Filed under: Buddhist Chanting
Buddhist Chanting – Maha Jaya Mangala Gatha (The Victory Protection)
Maha Jaya Mangala Gatha (The Victory Protection)
Maha-karuniko natho
Hitaya sabba-paninam
Puretva parami sabba
Patto sambodhim-uttamam
Etena sacca-vajjena
Hotu te jaya-mangalam
(The Buddha), our protector, with great compassion,
For the welfare of all beings,
Having fulfilled all the perfections,
Attained the highest self-awakening.
Through the speaking of this truth,
may you have a victory blessing.
Jayanto bodhiya mule
Sakyanam nandi-vaddhano
Evam tvam vijayo hohi
Jayassu jaya-mangale
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 victory blessings.
Aparajita-pallanke
Sise pathavi-pokkhare
Abhiseke sabba-buddhanam
Aggappatto pamodati
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.
Sunakkhattam
sumangalam Supabhatam
suhutthitam Sukhano sumuhutto ca
Suyittham brahmacarisu
Padakkhinam kaya-kammam
Vaca-kammam padakkhinam
Padakkhinam mano-kammam
Panidhi te padakkhina
Padakkhinani katvana
Labhantatthe, padakkhine
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 chaste life.
Doing these rightful things,
your rightful aims are achieved.
Filed under: Buddhist Chanting
Buddhist Chanting – Jaya-mangala Gatha (The Verses of the Buddha’s Auspicious Victories)
Jaya-mangala Gatha (The Verses of the Buddha’s Auspicious Victories)
Bahum sahassam-abhinimmita-savudhantam
Grimekhalam udita-ghora-sasena-maram
Danadi-dhamma-vidhina jitava munindo
Tan-tejasa bhavatu te jaya-mangalani
Creating a form with 1,000 arms, each equipped with a weapon,
Mara, 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 power of this, may you have victory blessings.
[By the power of this, may you have the highest victory blessing.]
Maratirekam-abhiyujjhita-sabba-rattim
Ghorampan’alavaka-makkham-athaddha-yakkham
Khanti-sudanta-vidhina jitava munindo
Tan -tejasa bhavatu te jaya-mangalani.
Even more frightful than Mara making war all night
Was Alavaka, the arrogant unstable ogre.
The Lord of Sages defeated him by means of well-trained endurance:
By the power of this, may you have victory blessings.
Nalagirim gaja-varam atimattabhutam
Davaggi-cakkam-asaniva sudarunantam
Mett’ambuseka-vidhina jitava munindo
Tan-tejasa bhavatu te jaya-mangalani.
Nalagiri, 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 good will:
By the power of this, may you have victory blessings.
Ukkhitta-khaggam-atihattha sudarunantam
Dhavan-ti-yojana-path’anguli-malavantam
Iddhibhisankhata-mano jitava munindo
Tan-tejasa bhavatu te jaya-mangalani.
Very horrific, with a sword upraised in his expert hand,
Garlanded-with-Fingers ran three leagues along the path.
The Lord of Sages defeated him with mind-fashioned marvels:
By the power of this, may you have victory blessings.
Katvana kattham-udaram iva gabbhiniya
Ciñcaya duttha-vacanam jana-kaya-majjhe
Santena soma-vidhina jitava munindo
Tan-tejasa bhavatu te jaya-mangalani.
Having made a wooden belly to appear pregnant,
Ciñca made a lewd accusation in the midst of the gathering.
The Lord of Sages defeated her with peaceful, gracious means:
By the power of this, may you have victory blessings.
Saccam vihaya mati-saccaka-vada-ketum
Vadabhiropita-manam ati-andhabhutam
Pañña-padipa-jalito jitava munindo
Tan-tejasa bhavatu te jaya-mangalani.
Saccaka, whose provocative views had abandoned the truth,
Delighting in argument, had become thoroughly blind.
The Lord of Sages defeated him with the light of discernment:
By the power of this, may you have victory blessings.
Nandopananda-bhujagam vibudham mahiddhim
Puttena thera-bhujagena damapayanto
Iddhupadesa-vidhina jitava munindo
Tan-tejasa bhavatu te jaya-mangalani.
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 (Moggallana), the serpent-elder, to tame him:
By the power of this, may you have victory blessings.
Duggaha-ditthi-bhujagena sudattha-hattham
Brahmam visuddhi-jutim-iddhi-bakabhidhanam
Ñanagadena vidhina jitava munindo
Tan-tejasa bhavatu te jaya-mangalani.
His hands bound tight by the serpent of wrongly held views,
Baka, the Brahma, thought himself pure in his radiance and power.
The Lord of Sages defeated him by means of his words of knowledge:
By the power of this, may you have victory blessings.
Etapi buddha-jaya-mangala-attha-gatha
Yo vacano dinadine sarate matandi
Hitvan’aneka-vividhani c’upaddavani
Mokkham sukham adhigameyya naro sapañño.
These eight verses of the Buddha’s victory blessings:
Whatever person of discernment
Recites or recalls them day after day without lapsing,
Destroying all kinds of obstacles,
Will attain emancipation and happiness.
Filed under: Buddhist Chanting
Buddhist Chanting – Abhaya Gatha (The Danger-Free Protection
Abhaya Gatha (The Danger-free Protection)
Yan-dunnimittam avamangalañca
Yo camanapo sakunassa saddo
Papaggaho dussupinam akantam
Buddhanubhavena vinasamentu
Whatever unlucky portents and ill omens,
And whatever distressing bird calls,
Evil planets, upsetting nightmares:
By the Buddha’s power may they be destroyed.
Yan-dunnimittam avamangalañca
Yo camanapo sakunassa saddo
Papaggaho dussupinam akantam
Dhammanubhavena vinasamentu
Whatever unlucky portents and ill omens,
And whatever distressing bird calls,
Evil planets, upsetting nightmares:
By the Dhamma’s power may they be destroyed.
Yan-dunnimittam avamangalañca
Yo camanapo sakunassa saddo
Papaggaho dussupinam akantam
Sanghanubhavena vinasamentu
Whatever unlucky portents and ill omens,
And whatever distressing bird calls,
Evil planets, upsetting nightmares:
By the Sangha’s power may they be destroyed.
Filed under: Buddhist Chanting
Buddhist Chanting – Karaniya Metta Sutta
Karaniya Metta Sutta (The Discourse on Loving-Kindness)
Karaniyam-attha-kusalena
yantam santam padam abhisamecca,
This is to be done by one skilled in aims
Who wants to break through to the state of peace:
Sakko uju ca suhuju ca
suvaco cassa mudu anatimani,
Be capable, upright, and straightforward,
Easy to instruct, gentle, and not conceited,
Santussako ca subharo ca
appakicco ca sallahuka-vutti,
Content and easy to support, with few duties, living lightly,
Santindriyo ca nipako ca
appagabbho kulesu ananugiddho.
With peaceful faculties, masterful, modest, and no greed for supporters.
Na ca khuddam samacare kiñci
yena viññu pare upavadeyyum.
Do not do the slightest thing that the wise would later censure.
Sukhino va khemino hontu
sabbe satta bhavantu sukhitatta.
Think: Happy and secure, may all beings be happy at heart.
Ye keci pana-bhutatthi
tasa va thavara va anavasesa,
Whatever beings there may be, weak or strong, without exception,
Digha va ye mahanta va
majjhima rassaka anuka-thula,
Long, large, middling, short, subtle, blatant,
Dittha va ye ca adittha
ye ca dure vasanti avidure,
Seen or unseen, near or far,
Bhuta va sambhavesi va
sabbe satta bhavantu sukhitatta.
Born or seeking birth: May all beings be happy at heart.
Na paro param nikubbetha
natimaññetha katthaci nam kiñci,
Let no one deceive another or despise anyone anywhere,
Byarosana patigha-sañña
naññam-aññassa dukkham-iccheyya.
Or through anger or resistance wish for another to suffer.
Mata yatha niyam puttam
ayusa eka-puttam-anurakkhe,
As a mother would risk her life to protect her child, her only child,
Evam-pi sabba-bhutesu
mana-sambhavaye aparimanam.
Even so should one cultivate a limitless heart with regard to all beings.
Mettañca sabba-lokasmim
mana-sambhavaye aparimanam,
With good will for the entire cosmos, cultivate a limitless heart:
Uddham adho ca tiriyañca
asambadham averam asapattam.
Above, below, and all around, unobstructed, without enmity or hate.
Titthañ’caram nisinno va
sayano va yavatassa vigatam-iddho,
Whether standing, walking, sitting, or lying down, as long as one is alert,
Etam satim adhittheyya
brahmam-etam viharam idham-ahu.
One should be resolved on this mindfulness.
This is called a sublime abiding here and now.
Ditthiñca anupagamma
silava dassanena sampanno,
Not taken with views, but virtuous and consummate in vision,
Kamesu vineyya gedham,
Na hi jatu gabbha-seyyam punaretiti.
Having subdued desire for sensual pleasures,
One never again will lie in the womb.
Filed under: Buddhist Chanting
Buddhist Chanting – Ratana Sutta
Ratana Sutta
Yânîdha bhûtâni samâ-gatâni
Whatever beings are here assembled,
Bhummâ nivâ yâni va antalikkhê
whether terrestial or celestial,
Sabbe va bhûtâ sumanâ bhavantu
may every being be happy !
Athopi sakkacca sunantu bhâsitam
Moreover, may they attentively listen to my words.
Tasmâhi bhûtâ nisâmetha sabbe
Accordingly give good heed, all ye beings!
Mettam karôtha mânusiya pajâya
Show your love to humans who,
Divâ ca rattô ca haranti yê balim
day and night, bring offerings to you,
Tasmâhi nê rakkhatha appamattâ
Wherefore guard them zealously.
Yankinci vittam idhavâ huram vâ
Whatsoever treasure there be – either here or in the world beyond,
Saggêsu vâyam ratanam panîtam
or whatsoever precious jewel in the heavens -
Nano-samam atthi tathâgatena
Yet there is none is comparable to the Accomplished One.
Idampi Buddhê ratanam panîtam
Truly, in the Buddha is this precious jewel found.
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu
By this truth, may there be happiness.
Khayam virâgam amatam panitam
That cessation, Passion free, Immortality Supreme,
Yadajjhagâ sakyamunî samâhito
Through concentration, the tranquil sage of the Sakyas realised:
Natena dhammena samatthi kincî
There is nought comparable with that Dhamma.
Idampi Dhamme ratanam panîtam
Truly, in the Dhamma is this precious jewel.
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu
By this truth, may there be happiness!
Yambuddha settho parivannayî sucim
That sanctity praised by the Buddha Supreme,
Samâdhi mânantari kañña mâhû
is described as `concentration without interruption’.
Samâdhinâ tena samo na vijjatî
There is nought like that concentration.
Idampi Dhamme ratanam panîtam
Truly, in the Dhamma is this precious jewel.
Etena saccena suvatthi hotu
By this Truth, may there be happiness!
Ye puggalâ attha satam pasatthâ
Those eight Individuals, praised by the virtuous
Cattâri etâni yugâni honti
They constitue four pairs.
Te dakkhineyyâ sugatassa sâvakâ
They, the worthy of offerings, the disciples of the Welcome One,
Etesu dinnâni mahapphalânî
to these gifts given yield abundant fruit.
Idampi Sanghê ratanam panîtam
Truly, in the Sangha is this precious jewel.
Etena saccena suvatthi hôtu
By this Truth, may there be happiness!
Yê suppa-yuttâ manasâ dalhena
With steadfast mind, applying themselves
Nikkâmino Gotama-sâsanamhî
thoroughly in the Dispensation of Gotama,
Te patti pattâ amatam vigayha
exempt (from passion), they have attained to that which should be attained.
Laddhâ mudhâ nibbutim bhunjamâna
And plunging into the Deathless, they enjoy the peace obtained without price.
Idampi Sanghe ratanam panîtam
Truly, in the Sangha is this precious jewel.
Etena saccena suvatthi hôtu
By this Truth, may there be happiness!
Yathinda khîlô pathavim sito siyâ
Just as a firm post, sunk in the earth,
Catubbhi vâtebhi asampa kampiyo
Cannot be shaken by the four winds;
Tathûpamam sappurisam vadâmi
Even so do I declare him to be a righteous person
Yo ariya saccâni avecca passatî
who thoroughly perceives the Noble Truths.
Idampi Sanghê ratanam panîtam
Truly, in the Sangha is this precious jewel.
Etena saccena suvatthi hôtu
By this Truth, may there be happiness!
Ye ariya saccâni vibhâva-yanti
Those who comprehend clearly the Noble Truths,
Gambhîra-paññena sudesitâni
Well taught by Him of wisdom deep,
Kincâpi te honti bhusappa mattâ
Although they may be mightily neglectful
Na tê bhavam atthamam âdiyanti
they can never undergo an eighth birth
Idampi Sanghe ratanam panîtam
Truly, in the Sangha is this precious jewel.
Etena saccena suvatthi hôtu
By this Truth, may there be happiness!
Sahâ vassa dassana sampadâya
For him with acquisition of Insight,
Tayassu dhammâ jahitâ bhavantî
Three things are abandoned, namely,
Sakkâya-ditthi vici-kicchi-tanca
self-illusion, doubt and
Sîlabbatam vâpi yadatthi kinci
indulgence in (wrongful) rites and ceremonies, whatever there are.
Catû hapâyehica vippa muttô
From the four states of misery, he is absolutely freed,
Cha câbhi thânâni abhabbo kâtum
and is incapable of committing the six heinous crimes.
Idampi Sanghê ratanam panîtam
Truly, in the Sangha is this precious jewel.
Etena saccena suvatthi hôtu
By this Truth, may there be happiness!
Kincâpi so kammam karoti pâpakam
Whatever evil actions he does,
Kâyena vâcâ uda cetasâ vâ
whether by body, speech or mind.
Abhabbo so tassa paticchâ-dâya
He is not capable of hiding it;
Abhabbatâ dittha padassa vuttâ
For it has been said that such an act is impossible for one who has seen the Path.
Idampi Sanghe ratanam panitam
Truly, in the Sangha is this precious jewel.
Etena saccena suvatthi hôtu
By this Truth, may there be happiness!
Vanappa gumbhe yathâ phussitagge
Like unto the woodland groves with blossomed treetops
Gimhâna-mâse pathamasmim gimhe
in the first heat of the Summer season,
Tathû pamam dhamma varam adesayi
has the Sublime Doctrine,
Nibbâna gâmim paramam hitâya
that leads to Nibbana, been taught for the Highest Good.
Idampi Buddhê ratanam panitam
Truly, in the Buddha is this precious jewel.
Etena saccena suvatthi hôtu
By this Truth, may there be happiness!
Varô varaññû varado varâharo
The unrivalled Excellent one, the Knower, the Giver, and the Bringer of the Excellent
Anuttaro dhamma varam adesayi
has expounded the excellent Doctrine.
Idampi Buddhe ratanam panitam
Truly, in the Buddha is this precious jewel.
Etena saccena suvatthi hôtu
By this Truth, may there be happiness!
Khinam purânam navam natthi sambhavam
Their past is extinct, a fresh becoming there is not,
Viratta cittâ âyatike bhavasmim
their minds are not attached to a future birth,
Te khina-bijâ avirul-hicchandâ
their desires grow not.
Nibbanti dhîra yathâ-yam padipô
Those wise ones go out even as this lamp.
Idampi Sanghe ratanam panitam
Truly, in the Sangha is this precious jewel.
Etena saccena suvatthi hôtu
By this Truth, may there be happiness!
Yanîdha bhûtâni samâ-gatâni
Whatsoever beings are here assembled
Bhummâ-nivâ yâniva anta-likkhê
whether terrestial or celestial,
Tathagatam deva-manussa-pûjitam
Salute the Buddha, the Tathagata honoured by gods and men.
Buddham namassâma suvatthi hôtu
May there be happiness!
Yanîdha bhûtâni samâ-gatâni
Whatsoever beings are here assembled
Bhummâ-nivâ yâniva anta-likkhê
whether terrestial or celestial,
Tathagatam deva-manussa-pûjitam
Salute the Dhamma, the Tathagata honoured by gods and men.
Dhammam namassâma suvatthi hôtu
May there be happiness!
Yanîdha bhûtâni samâ-gatâni
Whatsoever beings are here assembled
Bhummâ-nivâ yâniva anta-likkhê
whether terrestial or celestial,
Tathagatam deva-manussa-pûjitam
Salute the Sangha, the Tathagata honoured by gods and men.
Sangham namassâma suvatthi hôtu
May there be happiness!
Filed under: Buddhist Chanting
Buddhist Chanting – Mangala Sutta
Mangala Sutta
Asevana ca balanam
panditanañca sevana
Puja ca pujaniyanam
etam-mangalam-uttamam.
Not consorting with fools, consorting with the wise,
Paying homage to those who deserve homage:
This is the highest good fortune.
Patirupa-desa-vaso ca
pubbe ca kata-puññata
Atta-samma-panidhi ca
etam-mangalam-uttamam.
Living in a civilized country, having made merit in the past,
Directing oneself rightly:
This is the highest good fortune.
Bahu-saccañca sippañca
vinayo ca susikkhito
Subhasita ca ya vaca
etam-mangalam-uttamam.
Broad knowledge, skill, discipline well-mastered,
Words well-spoken:
This is the highest good fortune.
Mata-pitu-upatthanam
putta-darassa sangaho
Anakula ca kammanta
etam-mangalam-uttamam.
Support for one’s parents, assistance to one’s wife and children,
Jobs that are not left unfinished:
This is the highest good fortune.
Danañca dhamma-cariya ca
ñatakanañca sangaho
Anavajjani kammani
etam-mangalam-uttamam.
Generosity, living by the Dhamma, assistance to one’s relatives,
Deeds that are blameless:
This is the highest good fortune.
Arati virati papa
majja-pana ca saññamo
Appamado ca dhammesu
etam-mangalam-uttamam.
Avoiding, abstaining from evil; refraining from intoxicants,
Being heedful with regard to qualities of the mind:
This is the highest good fortune.
Garavo ca nivato ca
santutthi ca kataññuta
Kalena dhammassavanam
etam-mangalam-uttamam.
Respect, humility, contentment, gratitude,
Hearing the Dhamma on timely occasions:
This is the highest good fortune.
Khanti ca sovacassata
samananañca dassanam
Kalena dhamma-sakaccha
etam-mangalam-uttamam.
Patience, composure, seeing contemplatives,
Discussing the Dhamma on timely occasions:
This is the highest good fortune.
Tapo ca brahma-cariyañca
ariya-saccana-dassanam
Nibbana-sacchi-kiriya ca
etam-mangalam-uttamam.
Austerity, celibacy, seeing the noble truths,
Realizing liberation:
This is the highest good fortune.
Phutthassa loka-dhammehi
cittam yassa na kampati
Asokam virajam khemam
etam-mangalam-uttamam.
A mind that, when touched by the ways of the world,
Is unshaken, sorrowless, dustless, secure:
This is the highest good fortune.
Etadisani katvana
sabbattham-aparajita
Sabbattha sotthim gacchanti
tan-tesam mangalam-uttamanti.
Everywhere undefeated when doing these things,
People go everywhere in well-being:
This is their highest good fortune.
Filed under: Buddhist Chanting
Buddhist Chanting – Homage to the Triple Gems
Homage to the Triple Gems
Homage to The Buddha
Iti pi so Bhagavâ Araham Sammâ sambuddho
Such indeed is the Blessed One, Exalted, Omniscient,
Vijjâ-carana sampanno Sugato Lokavidû
endowed with knowledge and virtue, well-gone, Knower of the worlds,
Anuttaro Purisa-damma-sârathi
an Incomparable Charioteer for the training of persons.
Satthâ deva-manussânam
Teacher of gods and men
Buddho Bhagavâ-ti
Enlightened and Happy
Homage to The Dhamma
Svâkkhâto Bhagavatâ Dhammo
The Dhamma of the Blessed One is perfectly expounded;
Sanditthiko Akâliko
to be seen here and now; not delayed in time;
Ehi-passiko opanâyiko
inviting one to come and see; onward leading to (Nibbana);
paccattam veditabbo viññuhi ti
to be known by the wise, each for himself.
Homage to The Sangha
Supati-panno Bhagavato sâvaka sangho
The Sangha of the Blessed One’s disciples has entered on the good way;
Uju pati-panno Bhagavato sâvaka sangho
The Sangha of the Blessed One’s disciples has entered on the straight way;
Ñâya-patipanno Bhagavato sâvaka sangho
The Sangha of the Blessed One’s disciples has entered on the true way;
Sâmîci-patipanno Bhagavato sâvaka sangho
The Sangha of the Blessed One’s disciples has entered on the proper way;
Yadidam cattâri purisa yugâni attha-purisa-puggalâ
that is to say : the Four Pairs of Men, the Eight Types of Persons;
Esa Bhagavato sâvaka sangho
the Sangha of the Blessed One’s disciples
Âhu-neyyo Pâhu-neyyo
is fit for gifts, fit for hospitality,
Dakkhi-neyyo Añjalikaranîyo
fit for offerings, and fit for reverential salutation,
Anuttaram puññakkhettam lokassâti.
as the incomparable field of merit for the world.
Listen to Monks – Homage to the Triple Gems
Filed under: Buddhist Chanting
Buddhist Chanting – An Invitation to the Devas
An Invitation to the Devas
Parittvana mettam sa metta bhadanta
Avikkhitta citta parittam bhadantu
Sagge kame ca rupe
Giri-sikharatate c’antalikkhe vimane
Dipe ratthe ca game
Taruvana-gahane geha-vatthumhi khette
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 homesites and fields.
Bhumma cayantu deva
Jala-thala-visame yakkha-gandhabba-naga
Titthanta santike yam
Muni-vara-vacanam sadhavo me sunantu
And the earth-devas, spirits, heavenly minstrels, and nagas
In water, on land, in badlands, and nearby:
May they come and listen with approval
As I recite the word of the excellent sage.
Dhammassavana-kalo ayam-bhadanta.
Dhammassavana-kalo ayam-bhadanta.
Dhammassavana-kalo ayam-bhadanta.
This is the time to listen to the Dhamma, Venerable Sirs.
This is the time to listen to the Dhamma, Venerable Sirs.
This is the time to listen to the Dhamma, Venerable Sirs.
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma-sambuddhassa. (Three times.)
Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Rightly Self-Awakened One.
Buddham saranam gacchami.
I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Dhammam saranam gacchami.
I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Sangham saranam gacchami.
I go to the Sangha for refuge.
Dutiyampi buddham saranam gacchami.
A second time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Dutiyampi dhammam saranam gacchami.
A second time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Dutiyampi sangham saranam gacchami.
A second time, I go to the Sangha for refuge.
Tatiyampi buddham saranam gacchami.
A third time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Tatiyampi dhammam saranam gacchami.
A third time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Tatiyampi sangham saranam gacchami.
A third time, I go to the Sangha for refuge
