: Rpa a nicca Form is impe rmanent, Vedan a nicc Feeling is impe rmanent, Sa a nicc Perce ption is impe rmanent, Sa kh r a nicc Formations are impe rmanent, Via a nicca Sense-co nsciousness is impe rmanent; Rpa a natt Form is no t-self, Vedan a natt Feeling is no t-self, Sa a natt Perce ption is no t-self,

14 Part One Salutation to the Triple Gem

Sa kh r a natt Formations are no t-self, Via a natt Self-co nsciousness is no t-self; Sa bbe sa kh r a nicc All conditions are t ransient, Sa bbe dhamm a nattti There is no self in the cre ated or the u ncre ated. Te ma ya otimha-jti y ja rmaraena All of us are bound b y birth, ageing, a nd death, So kehi pa ridevehi dukkhe hi domanassehi u pysehi By so rrow, lamenta tion, pain, grief, and de spair, Dukkho ti dukkha pa ret Bo und by dukkha and obstru cte d b y du kkha. Appevanmi massa kevalassa dukkhakkha ndhassa anta kiri y payethti Let us all a spire to co mplete fre edom from su ffering. (The following is chanted only by the monks and nuns:) C i ra pari nibbutampi ta bha gava nta uddissa a raha nta sammsambuddha Remembering the Ble ssed One, the Noble Lord, a nd Perfectly Enli ghtened One, who long ago attained Pa ri ni bb na, Saddh a grasm anagri ya pabba ji t We have gone forth wi th faith from home to ho melessness, Tasmi bha gavati brahma-ca r i ya ca rma And like the Ble ssed One, we practise the Ho ly Life, Bhikkh na/Sladhar na si kkhs jva -sampann Being fully e quipped with the bhikkhus/nuns sy stem of tra ining. Ta no brahma-ca ri ya imassa kevalassa dukkhakkha ndhassa anta kiri yya sa va tta tu May this Ho ly Life lead us to the end of this who le mass of su ffering.
Part One Salutation to the Triple Gem

15

(An alternative version of the preceding section) Ci ra pari nibbutampi ta bha gava nta saraa ga t The Ble ssed One, who long ago attained Parinibb na, is our re fuge. Dha mmaca Sa ghaca So too are the Dha mma and the Sa ngha. Tassa bha gavato s sana yath sati yath bala manasika roma a nupaipa jjma Attentively we fo llow the pathway of that Ble ssed One, with a l l of our mi ndfulness a nd strength. S s no pa i patti May then the cultiva tion of this pra ctice Imassa kevalassa dukkhakkha ndhassa anta kiri yya sa va tta tu Lead us to the end of eve ry kind of su ffering. (After a period of silent meditation, additional reflections may be chanted, see pages 3248.)

CLOSING HOMAGE
(Araha) sammsambuddho bha gav The Lord, the Perfectly Enli ghtened and Ble ssed One Buddha bha gavanta a bhi vdemi I render homage to the Bu ddha, the Ble ssed One. (Svkkh to) bha gava t dhammo The Teaching, so co mpletely expla ined by him Dhamma namassmi I bo w to the Dha mma. (Supai panno) bha gava to svaka sagho The Blessed Ones disci ples, who have pra ctised well Sa gha na mmi I bo w to the Sa ngha.

(Bow.)

(Bow.)

(Bow.)

16 Part One Salutation to the Triple Gem Closing Homage

EVENING CHANTING
Pli/English

Dedication of Offerings Preliminary Homage Recollection of the Buddha Supreme Praise of the Buddha Recollection of the Dhamma Supreme Praise of the Dhamma Recollection of the Sangha Supreme Praise of the Sangha Closing Homage

20/21 20/21 20/21 22/23 22/23 22/23 24/25 24/25 26/27

Part One Evening Chanting, Table of Contents

19

DEDICATION OF OFFERINGS
(Yo so) bha gav a raha sammsambuddho Svkkh to yena bha gava t dhammo Supai panno yassa bha gava to svaka sagho Tam-ma ya bha gavanta sa dhamma sa sagha Imehi sakkrehi yathraha ropi tehi a bhi pja yma Sdhu no bhante bha gav su cira-parinibbu topi Pacchi m-ja na tnu kampa -mnas Ime sakkre dugga ta -pakra -bhte pa iggahtu Amh ka dgha ratta hi tya su khya Araha sammsambuddho bha gav Buddha bha gavanta a bhi vdemi (Bow.) (Svkkh to) bha gava t dhammo Dhamma namassmi (Bow.) (Supai panno) bha gava to svaka sagho Sa gha na mmi (Bow.)

PRELIMINARY HOMAGE
(Ha nda maya buddhassa bhagavato pubbabhga-namak ra karomase) [Namo tassa] bha gava to araha to sa mmsa mbuddha ssa (Three times.)

RECOLLECTION OF THE BUDDHA

(Ha nda maya buddhnu ssa ti naya karomase) [Ta kho ] pana bha gavanta eva kaly o kitti saddo abbhugga to Itipi so bha gav a raha sammsambuddho Vijjca raa -sampanno su ga to loka vi d Anu tta ro purisa damma-srathi satth deva-ma nussna buddho bha gavti

20 Part One Dedication of Offerings Preliminary Homage Recollection of the Buddha

DEDICATION OF OFFERINGS
(To the Ble ssed One,) the Lord, who fu lly a ttained perfect enli ghtenment, To the Teaching, which he expo unde d so well, And to the Blessed Ones disci ples who have pra ctised well, To these the Buddha, the Dhamma, a nd the Sa ngha We render wi th offerings our ri ghtful ho mage. It is we ll for us that the Ble ssed One, having attained li bera tion, Still had co mpassion for later ge nera tions. May the se simple o fferings be acce pted For o ur long-lasting benefit and fo r the ha ppiness it giv es us. The Lord, the Perfectly Enli ghtened and Ble ssed One I render homage to the Bu ddha, the Ble ssed One. (Bow.) (The Teaching,) so co mpletely expla ined by him I bo w to the Dha mma. (Bow.) (The Blessed Ones disci ples,) who have pra ctised well I bo w to the Sa ngha. (Bow.)

PRELIMINARY HOMAGE
(No w let us pay preliminary homage to the Bu ddha.) [Ho ma ge to the Ble ssed], No ble, a nd Pe rfectly Enli ghtened One. (Three times.)

RECOLLECTION OF THE BUDDHA

(No w let us chant the recollection of the Bu ddha.) [A good word] of the Blessed Ones re put a tion has spread as fo llows: He, the Ble ssed One, is indeed the Pu re One, the Perfectly Enli ghtened One; He is i mpeccable i n conduct and u ndersta nding, the A cco mplished One, the Knower o f the Worlds; He trains perfectly tho se who wi sh to be trained; he is Teacher of go ds and hu mans; he is Awake and Ho ly.
Part One Dedication of Offerings Preliminary Homage Recollection of the Buddha

21

SUPREME PRAISE OF THE BUDDHA

(Ha nda maya buddhbhi g ti karomase) [Buddhavra h a nta] varatdi gu bhi yutto Suddhbhi a-ka ru hi sa mga tatto Bodhesi yo su ja na ta ka ma la va sro Vandmaha ta mara a si ras ji nenda Buddho yo sabba pna sa raa khema mutta ma Pa hamnussa tihna vandmi ta s i rena ha Buddhass ha smi dso/ds va buddho me s miki ssaro Buddho dukkhassa ght ca vidht ca hi tassa me Buddhassha niyydemi sa rrajvi taci da Vandantoha / Vandantha ca rissmi buddhasseva su bodhi ta Natthi me sa ra a aa buddho me sa ra a va ra Etena sacca vajjena vaheyya sa tthu-s sane Buddha me vanda mnena / vanda mnya ya pua pa su ta i dha Sa bbepi anta ry me mhe su ta ssa teja s (Bowing:) Kyena vcya va ceta s v Bu ddhe ku kamma pa kata ma y ya Bu ddho pa iggah tu acca yanta Klantare sa varitu va bu ddhe

RECOLLECTION OF THE DHAMMA

(Ha nda maya dhammnu ssa ti naya karomase) [Svkkh to] bha gava t dhammo Sa ndihi ko a kli ko ehi passi ko Opanayi ko pa cca tta vedi ta bbo vihti

SUPREME PRAISE OF THE DHAMMA

(Ha nda maya dhammbhi g ti karomase) [Svkkh ta t] di gua-yoga -va sena seyyo Yo magga pka-pa riyatti -vi mokkha -bhedo Dhammo ku loka-pa ta n ta da -dhri -dhr
22 Part One Supreme Praise of the Buddha Recollection of the Dhamma Supreme Praise of the Dhamma

SUPREME PRAISE OF THE BUDDHA

(N o w let us chant the supreme praise of the Bud dha.) [The Buddha,] the truly wo rthy one, e ndowed with such e xcellent qua lities, Whose being is composed of pu rity, transcendental wi sdom, and compa ssion, Who has e nlightened the wise like the sun awa kening the lo tus I bow m y head to tha t peaceful chi ef of co nquerors. The Buddha, who is the safe, se cure re fuge of al l beings As the first object of re coll e ction, I venerate him with bo wed head. I am indeed the Buddhas se rvant, the Buddha is my Lo rd a nd Guide. The Buddha is sorrows destro yer, who bestows ble ssi ngs o n me. To the Buddha I de dicate this bo d y and life, And in de votion I wi ll wa lk the Buddhas Pa th of A wa kening. For me there is no other re fuge, the Buddha is my e xcelle nt re fuge. By the utterance of th i s Tru t h, may I grow in the Ma ste rs Way. By my de votion to the Bu ddha, and the blessing of this pra ctice By i ts power, may a ll obstacles be o ve rcome. (Bowing:) By body, speech, o r mind, For whatever wro ng action I have co mmitted towards the Bu ddha, May my a cknowledgement of fault be acce pted, That i n future there may be re straint regarding the Bu ddha.

RECOLLECTION OF THE DHAMMA

(No w let us chant the recollection of the Dha mma.) [The Dhamma] is we ll expo unded by the Ble ssed One, Apparent here a nd now, timeless, e ncouraging inve stiga tion, Leading i nwards, to be e xperienced indi vidually by the wise.

SUPREME PRAISE OF THE DHAMMA

(No w let us chant the supreme praise of the Dha mma.) [It i s excellent] be cause it is we ll expo unded, And it can be di vided into Path and Fruit, Practice and Li bera tion. The Dhamma holds those who u phold it from fa lli ng i nto delu sion.
Part One Supreme Praise of the Buddha Recollection of the Dhamma Supreme Praise of the Dhamma

23

Vandmaha ta maha ra va radha mma meta Dhammo yo sabba pna sa raa khema mutta ma Du tiynussa tihna vandmi ta si rena ha Dhammass ha smi dso/ds va dhammo me s miki ssaro Dhammo dukkhassa ght ca vidht ca hi tassa me Dhammassha niyydemi sa rrajvi taci da Vandantoha / Vandantha ca rissmi dhammasseva su dhamma ta Natthi me sa ra a aa dhammo me sa ra a va ra Etena sacca vajjena vaheyya sa tthu-s sane Dhamma me vanda mnena / vanda mnya ya pua pa su ta i dha Sa bbepi anta ry me mhe su ta ssa teja s (Bowing:) Kyena vcya va ceta s v Dha mme ku kamma pa kata ma y ya Dha mmo pa iggah tu acca yanta Klantare sa varitu va dha mme

RECOLLECTION OF THE SANGHA

(Ha nda maya saghnu ssa ti naya karomase) [Supai panno] bha gava to svaka sagho Ujupai panno bha gava to svaka sagho yapai panno bha gava to svaka sagho S mci pa i panno bha gava to svaka sagho Yadida cattri purisa yugni aha purisa pugga l Esa bha gava to svaka sagho hu eyyo phu eyyo dakkhi eyyo aja li-ka ra yo Anu tta ra puakkhe tta lokassti

SUPREME PRAISE OF THE SANGHA

(Ha nda maya saghbhi g ti karomase) [Sa ddhammajo] supaipatti g- u bhi yutto Yohabbi dho ari yapugga la -sagha seho
24 Part One Supreme Praise of the Dhamma Recollection of the Sangha Supreme Praise of the Sangha

I revere the excellent Te aching, that which removes da rkness The Dhamma, which is the su preme, se cure re fuge of al l beings As the Second Object of Re colle ction, I venerate it with bo wed head. I am indeed the Dhammas se rvant, the Dhamma is my Lo rd a nd Guide. The Dhamma is sorrows destro yer, and it bestows ble ssi ngs o n me. To the Dhamma I de dicate this bo d y and life, And in de votion I wi ll wa lk this excellent wa y o f Truth. For me there is no other re fuge, the Dhamma is my e xcelle nt re fuge. By the utterance of thi s Tru th, may I grow in the Ma ste rs Way. By my de votion to the Dha mma, and the blessing of this pra ctice By i ts power, may a ll obstacles be o ve rcome. (Bowing:) By body, speech, o r mind, For whatever wro ng action I have co mmitted towards the Dha mma, May my a cknowledgement of fault be acce pted, That i n future there may be re straint regarding the Dha mma.

RECOLLECTION OF THE SANGHA

(No w let us chant the recollection of the Sa ngha.) [They are the Blessed Ones disci ples,] who have pra ctised well, Who have practised dire ctly, Who have practised insi ghtfully, Tho se who pra ctise with inte grity That is the fo ur pairs, the eight kinds of no ble beings The se are the Blessed Ones disci ples. Such ones a re worthy of gifts, worthy of ho spita lity, worthy of o fferings, worthy o f re spect; They give o ccasion for i nco mparable go odness to ari se i n the world.

SUPREME PRAISE OF THE SANGHA

(No w let us chant the supreme praise of the Sa ngha.) [Bo rn o f the Dha mma,] tha t Sangha which has pra cti sed well, The field of the Sangha formed o f ei ght kinds of no ble beings,
Part One Supreme Praise of the Dhamma Recollection of the Sangha Supreme Praise of the Sangha

25

S ldi dhamma-pa varsa ya -kya -citto Vandmaha ta m-ari yna -gaa su suddha Sa gho yo sabba pna sa raa khema mutta ma Ta tiynussa tihna vandmi ta si rena ha Saghass ha smi dso/ds va sagho me s miki ssaro Sa gho dukkhassa ght ca vi dht ca hi tassa me Saghassha niyydemi sa rrajvi taci da Vandantoha / Vandantha ca rissmi saghassopa i panna ta Natthi me sa ra a aa sagho me sa ra a va ra Etena sacca vajjena vaheyya sa tthu-s sane Sa gha me vanda mnena / vanda mnya ya pua pa su ta i dha Sa bbepi anta ry me mhe su ta ssa teja s (Bowing:) Kyena vcya va ceta s v Sa ghe ku kamma pa kata ma y ya Sa gho pa iggah tu acca yanta Klantare sa varitu va sa ghe (At this time meditation is practised in silence, sometimes followed by a Dhamma talk, and ending with the following:)

CLOSING HOMAGE
(Araha) sammsambuddho bha gav Buddha bha gavanta a bhi vdemi (Bow.) (Svkkh to) bha gava t dhammo Dhamma namassmi (Bow.) (Supai panno) bha gava to svaka sagho Sa gha na mmi (Bow.)

26 Part One Supreme Praise of the Sangha Closing Homage

Guided in body a nd mi nd b y excellent mora lity and vi rtue. I revere that a ssembly of no ble beings pe rfected in pu rity. The Sangha, which is the su preme, se cure re fuge of al l beings As the Third Object of Re colle ction, I venerate it with bo wed head. I am indeed the Sanghas se rvant, the Sangha is my Lo rd a nd Guide. The Sangha is sorrows destro yer and it bestows ble ssi ngs o n me. To the Sangha I de dicate this bo dy and life, And in de votion I wi ll wa lk the well-practised wa y of the Sa ngha. For me there is no other re fuge, the Sangha is my e xcelle nt re fuge. By the utterance of thi s tru t h, may I grow in the Ma ste rs Way. By my de votion to the Sa ngha, and the blessing o f this pra ctice By i ts power, may a ll obstacles be o ve rcome. (Bowing:) By body, speech, o r mind, For whatever wro ng action I have co mmitted towards the Sa ngha, May my a cknowledgement of fault be acce pted, That i n future there may be re straint regarding the Sa ngha. (At this time meditation is practised in silence, sometimes followed by a Dhamma talk, and ending with the following:)

CLOSING HOMAGE
(The Lord,) the Perfectly Enli ghtened and Ble ssed One I render homage to the Bu ddha, the Ble ssed One. (Bow.) (The Teaching,) so co mpletely expla ined by him I bo w to the Dha mma. (Bow.) (The Blessed Ones disci ples,) who have pra ctised well I bo w to the Sa ngha. (Bow.)

Part One Supreme Praise of the Sangha Closing Homage

27

28

PART TWO:

REFLECTIONS & RECOLLECTIONS

Pli/English

Reflections on Sharing Blessings Karaya-mett Sutta The Buddhas Words on Loving-Kindness Suffusion with the Divine Abidings Magala Sutta The Highest Blessings Reflections on Universal Well-Being Reflections on the Four Requisites Reflections on the Thirty-Two Parts Five Subjects for Frequent Recollection Ten Subjects for Frequent Recollection by One who has Gone Forth

32/33 34/35 38/39 40/41 42/43 44 45 47 48

Part Two Reflections & Recollections, Table of Contents

31

REFLECTIONS ON SHARING BLESSINGS

(Ha nda maya uddissandhihna-gth yo b hamase) [Imin pua kamena] u pajjhy gu utta r cariypa kr ca mtpit ca ta k Suriyo candim rj gu navant na rpi ca Brahma-mr ca ind ca loka pl ca deva t Yamo mitt ma nuss ca majjhatt veri kpi ca Sa bbe satt sukh hontu puni pa ka tni me Sukhaca tividha dentu khippa ppetha voma ta Imin pukammena imin uddi ssena ca Khippha su la bhe ceva tahpdna -cheda na Ye santne hn dhamm yva nibbna to ma ma Nassantu sabba d yeva yattha jto bha ve bha ve Ujucitta sa ti pa sallekho vi ri yamhin Mr labhantu noksam ktuca vi ri yes u me Buddhdhipa va ro ntho dhammo ntho va rutta mo Ntho pacceka buddho ca sagho nthotta ro ma ma Tesottamnubhvena mroksa la bhantu m

32 Part Two Recollections on Sharing Blessings

(No w let us chant the verses of sharing and aspir a tion.) Through the goodness that ari ses from my pra ctice, May m y spiritual te achers and gui des of great vi rtue, M y mother, my fa ther, and my re latives, The Sun a nd the Moon, and a ll vi rtuous le aders of the world, May the highest gods and evil fo rces, Cele stia l beings, gua rdian spi rits of the Earth, and the Lo rd o f Death, May t h o s e who are frie ndly, indifferent, or ho stile, May a ll beings receive the ble ssi ngs of m y life. May the y soon attain the thre efo ld bliss and realise the De athless. Through the goodness that ari ses from my pra ctice, And through this act of sha ring, May all de sires and atta chments quickl y cease And a ll harmful sta tes o f mind. Until I realise Nibb na, In every kind o f birth, may I ha ve an u pri ght mind, W i th mindfulness and wi sdom, auste rity and vi gour. May the forces of delu sion not ta ke hold nor weaken my re solve. The Buddha is my e xcellent re fuge, Unsu rpassed is the prote ction of the Dhamma , The Solitary Bu ddha is my no ble Lord, The Sangha is my supre me su pport. Through the supreme po we r of a ll these, Ma y darkness and delu sion be di spelled.

Part Two Recollections on Sharing Blessings

33

THE BUDDHAS WORDS ON LOVING-KINDNESS

(Karaya Mett Sutta)
Karaya m-attha-kusalena, Yan-ta santa pada abhisamecca; Sakko uj ca suhuj ca, Suvaco cassa mudu anatimn, Santussako ca subharo ca, Appakicco ca sallahuka-vutti; Santindriyo ca nipako ca, Appagabbho kulesu ananugiddho. Na ca khudda samcare kici, Yena vi pare upavadeyyu; Sukhino v khemino hontu, Sabbe satt bhavantu sukhitatt: Ye keci pa-bhtatthi, Tas v thvar v anavases; Dgh v ye mahant v, Majjhim rassak auka-thl. Dih v ye ca adih, Ye ca dre vasanti avidre; Bht v sambhaves v, Sabbe satt bhavantu sukhitatt. Na paro para nikubbetha, Ntimaetha katthaci na kici; Byarosana pighasaa, Nam-aassa dukkham-iccheyya. Mt yath niya putta, yus eka-puttam-anurakkhe; Evam pi sabba-bhtesu, Mnasam-bhvaye aparima. Metta-ca sabba-lokasmi, Mnasam-bhvaye aparima; Uddha adho ca tiriya-ca, Asambdha avera asapatta.
34 Part Two The Buddhas Words on Loving-Kindness (Karaya Mett Sutta)

(No w let us chant the Buddhas words on loving-ki ndness.) [This is what should be done] By one who is ski lled in go odness And who knows the pa th of peace: Let them be able and u pright, Stra ightforward and gentle i n speech, Humble and not conce ited, Co ntented and e asily sa tisfied, Unburdened with du ties and frugal i n the ir ways. Peaceful and calm, a nd wise and sk i lful, No t proud and dema nding in na ture. Let them no t do the sl i ghte st thing That the wise would late r re prove, Wishing: In gladness a nd in sa fety, May a ll beings be a t ease. Whatever liv i ng beings there ma y be, Whether the y are w e ak o r strong, omi tting none, The great or the mi ghty, medium, sho rt, o r small, The seen and the u nseen, Those living near and fa r a way, Those born and to be born, May a ll beings be a t ease. Let none dece ive a no ther Or de spise any being in a ny state. Let no ne through anger or i ll-will Wish ha rm upon ano ther. Even as a mother protects with he r life Her child, her o nly child, So with a bo undless heart Should o ne cherish all li vi ng beings, Radiating k i ndness over the ent i re world: Spreading upwards to the ski es And do wnwa rds to the depths,
Part Two The Buddhas Words on Loving-Kindness (Karaya Mett Sutta)

35

Tiha-cara nisinno v, Sayno v yvatassa vigata-middho; Eta sati adhiheyya, Brahmam-eta vihra idham-hu. Dihi-ca anupagamma, Slav dassanena sampanno; Kmesu vineyya gedha, Na hi jtu gabbha-seyya punaretiti.

36 Part Two The Buddhas Words on Loving-Kindness (Karaya Mett Sutta)

Outwards and unbo unded, Fre ed from ha tre d and i ll-will. Whether standing or wa lking, seated, Or ly i ng down free from dro wsiness One should su stain this re colle ction. This is said to b e the subli me abi ding. By not holding to fa lse views, The pure-he arte d one, having clarity of vi sion, Being freed fro m all se nse-desires, Is not bo rn a gain into this world.

Part Two The Buddhas Words on Loving-Kindness (Karaya Mett Sutta)

37

SUFFUSION WITH THE DIVINE ABIDINGS

(Ha nda maya caturappama obhsana karomase)
[Mett-sa ha ga tena] cetas eka disa pha ri tv viha ra ti Ta th dutiya ta th tatiya ta th ca tuttha Iti uddhamadho tiriya sabba dhi sabbatta tya Sabbvanta loka mett-sa ha ga tena cetas Vipulena mahagga tena appa mena a verena a bypajjhena pha ri tv vih ra t Karu-sa ha ga tena cetas eka disa pha ri tv viha ra ti Ta th dutiya ta th tatiya ta th ca tuttha Iti uddhamadho tiriya sabba dhi sabbatta tya Sabbvanta loka ka ru -sa ha ga tena cetas Vipulena mahagga tena appa mena a verena a bypajjhena pha ri tv vih ra t Mudit-sa ha ga tena cetas eka disa pha ri tv viha ra ti Ta th dutiya ta th tatiya ta th ca tuttha Iti uddhamadho tiriya sabba dhi sabbatta tya Sabbvanta loka mu di t-sa ha ga tena cetas Vipulena mahagga tena appa mena a verena a bypajjhena pha ri tv vih ra t Upekkh-saha ga te na cetas eka disa pha ri tv viha ra ti Ta th dutiya ta th tatiya ta th ca tuttha Iti uddhamadho tiriya sabba dhi sabbatta tya Sabbvanta loka u pe kkh-sa ha ga tena cetas Vipulena mahagga tena appa mena a verena a bypajjhena pha ri tv vih ra tti

38 Part Two Suffusion with the Divine Abidings

(No w let us make the Four Boundless Qualities sh i ne forth.) [ I wi ll abide] pervading on e quarter with a heart imbued with loving-ki ndness; likewi se the second, likewi se the third, likewise th e fourth; so above and be low, around and ev ery where; and to a ll a s to m yself. I wi ll abide pervading the all-encompa ssing world with a heart imbued with loving-k i ndness; ab u ndant, exa lted, imme asurable, without ho stility, and without i ll-will. I wi ll abide pervading on e quarter with a heart imbued with compa ssion; likewi se the second, likew i se the third, likewise th e fourth; so above and be low, around and ev ery where; and to a ll a s to m yself. I wi ll abide pervading the all-encompa ssing world with a heart imbued with comp a ssion; ab u ndant, exa lted, imme asurable, without ho stility, and without i ll-will. I wi ll abide pervading on e quarter with a heart imbued with gla dness; likew i se the second, likewi se the third, likewise th e fourth; so above and be low, around and ev ery where; and to a ll a s to m yself. I wi ll abide pervading the all-encompa ssing world with a heart imbued with gla dness; abu ndant, exa lted, imme asurable, without ho stility, and without i ll-will. I wi ll abide pervading on e quarter with a heart imbued with equanimi ty; likewi se the second, likewi se the third, likewise th e fourth; so above and be low, around and ev ery where; and to a ll a s to m yself. I w i ll abide pervading the all-encompa ssing world with a heart imbued with equan i mity; ab u ndant, exa lted, imme asurable, without ho stility, and witho u t ill-will.

Part Two Suffusion with the Divine Abidings

39

THE HIGHEST BLESSINGS

(Magala Sutta)
(Th u s have I he a r d that the Ble ssed One) Was staying at S va tth, Res i d ing at the Jetas Grove Th e n in the dark of the night, a ra dia nt de va Illuminated a l l Je ta s Grove. She bowed down low before the Ble ssed One Then standing to one si de she said: Devas are concerned for ha ppiness And ever lo ng fo r peace. The same is true for hu mankind. What th e n are the hi ghest ble ssings? A vo iding those of foo lish ways, A sso ciating wi th the wise, And ho nouring those wo rthy of ho nour. Th e s e are the hi ghest ble ssings. Li ving in places of suitable kinds, With the frui ts of past goo d deeds A nd gui ded by the ri ghtfu l way. Th e s e are the hi ghest ble ssings. Acco mplished in le arni ng a nd cra ftsmans skills, With di scipline, highl y trained, And sp e e c h that is true and pl e asant to hear. Th e s e are the hi ghest ble ssings. Provi ding for mother and fathers support And che rishing family, And ways of work that ha rm no being, Th e s e are the hi ghest ble ssings.

40 Part Two The Highest Blessings (Magala Sutta)

Gi ving with Dhamma i n the heart, Offering help to re lati ves and kin, And acting in ways that le ave no blame. Th e s e are the hi ghest ble ssings. Steadfast in re straint, and shunning e vil ways, Avo iding into xicants that du ll the mind, And heedfu lness in all things tha t arise. Th e s e are the hi ghest ble ssings. Respe ctfulness and being of humble ways, Contentment and gra titude, And hearing the Dha mma fre quentl y taught. Th e s e are the hi ghest ble ssings. Patience and will ingness to accept ones faults, Seeing venerated se ekers of the truth, And sharing o ften the wo rds of Dha mma. Th e s e are the hi ghest ble ssings. The Ho ly Li f e lived with ardent e ffort, Seeing for onese lf the Noble Truths And the realisation of Nibb na. Th e s e are the hi ghest ble ssings. Although invo lved i n wo rldly ways, Unsha ken the m i nd r emains And beyond all so rrow, spo tless, se cure. Th e s e are the hi ghest ble ssings. The y who li v e by fo llowing this path Know vi ctory wh e rever the y go, And every pl a c e for them i s safe. T h e s e are the hi ghest ble ssings.

Part Two The Highest Blessings (Magala Sutta)

41

REFLECTIONS ON UNIVERSAL WELL-BEING

(Ha nda mayam brahmavihrapharaa karomase) [Aha sukhito ho mi], niddukkho ho mi, a vero ho mi, a bypajjho ho mi, a ngho ho mi, sukh a ttna pa riha rmi. Sa bbe sa tt sukhit ho ntu, sa bbe sa tt aver ho ntu, sa bbe sa tt abypajjh ho ntu, sa bbe sa tt angh ho ntu, sa bbe sa tt sukh a ttna pa riha rantu. Sa bbe sa tt sabbadukkh pamucca ntu. Sa bbe sa tt laddha-sa mpa tti to m vigaccha ntu. Sa bbe sa tt kammassa k kamma dyd kamma yon kamma bandh kammapa isa ra , ya kamma ka rissa nti, kalya v ppa ka v, tassa dyd bha vissa nti.

42 Part Two Reflections on Universal Well-Being

(Now let us chant the reflections on universal w e ll-being.) [May I abi de in we ll-being], in fre edom fro m a ffliction, in fre edom fro m ho sti lity, in fre edom fro m i ll-will, in fre edom fro m a nxi ety, and may I ma inta in we ll-be ing in m yself. May everyone abi de in we ll-being, in fre edom fro m ho sti lity, in fr e edom fro m i ll-will, in fre edom fro m a nxi ety, and may they ma inta in we ll-be ing in the mselves. May all beings be rele ased fro m a ll su ffering. And may they not be pa rted from the goo d fo rtu ne they have a ttained. When they act upon inte ntion, all beings a re the o wners of their a ction and inhe rit its re sults. Their futu re is born from such a ction, compa nion to such a ction, and its resu lts will be the ir home. All a ctions with inte ntion, be the y sk ilful or ha rmful of su ch ac ts they will be the heirs.

Part Two Reflections on Universal Well-Being

43

REFLECTION ON THE FOUR REQUISITES

(Ha nda maya takhaika-paccave kkhaa-pha bhamase)
[Paisakh] yoniso cva ra pa ise vmi, yvadeva s tassa pa ightya, uhassa pa ightya, asa-maka sa -vtta pa -sirisapa-samphassna pa ightya, yvadeva hiri kopina-pa icchda nattha. Wisely reflecting, I use the robe: only to ward o ff cold, to ward o ff heat, to ward off the touch o f flies, mo squitoes, wind, bu rni ng and cre eping things, only for the sa ke of mo desty. [Paisakh] yoniso pia pta pa ise vmi, neva da vya, na ma dya, na maa nya, na vi bhsa nya, yvadeva i massa kyassa hi tiy, yp a nya, vihis para ti y, brahmaca ri ynugga hya, iti puraca veda na pa iha khmi, navaca veda na na uppdessmi, ytr ca me bhavissati a navajjat ca phasuviharocti. Wisely reflecting, I use a lmsfood: not fo r fun, not for ple asure, not for fa ttening, not for beautifica tion, only for the maintenance and no urishment of this bo dy, for keeping it he althy, for helping with the Ho ly Life; thinki ng thus, I will allay hu nger without overe ating, so that I may co ntinue to live bla melessly and a t ease. [Paisakh] yoniso sensa na pa ise vmi, yvadeva s tassa pa ightya, uhassa p a ightya, asa-maka sa -vtta pa -sirisapa-samphassna pa ightya, yvadeva utupa rissaya vi nodana pa isa llnrmattha. Wisely reflecting, I use the lo dging: only to ward o ff cold, to ward o ff heat, to ward off the touch o f flies, mo squitoes, wind, bu rni ng and cre eping things, only to remove the danger from we ather, and fo r living in seclu sion. [Paisakh] yoniso gi lna-pacca ya -bhesajja-pa rikkhra pa ise vmi, yvadeva uppa nnna veyybdhi kna veda nna pa ightya, a bypajjha-pa ramaty ti. Wisely reflecting, I use su pports for the sick and me dicinal re quisites: only to ward off pa inful fe elings that have ari sen, for the maximum freedom from di sease.

44 Part Two Reflection on the Four Requisities

R E F L E C T I O N O N T H E T H I R T Y- T W O P A R T S
(Ha nda maya dvattiskra-pha bhamase) [Aya kho] me kyo uddha pd a t a l adho kesamatthak t a c a p a r i yanto pro nnapp a krass a a s u c i no This, which is my body, from the soles of the feet up, and down from the crown of the head, is a sealed bag of skin filled with unattractive things. Atthi imasmi kye kes lom nakh dant taco masa nahr ah ahimija vakka hadaya yakana kilomaka pihaka papphsa anta antagua udariya karsa pitta semha In this body there are: hair of the head hair of the body nails teeth skin flesh sinews bones bone marrow kidneys heart liver membranes spleen lungs bowels entrails undigested food excrement bile phlegm
Part Two Reflection on the Thirty-Two Parts

45

pubbo lohita sedo medo assu vas kheo sighik lasik mutta matthalugan ti

pus blood sweat fat tears grease spittle mucus oil of the joints urine brain

Evamya me kyo uddha pd a t a l adho kesamatthak t a c a p a r i yanto pro nnapp a krass a a s u c i no This, then, which is my body, from the soles of the feet up, and down from the crown of the head, is a sealed bag of skin filled with unattractive things.

46 Part Two Reflection on the Thirty-Two Parts

FIVE SUBJECTS FOR FREQUENT RECOLLECTION

(Ha nda maya abhiha-paccave kkhaa-pha bhamase) [Jar-dhammomhi ] jara a na tto I am of the nature to age, I have not go ne beyond a geing. Bydh i -dhammomhi bydhi a na tto I am of the nature to si cken, I have not g o ne beyond si ckness. Ma raa-dhammomhi ma raa a na tto I am of the nature to die, I have not g o ne beyond d ying. Sa bbehi me pi yehi ma npehi nnbhvo vi nbhvo All that i s mine, be loved and ple asing, will become o therwise, will become se parated fro m me. Kammassa kmhi kamma dydo kamma yoni kamma bandhu kammapa tisa ra no. Ya kamma ka rissmi, kalya v ppa ka v, tassa dydo bha vissmi I am the owner of my ka mma, heir to my ka mma, born of my ka mma, r elated to my ka mma, a bide suppo rted by my ka mma. Whatever kamma I sha ll do, for good or fo r ill, of tha t I will be the heir. Eva amheh i a bhiha pacca vekkhi tabba T h u s we sho uld frequently re co llect.

Part Two Five Subjects for Frequent Recollection

47

TEN SUBJECTS FOR FREQUENT RECOLLECTION BY ONE WHO HAS GONE FORTH
(Ha nda maya pabbajita-abhiha-paccave kkhaa-pha bhamase) [Dasa i me bhikkhave] dhamm pabba jitena a bhiha pacca vekkhi tabb. Ka ta me dasa? Bhikkhus, there are te n dhammas which should be r eflected upon again and a gain by one who ha s go ne forth. Wha t a re these ten? Vevai yamhi ajjhpa ga to ti pabba jitena a bhiha pacca vekkhi tabba. I am no longer li ving according to worldly aims and va lues. This should be re flected upon again and a gain by one who ha s go ne forth. Parapai baddh me jvi k ti pabba jitena a bhiha pacca vekkhi tabba. My very life is susta ined through the gifts of o thers. This should be re flected upon again and a gain by one who ha s go ne forth. Ao me kappo ka ra yo ti pabba jitena a bhiha pacca vekkhi tabba. I shou ld strive to aba ndon my former ha bits. This should be re flected upon again and a gain by one who ha s go ne forth. Kacci nu kho me att sla to na u pavadat ti pabba jitena a bhiha pacca vekkhi tabba. Does re gret over my co nduct arise in m y mind? This should be re flected upon again and a gain by one who ha s g o ne forth. Kacci n u kho ma a nuvicca vi sabrahma cr sla to na u pavadant ti pabba jitena a bhiha pacca vekkhi tabba. Could m y spiritual compa nions find fault with my co nduct? This should be re flected upon again and a gain by one who ha s go ne forth.

48 Part Two Ten Subjects for Frequent Recollection by One who has Gone Forth

Sa bbehi me pi yehi ma npehi nnbhvo vi nbhvo ti pabba jitena abhiha pacca vekkhi tabba. All that i s mine, be loved and ple asing, will become o therwise, will become se parated from me. This should be re flected upon again and a gain by one who ha s go ne forth. Kammassa komhi kamma dydo kamma yoni kamma bandhu kammapa isa rao, ya kamma ka rissmi, kalya v ppa ka v, tassa dydo bha vissm ti pabba jitena a bhiha pacca vekkh i tabba. I am th e owner of my ka mma, heir to my ka mma, born of my k a mma, r e lated to my ka mma, a bide supp o rted by my ka mma; whatever kamma I sh a ll do, for good or f o r ill, of th a t I will b e th e heir. This should be r e flected upon again and a gain by one who h a s g o ne forth. Kathambhtassa me rattindi v vti pa tant ti pabba jitena a bhiha pacca vekkhi tabba. The days and nights are relentlessly pa ssing; ho w well am I spe ndi ng m y time? This should be re flected upon again and a gain by one who ha s go ne forth. Kacci nu khoha su gre abhira mm ti pabba jitena a bhiha pacca vekkhi tabba. Do I delight in so litude or not? This should be re flected upon again and a gain by one who ha s go ne forth.

Part Two Ten Subjects for Frequent Recollection by One who has Gone Forth

49

Atthi nu kho me uttari-ma nussa-dhamm alamariya -a-dassana-viseso adhiga to, soha pacchi me kle sa brahmacrhi puho na maku bha vissm ti pabba jitena a bhiha pacca vekkhi tabba. Has m y practice borne fruit with freedom or i nsight so that at the e nd of my life I need not feel a shamed when questioned b y my spi ri tual compa nions? This should be re flected upon again and a gain by one who ha s go ne forth. Ime kho bhikkha ve da sa dhamm pabba jitena a bhiha pacca vekkhitabbti. Bhikkhus, these are the te n dhammas to be re flected upon again and a gain by one who ha s go ne forth.

50 Part Two Ten Subjects for Frequent Recollection by One who has Gone Forth

PART THREE:

FORMAL REQUESTS
Requesting a Dhamma Talk Acknowledging the Teaching Requesting Paritta Chanting Requesting the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts Requesting the Three Refuges and the Eight Precepts 54 54 55 56 59

Part Three Formal Requests, Table of Contents

53

Ajali Chanting and making formal requests, is done with the hands in ajali. This is a gesture of respect, made by placing the palms together directly in front of the chest, with the fingers aligned and pointing upwards.

REQUESTING A DHAMMA TALK

(After bowing three times, with hands joined in ajali, recite the following:) Brahm ca lokdhipa t sa hampa ti Ka taja l a dhiva ra a yca tha Sant dha sa ttppa ra jakkha -jtik Desetu dhamma a nu kampi ma p a ja (Bow three times again.) The Brahma god Sahampati, Lord of the world, With palms joined in reverence, requested a favour: Beings are here with but little dust in their eyes, Pray, teach the Dhamma out of compassion for them.

ACKNOWLEDGING THE TEACHING

One person: Ha nda maya dhammakath ya s dhuk ra dadmase. Now let us express our approval of this Dhamma Teaching. Sdhu, sdhu, sdhu, anu modmi. It is well, I appreciate it.

Response:

54 Part Three Requesting a Dhamma Talk Acknowledging the Teaching

REQUESTING PARITTA CHANTING

(After bowing three times, with hands joined in ajali, recite the following:) Vipatti-paibh ya sabba -sampatti -siddhi y Sabbadukkha-vins ya Paritta brtha maga la Vipatti-paibh ya sabba -sampatti -siddhi y Sabbabhaya-vins ya Paritta brtha maga la Vipatti-paibh ya sabba -sampatti -siddhi y Sabbaroga-vins ya Paritta brtha maga la (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.

Part Three Requesting Paritta Chanting

55

REQUESTING THE THREE REFUGES & THE FIVE PRECEPTS

(After bowing three times, with hands joined in ajali, recite:) Maya/Aha bhante/ayye* tisaraena s a ha paca s lni y cma/y cmi Dutiyampi maya/aha bhante/ayye* tisaraena s a ha paca s lni y cma/y cmi Tatiyampi maya/aha bhante/ayye* tisaraena s a ha paca s lni y cma/y cmi We/I, Venerable Sir/Sister**, request the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts. For the second time, we/I, Venerable Sir/Sister**, request the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts. For the third time, we/I, Venerable Sir/Sister**, request the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts.

*When requesting in Pli from a layperson, mitta replaces bhante or ayye. **When requesting in English from a layperson, Friend replaces Venerable Sir or Sister.

56 Part Three Requesting The Three Refuges & The Five Precepts

TAKING THE THREE REFUGES

(Repeat, after the leader has chanted the first three lines:) Namo tassa bhagavato arahato Namo tassa bhagavato arahato Namo tassa bhagavato arahato Homage to the Blessed, Noble, Homage to the Blessed, Noble, Homage to the Blessed, Noble, sammsambuddhassa sammsambuddhassa sammsambuddhassa and Perfectly Enlightened One. and Perfectly Enlightened One. and Perfectly Enlightened One.

Buddha saraa gacchmi Dhamma saraa gacchmi Sagha saraa gacchmi To the Buddha I go for refuge. To t h e D h am m a I go f o r re f uge . To the Sangha I go for refuge. Dutiyampi Buddha saraa gacchmi Dutiyampi Dhamma saraa gacchmi Dutiyampi Sagha saraa gacchmi For the second time, to the Buddha I go for refuge. For the second time, to the Dhamma I go for refuge. For the second time, to the Sangha I go for refuge. Tatiyampi Buddha saraa gacchmi Tatiyampi Dhamma saraa gacchmi Tatiyampi Sagha saraa gacchmi For the third time, to the Buddha I go for refuge. For the third time, to the Dhamma I go for refuge. For the third time, to the Sangha I go for refuge. Leader: Response: Tisaraa-gamana nihita This completes the going to the Three Refuges. ma bhante/ayye* Yes, Venerable Sir/Sister**.

*When requesting in Pli from a layperson, mitta replaces bhante or ayye. **When requesting in English from a layperson, Friend replaces Venerable Sir or Sister. Part Three Taking The Five Precepts

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THE FIVE PRECEPTS

(To undertake the precepts, repeat each precept after the leader.) 1. Ptipt ver a ma sikkh pada sa md i ymi. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking the life of any living creature. 2. Adinndn vera ma sikkh pada sa mdi ymi. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given. 3. Kmesu micch cr vera ma sikkh pada sa md i ymi. I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct. 4. Mus vd vera ma sikkh pada sa mdi ymi. I undertake the precept to refrain from lying. 5. Surmeraya-majja-pamdah n vera ma sikkh pada sa mdi ymi. I undertake the precept to refrain from consuming intoxicating drink and drugs which lead to carelessness. Leader: Imni paca sikkh padni S lena suga ti yanti S lena bhoga sa mpad S lena nibbu ti yanti Tasm s la viso dhaye These are the Five Precepts; virtue is the source of happiness, virtue is the source of true wealth, virtue is the source of peacefulness. Therefore let virtue be purified. Sdhu, sdhu, sdhu (Bow three times.)

Response:

58 Part Three The Five Precepts

REQUESTING THE THREE REFUGES & THE EIGHT PRECEPTS

(After bowing three times, with hands joined in ajali, recite:) Maya/Aha bhante/ayye* tisaraena sa ha aha s lni y cma/y cmi Dutiyampi maya/aha bhante/ayye* tisaraena s a ha aha s lni y cma/y cmi Tatiyampi maya/aha bhante/ayye* tisaraena sa ha aha s lni y cma/y cmi We/I, Venerable Sir/Sister**, request the Three Refuges and the Eight Precepts. For the second time, we/I, Venerable Sir/Sister**, request the Three Refuges and the Eight Precepts. For the third time, we/I, Venerable Sir/Sister**, request the Three Refuges and the Eight Precepts.

TAKING THE THREE REFUGES

(Repeat, after the leader has chanted the first three lines:) Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammsambuddhassa Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammsambuddhassa Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammsambuddhassa Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One. Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One. Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One.

*When requesting in Pli from a layperson, mitta replaces bhante or ayye. **When requesting in English from a layperson, Friend replaces Venerable Sir or Sister. Part Three Requesting The Three Refuges & The Eight Precepts Taking The Three Refuges

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Buddha saraa gacchmi Dhamma saraa gacchmi Sagha saraa gacchmi To the Buddha I go for refuge. To t h e D h am m a I go f o r re f uge . To the Sangha I go for refuge. Dutiyampi Buddha saraa gacchmi Dutiyampi Dhamma saraa gacchmi Dutiyampi Sagha saraa gacchmi For the second time, to the Buddha I go for refuge. For the second time, to the Dhamma I go for refuge. For the second time, to the Sangha I go for refuge. Tatiyampi Buddha saraa gacchmi Tatiyampi Dhamma saraa gacchmi Tatiyampi Sagha saraa gacchmi For the third time, to the Buddha I go for refuge. For the third time, to the Dhamma I go for refuge. For the third time, to the Sangha I go for refuge. Leader: Response: Tisaraa-gamana nihita This completes the going to the Three Refuges. ma bhante/ayye* Yes, Venerable Sir/Sister**.

*When requesting in Pli from a layperson, mitta replaces bhante or ayye. **When requesting in English from a layperson, Friend replaces Venerable Sir or Sister.

60 Part Three Taking The Three Refuges

THE EIGHT PRECEPTS

(To undertake the precepts, repeat each precept after the leader.) 1. Ptipt vera ma sikkh pada sa mdi ymi. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking the life of any living creature. 2. Adinndn vera ma sikkh pada sa mdi ymi. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given. 3. Abrahmacariy vera ma sikkh pada sa mdi ymi. I undertake the precept to refrain from any intentional sexual activity. 4. Mus vd vera ma sikkh pada sa mdi ymi. I undertake the precept to refrain from lying. 5. Surmeraya-majja-pamdah n vera ma sikkh pada sa mdi ymi. I undertake the precept to refrain from consuming intoxicating drink and drugs which lead to carelessness. 6. Viklabhojan vera ma sikkh pada sa mdi ymi. I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at inappropriate times. 7. Nacca-gta-vdita-viskada ssanml-gandha-vilepana-dhraamaana-vibhsanah n vera ma sikkh pada sa mdi ymi. I undertake the precept to refrain from entertainment, beautification, and adornment. 8. Uccsayana-mah sayan vera ma sikkh pada sa mdi ymi. I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
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Leader: Response:

Imni aha sikkh padni sa mdi ymi Imni aha sikkh padni sa mdi ymi Imni aha sikkh padni sa mdi ymi Imni aha sikkh padni sa mdi ymi I undertake these Eight Precepts. I undertake these Eight Precepts. I undertake these Eight Precepts. Imni aha sikkh padni S lena suga ti yanti S lena bhoga sa mpad S lena nibbu ti yanti Tasm s la viso dhaye These are the Eight Precepts; virtue is the source of happiness, virtue is the source of true wealth, virtue is the source of peacefulness. Therefore let virtue be purified. Sdhu, sdhu, sdhu (Bow three times.)

Leader:

Response:

62 Part Three The Eight Precepts

APPENDIX
Pli Phonetics and Pronunciation Chanting Technique Glossary of Pli Terms 66 67 68

Part Four Appendix, Table of Contents

65

PLI PHONETICS & PRONUNCIATION

Pli is the original scriptural language of Theravda Buddhism. It was a spoken language, closely related to Sanskrit, with no written script of its own. As written forms have emerged, they have been in the letterings of other languages (e.g., Devanagari, Sinhalese, Burmese, Thai, Roman). Thus the Roman lettering used here is pronounced just as one would expect, with the following clarifications: Vowels are of two types: Short a as in about i as in hit u as in put Long as in father as in machine as in rule e as in grey o as in more

Exception: e and o change to short sounds in syllables ending in consonants. They are then pronounced as in get and ox, respectively. Consonants are mostly as one would expect, with a few additional rules: c as in ancient (like ch but unaspirated) , as ng in sang as ny in canyon v rather softer than the English v; near w bh, ch, dh, h, gh, jh, kh, ph, th, h These two-lettered notations with h denote an aspirated, airy sound, distinct from the hard, crisp sound of the single consonant. They should be considered as one unit. However, the other combinations with h, i.e., lh, mh, h, and vh, do count as two consonants. Examples: th as t in tongue. (Never pronounced as in the.) ph as p in palate. (Never pronounced as in photo.) , h, , , , h These retroflex consonants have no English equivalents. They are sounded by curling the tip of the tongue back against the palate.
66 Part Four Pli Phonetics & Pronunciation

Full-length syllables contain long vowels (, , , e, o) or end with or having ended in a consonant, are followed by a syllable beginning with a consonant (e.g., magga, honti, Buddha). Remember that bh, dh, etc. count as single consonants. (Therefore amhka, but sadhamma, not sadhamma.) Full-length syllables take twice the time of half-length syllables rather like two beats in a bar of music compared to one. This is what gives the chanting its particular rhythm. Half-length syllables end in short vowels.

CHANTING TECHNIQUE
Once the system of Pli pronunciation and rhythm has been grasped, it is possible to chant a text from sight.
BUD

DHO

SU
1

SUD

DHO

KA
1

RU
1

MA
1

HA

A
1

VO

/2

/2

/2

/2

/2

If you find it difficult to understand the practice of chanting (or even if you find it easy), the general rule of thumb is to listen carefully to what the leader and the group are chanting and to follow, keeping the same pitch, tempo and speed. All voices should blend together as one. Punctuation and Tonal Marks (Round Brackets) indicate words chanted only by the leader; words in [square brackets] are usually chanted only by the responder. The triangular tonal marks indicate changes in pitch. Longer marks also indicate a lengthening of the syllable. high tone low tone long low tone long mid tone no ble ble ssed ho mage the se

A Note on Hyphenation in the Text As an aid to understanding, some of the longer Pli words in the text have been hyphenated into the words from which they are compounded. This does not affect the pronunciation in any way.
Part Four Pli Phonetics & Pronunciation Chanting Technique

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GLOSSARY OF PLI TERMS

Anatt Literally, not-self, i.e. impersonal, without individual essence; neither a person nor belonging to a person. One of the three characteristics of conditioned phenomena. Anicca Transient, impermanent, unstable, having the nature to arise and pass away. One of the three characteristics of conditioned phenomena. Araha/Arahant Literally, worthy one a term applied to all enlightened beings. As an epithet of the Buddha alone, Lord is used. Ariyapuggal Noble beings there are eight kinds: those who are working on or who have achieved the four different stages of realisation. Bhagav Bountiful, with good fortune when used as an epithet of the Buddha, the Fortunate One, the Blessed One. Bhikkhu A Buddhist monk who lives as an alms mendicant, abiding by 227 training precepts that define a life of renunciation and simplicity. Brahm Celestial being; a god in one of the higher spiritual realms. Buddha The Understanding One, the One who is Awake, who knows things as they are; a potential in every human being. The historical Buddha, Siddhattha Gotama, lived and taught in India in the 5th century B.C.E. Deva A celestial being. Less refined than a brahm, as a deva is still in a sensual realm, albeit a very refined one. Dhamma (Sanskrit: Dharma.) The Teaching of the Buddha as contained in the scriptures; not dogmatic in character, but more like a raft or vehicle to convey the disciple to deliverance. Also, the Truth towards which that Teaching points; that which is beyond words, concepts or intellectual understanding. When written as dhamma this refers to an item or thing.
68 Part Four Glossary of Pli Terms

Dukkha Literally, hard to bear dis-ease, restlessness of mind, anguish, conflict, unsatisfactoriness, discontent, suffering. One of the three characteristics of conditioned phenomena. Kamma (Sanskrit: karma.) Cause; actions created or recreated by habitual impulse, intention, volition, natural energies. Mr Personification of evil forces. During the Buddhas struggle for enlightenment, Mr manifested frightening and enticing forms to try to turn him back from his goal. Nibbna (Sanskrit: Nirvna.) Literally, cooled the state of liberation from all suffering and defilements, the goal of the Buddhist Path. Paccekabuddha Solitary Buddha someone enlightened by their own efforts without relying on a teacher but who, unlike the Buddha, has no following of disciples. Pacupdnakkhandh The five aggregates, physical or mental that is: rpa, vedan, sa, sakhr, via. Attachment to any of these as, This is mine, I am this or, This is my self is updna clinging or grasping. Paritta Verses chanted particularly for blessing and protection. Pua The accumulation of good fortune, blessings, or well-being resulting from the practice of Dhamma. Rpa Form or matter. The physical elements that make up the body, i.e. earth, water, fire and air (solidity, cohesion, temperature and vibration).

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Sagha The community of those who practise the Buddhas Way. More specifically, those who have formally committed themselves to the lifestyle of mendicant monks and nuns. The four pairs, the eight kinds of noble beings are those who are on the path to or who have realised the fruition of the four stages of enlightenment: stream entry, once return, non-return and arahantship. Sakhr Formations. Approximately, impulses, that is all mental states apart from feeling and perception that colour ones thoughts and make them either good, bad or neutral. Sa Perception, the mental function of recognition. Tathgata Thus gone or Thus come one who has gone beyond suffering and mortality; one who experiences things as they are, without delusion. The epithet that the Buddha applied to himself. Threefold bliss Mundane bliss, celestial bliss and Nibbnic bliss. Vedan Feeling physical and mental feelings that may be either pleasant, unpleasant or neutral. Via Sense consciousness the process whereby there is seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching and thinking.

70 Part Four Glossary of Pli Terms