Buddhist Women on a Path of Spiritual Awakening
Audio Chants
A Blessing Chant – Bhavatu Sabba Mangalam
May you have every good blessing.
May all heavenly beings protect you.
Through the power of all the Buddhas,
Through the power of all the Dhammas,
Through the power of all the Sanghas,
May you always be well.
Ratana Sutta Chant
Protective Verses on Treasures (Jewels), adapted from the Ratana Sutta, Sutta Nipata II.i
Yaṃ kiñci vittaṃ idha vā huraṃ vā
Saggēsu vā yaṃ ratanaṃ paṇītaṃ
Na no samaṃ atthi Tathāgatēna.
Idampi Buddhe ratanaṃ paṇītaṃ,
Etēna saccēna suvatthi hōtu.
Khayaṃ virāgaṃ amataṃ paṇītaṃ
Yadajjhagā Sakyamunī samāhito,
Na tēna Dhammēna samatthi kiñci.
Idampi Dhamme ratanaṃ paṇītaṃ,
Etēna saccēna suvatthi hōtu.
Yaṃ Buddha seṭṭho parivaṇṇayī suciṃ
Samādhimānantarikaññamāhu,
Samādhinā tēna samo na vijjati.
Idampi Dhamme ratanaṃ paṇītaṃ,
Etēna saccēna suvatthi hōtu
Khīṇaṃ purāṇaṃ navaṃ natthi sambhavaṃ
Virattacittā āyatike bhavasmiṃ
Tē khīṇabījā avirūlhicchandā
Nibbanti dhīrā yathā yaṃpadīpo
Idampi Saṅghe ratanaṃ paṇītaṃ
Etēna saccēna suvatthi hōtu
Whatever wealth exists in this world or the next
Whatever exquisite treasure there lies in the heavens
Cannot compare to the Blessed One.
This is the exquisite treasure of the Buddha
By the power of this Truth may your heart be peaceful, at ease.
The sublime Deathless, the ending of dispassion
Discovered by the Sakyan Sage in samadhi.
There is nothing equal to that state.
This is the exquisite treasure of the Dhamma.
By the power of this Truth may your heart be radiant, at peace.
What the magnificent Awakened One praised as pure
Calling it the unmediated knowing of the stilled mind,
No equal to that state of mind can be found.
This too is an exquisite jewel of the Dhamma
By the power of this Truth may your heart be blessed, serene.
The eight persons, the four pairs praised by those at peace,
Those disciples of the Tathagata worthy of offerings,
What is given to them bears great fruit.
This is an exquisite treasure of the Sangha.
By the power of this Truth may your heart be uplifted, full of light.
Those steadfast devotees, earnest followers
Of the teachings of the Blessed One,
On attaining their goal they plunge into the Deathless
And freely enjoy the Liberation they’ve gained.
This is an exquisite treasure of the Sangha.
By the power of this Truth may your heart rejoice in bliss.
With the old seed destroyed, there is no taking rebirth.
For the purified mind freed from desire
There is no more becoming, nor further growth.
For these wise ones go out like the flame of a lamp.
This too is an exquisite treasure of the Sangha.
By the power of this Truth may your heart be fully-liberated, free.
Traditional Request for Dhamma Teaching
Brahmā cà lokādhipàtī sàhampàti
Kàtañjàlī anàdhivàraṃ àyācàtha
Santȸdha sàttāppàràjakkhà-jātikā
Desetù dhammaṃ ànùkampìmaṃ pàjaṃ
The deity Brahma Sahampati appeared before the Blessed One and urged the Buddha to teach to those who had little dust in their eyes so that they could learn the Dhamma and practice for their own awakening.
Refuge Blessing Chant
With faith in the Noble Triple Refuges and having well-undertaken the monastic training, strive on with diligence for your welfare and protection.
Uddissanā Adhiṭṭhāna – Verses on The Sharing of Blessings
Iminā puñña-kammena upajjhāyā guṇuttarā
Ācariyūpakārā ca mātā pitā ca ñātakā
Suriyo candimā rājā guṇavantā narā-pi ca
Brahma-Mārā ca Indā ca loka-pālā ca devatā
Yamo mittā manussā ca majjhattā verikā-pi ca:
Sabbe sattā sukhī hontu puññāni pakatāni me
Sukhañca tividhaṁ dentu khippaṁ pāpetha vomataṁ.
Iminā puñña-kammena iminā uddisena ca
Khippāhaṁ sulabhe ceva taṇhupādāna-chedanaṁ.
Ye santāne hinā dhammā yāva nibbānato mamaṁ
Nassantu sabbadā yeva yattha jāto bhave bhave.
Uju-cittaṁ sati-paññā sallekkho viriyamhinā
Mārā labhantu nokāsāṁ kātuñ-ca viriyesu me.
Buddhādi-pavaro nātho dhammo nātho varuttamo,
Nātho pacceka-buddho ca saṅgho nāthottaro mamaṁ.
Tesottamānubhāvena mārokāsaṁ labhantu mā.
Sakatvā Blessing Chant
Sakkatvā buddha-ratanaṃ osathaṃ uttamaṃ varaṃ
Hitaṃ deva-manussānaṃ buddha-tejena sotthinā
Nassant’upaddavā sabbe dukkhā vūpasamentu te/me
Sakkatvā dhamma-ratanaṃ osathaṃ uttamaṃ varaṃ
Pariḷāhūpasamanaṃ dhamma-tejena sotthinā
Nassant’upaddavā sabbe bhayā vūpasamentu te/me
Sakkatvā saṅgha-ratanaṃ osathaṃ uttamaṃ varaṃ
Āhuneyyaṃ pāhuneyyaṃ saṅgha-tejena sotthinā
Nassant’upaddavā sabbe rogā vūpasamentu te/me
I revere the jewel of the Buddha, the supreme, most excellent healer, benefactor of deities and humans.
Blessed by the power of the Buddha
May all misfortune be diminished and all suffering dispelled.
I revere the jewel of the Dhamma, the supreme, most excellent protection, relieving all suffering.
Blessed by the power of the Dhamma
May all obstacles be destroyed and every fear vanquished.
I revere the jewel of the Saṅgha, the supreme, most excellent medicine, worthy of gifts and of hospitality.
Blessed by the power of the Saṅgha
May all hardship dissolve and every disease be subdued.
Karaṇīya Mettā Sutta – Verses on Loving-Kindness
Karaṇīyam-attha-kusalena
Yan-taṃ santaṃ padaṃ 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 khuddaṃ samācare kiñci
Yena viññū pare upavadeyyuṃ
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 adhiṭṭhā
Ye ca dūre vasanti avidūre
Bhūtā vā sambhavesī vā
Sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhit’attā
Na paro paraṃ nikubbetha
Nātimaññetha katthaci naṃ kiñci
Byārosanā paṭighasaññā
Nāññam-aññassa dukkham-iccheyya
Mātā yathā niyaṃ puttaṃ
Āyusā eka-puttam-anurakkhe
Evam’pi sabba-bhūtesu
Mānasam-bhāvaye aparimāṇaṃ
Mettañ-ca sabba-lokasmiṃ
Mānasam-bhāvaye aparimāṇaṃ
Uddhaṃ adho ca tiriyañ-ca
Asambādhaṃ averaṃ asapattaṃ
Tiṭṭhañ-caraṃ nisinno vā
Sayāno vā yāvat’assa vigata-middho
Etaṃ satiṃ adhiṭṭheyya
Brahmam-etaṃ vihāraṃ idham-āhu
Diṭṭhiñca anupagamma
Sīlavā dassanena sampanno
Kāmesu vineyya gedhaṃ
Na hi jātu gabbha-seyyaṃ punaretī’ti
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 skillful
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 wrong views, the pure-hearted one,
Having clarity of vision, being freed from all sense desires,
Is not born again into this world.
Yaṅkiñci Ratanaṃ Loke (from 28 Buddhas Blessing Chant)
Yaṅkiñci ratanaṃ loke vijjati vividhaṃ puthu
Ratanaṃ buddha-samaṃ n’atthi tasmā sotthī bhavantu te/me
Yaṅkiñci ratanaṃ loke vijjati vividhaṃ puthu
Ratanaṃ dhamma-samaṃ n’atthi tasmā sotthī bhavantu te/me
Yaṅkiñci ratanaṃ loke vijjati vividhaṃ puthu
Ratanaṃ saṅgha-samaṃ n’atthi tasmā sotthī bhavantu te/me
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 Sangha, therefore may you be blessed.
Namo Tassa Homage Chant
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhasa Homage to the Blessed, Noble and Perfectly Enlightened One
Eight Great Noble Thoughts
This Dhamma is for one who wants little, not for one who wants much.
This Dhamma is for one who is contented, not for one who is discontented.
This Dhamma is for one who loves seclusion, not for one who craves company.
This Dhamma is for one who is energetic, not for one who is lazy.
This Dhamma is for one who is mindful, not for one who is inattentive.
This Dhamma is for one who is composed, not for one who is restless.
This Dhamma is for one who is wise, not for one without wisdom.
This Dhamma is for one who delights in freedom from distraction,
not for one who is distracted.
This Dhamma is for who loves peace, not for one who delights in conflict. – Anguttara VIII, 30 (adapted)
Meal Blessing
With a heart of gratitude, I reflect on this meal:
I give thanks to the earth, the sun, the wind and the rain,
And the hard work of all who produced, prepared, and offered it.
I consider it just like the body,
Made of mere elements, devoid of self.
Mindful and content,
I eat this food like a good medicine
Only to relieve feelings of hunger.
I consider my conduct and speech, and even my thoughts,
And commit to abandon what is unwholesome.
To purify the mind and awaken,
And to live with joy, kindness, wisdom, and compassion.
Four things return to one who gives the gift of food:
Long life, strength, inner beauty and happiness.
Aggasāvikā Bhikkhunis – Arahant Daughters of the Buddhacomposed by Mel Zeiki, UK
Rattaññūnaṃ bhikkhunīnaṃ [Mahapajapati] Gotamī jinamātuchā
Ṭhapitā aggaṭṭhānamhi sadā sotthiṁ karotu no
Mahā paññānam-aggaṭṭhā Khemātherī ti pākaṭā
Sāvikā Buddhaseṭṭhassa sadā sotthiṃ karotu no
Therī Uppalavaṇṇā ca iddhimantīnam-uttamā
Sāvikā Buddhaseṭṭhassa sadā sotthiṃ karotu no
Vinayaddhārīnam-aggā Paṭācārā-ti vissutā
Ṭhapitā aggaṭṭhānamhi sadā sotthiṃ karotu no
Dhammakkathikānaṃ pavarā Dhammadinnā-ti nāmikā
Ṭhapitā aggaṭṭhānamhi sadā sotthiṃ karotu no
Jhāyikānaṃ bhikkhunīnaṃ Nandā Therī ti nāma sā
Aggaṭṭhānāthitā āhu sadā sotthiṃ karotu no
Āraddhaviriyānaṃ aggā Soṇā Therī ti nāmikā
Ṭhapitā tattha ṭhānamhi sadā sotthiṃ karotu no
Dibbacakkūkam-aggā Sakulā iti vissutā
Visuddhanayanā sā pi sadā sotthiṃ karotu no
Kuṇḍalakesī Bhikkhunī khippābhiññānam-uttamā
Ṭhapitā yeva ṭhānamhi sadā sotthiṃ karotu no
Therī Bhaddā Kapilānī pubbajātīnam-anussarī
Tāsaṃ yeva bhikkhunīnaṃ sadā sotthiṃ karotu no
Therī tu Bhaddā Kaccānā mahābhiññānam-uttamā
Jinena sukhadukkhaṃ sā sadā sotthiṃ karotu no
Lūkhacīvaradhārīnaṃ aggā Kisā pi Gotamī
Ṭhapitā aggaṭṭhānamhi sadā sotthiṃ karotu no
Sigālamātā Bhikkhunī saddhādhimuttānam-uttamā
Karotu no mahāsantiṃ ārogyañ-ca sukhaṃ sadā
Aññā bhikkhuniyo sabbā nānāguṇadharā bahū
Pālentu no sabbabhayā sokarogādisambhavā
Sotapannādayo sekkhā addhāpaññāsīlādikā
Bhāgaso kilesadahanā sadā sotthiṃ karotu no.
Amongst foremost bhikkhunis shines [Mahapajapati] Gotamī,
[maternal] aunt of the Buddha, she attained to the supreme state,
May the power of her [qualities] be a blessing to us.
Foremost in great wisdom, Khemā Therī is renowned.
Disciple of the excellent Buddha,
May the power of her qualities be a blessing to us
Uppalavaṇṇā Therī is highest of those with psychic powers.
Disciple of the excellent Buddha,
May the power of her qualities be a blessing to us
Foremost among vinaya experts is the renowned Paṭācārā.
Attained to the supreme state,
May the power of her qualities be a blessing to us.
Most excellent of Dhamma teachers is Dhammadinnā,
Attained to the supreme state,
May the power of her qualities be a blessing to us.
Among Nuns who cultivate meditation, excels Nandā Therī
Well-established in the supreme state,
May the power of her qualities be a blessing to us.
Foremost amongst those energetic Nuns is Soṇā Therī,
Established in that supreme state,
May the power of her qualities be a blessing to us.
As the foremost of those with the divine eye, Sakula excels,
With insight well purified, may her powerful qualities bless us.
Kuṇḍalakesī Bhikkhunī, most excellent of those with quick intuition.
Established in the supreme state, may her great qualities bless us. Bhaddā Kapilānī is the foremost of those recalling former births.
Fearless Bhikkhuni, may her great powers be a blessing to us.
Bhaddā Kaccānā Therī excels amongst those with higher knowledges.
Victorious over pleasure and pain, may she be a blessing to us.
Kisā Gotamī is foremost of those wearing coarse robes.
Attaining the supreme state, her qualities are a blessing to us.
Sigālamātā Bhikkhunī is most excellent amongst those of true faith.
May her powerful qualities ever bless us with peace, health, happiness.
May these excellent bhikkhunis and the power of their superior qualities protect and guard us, dispel all fear, sorrow, and illness.
Those stream-winners and all others in training, endowed with faith, wisdom, and virtue, with impurities partially burnt away, May the power of their excellent qualities always be a blessing to us.
~ Dhammapada Verse 54