Catubhāṇavārapāḷi | 13-16
13. Moraparittaṁ
The Peacock's Safeguard
Introductory Verses
Pūrento Bodhisambhāre nibbatto morayoninaṁ.
While fulfilling the conditions for Awakening he was born from a peahen's womb.
Yena saṁvihitārakkhaṁ Mahāsattaṁ vane carā
As the Great Being was protected with (a safeguard) the forest dwellers
cirassaṁ vāyamantā pi, neva sakkhiṁsu gaṇhituṁ.
were unable to catch him, though they endeavoured for a long time.
“Brahmamantan”-ti akkhātaṁ, parittaṁ taṁ bhaṇāmahe.
It is declared to be “Brahma's Charm”, we will recite that safeguard.
The Safeguard
“Udetayaṁ Cakkhumā ekarājā,
“That One who gives Vision, the sole king, comes up,
harissavaṇṇo paṭhavippabhāso,
he is golden coloured, he enlightens the earth,
taṁ taṁ namassāmi harissavaṇṇaṁ paṭhavippabhāsaṁ,
therefore I revere the golden coloured one, who enlightens the earth,
tayajja guttā viharemu divasaṁ. [01]
guarded by you today, we will live out the day.
Ye brāhmaṇā vedagū sabbadhamme
I revere those brahmins who have true understanding
te me namo - te ca maṁ pālayantu!
of all things - may they keep watch over me!
Namatthu Buddhānaṁ! Namatthu Bodhiyā!
Revere the Buddhas! Revere Awakening!
Namo Vimuttānaṁ! Namo Vimuttiyā!” [02]
Reverence to the Free! Reverence to Freedom!”
Imaṁ so parittaṁ katvā moro carati esanā.
After making this safeguard the peacock roams about seeking (for food).
“Apetayaṁ Cakkhumā ekarājā,
“That One who gives Vision, the sole king, goes down,
harissavaṇṇo paṭhavippabhāso,
he is golden coloured, he enlightens the earth,
taṁ taṁ namassāmi harissavaṇṇaṁ paṭhavippabhāsaṁ,
therefore I revere the golden coloured one, who enlightens the earth,
tayajja guttā viharemu rattiṁ. [03]
guarded by you today, we will live out the night.
Ye brāhmaṇā vedagū sabbadhamme
I revere those brahmins who have true understanding
te me namo - te ca maṁ pālayantu!
of all things - may they keep watch over me!
Namatthu Buddhānaṁ! Namatthu Bodhiyā!
Revere the Buddhas! Revere Awakening!
Namo Vimuttānaṁ! Namo Vimuttiyā!” [04]
Reverence to the Free! Reverence to Freedom!”
Imaṁ so parittaṁ katvā moro vāsam-akappayī ti.
After making this safeguard the peacock dwells on (without fear).
14. Candaparittaṁ
The Moon's Safeguard
Introductory Verse
Rāhunā gahito Cando, mutto yassānubhāvato,
The Moon, who was seized by Rāhu, was released by that (safeguard's) power,
sabbaveribhayaṁ nāsaṁ parittaṁ taṁ bhaṇāmahe.
the destruction of fear of all foes we will recite that safeguard.
The Safeguard
Evaṁ me sutaṁ:
Thus I have heard:
ekaṁ samayaṁ Bhagavā Sāvatthiyaṁ viharati
at one time the Gracious One was dwelling near Sāvatthī
Jetavane Anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme.
at Anāthapiṇḍika's grounds in Jeta's Wood.
Tena kho pana samayena Candimā devaputto
Then at that time the Moon god
Rāhunā asurindena gahito hoti.
was seized by the asura lord Rāhu.
Atha kho Candimā devaputto Bhagavantaṁ anussaramāno,
Then the Moon god, recollecting the Gracious One,
tāyaṁ velāyaṁ imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
on that occasion recited this verse:
“Namo te Buddhavīratthu, vippamuttosi sabbadhi!
“Reverence to you, Buddha-hero, you who are free in every way!
Sambādhapaṭipannosmi tassa me saraṇaṁ bhavā” ti.
I am being obstructed therefore please be a refuge to me.”
Atha kho Bhagavā Candimaṁ devaputtaṁ ārabbha
Then, with reference to the Moon god, the Gracious One
Rāhuṁ asurindaṁ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi: [01]
addressed the asura lord Rāhu with a verse:
“Tathāgataṁ Arahantaṁ, Candimā saraṇaṁ gato,
“To the Realised One, the Worthy One, the Moon has gone for refuge,
Rāhu Candaṁ pamuñcassu! Buddhā lokānukampakā” ti. [02]
you must release the Moon, Rāhu! (For) the Buddhas pity the world.”
Atha kho Rāhu asurindo Candimaṁ devaputtaṁ muñcitvā,
Then the asura lord Rāhu, having released the Moon god,
taramānarūpo yena Vepacitti asurindo tenupasaṅkami,
hurriedly approached the asura lord Vepacitti,
upasaṅkamitvā saṁviggo lomahaṭṭhajāto, ekam-antaṁ aṭṭhāsi.
and after approaching, anxious, and horrified, he stood on one side.
Ekam-antaṁ ṭhitaṁ kho Rāhuṁ asurindaṁ Vepacitti asurindo gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:
While he was standing on one side the asura lord Vepacitti recited this verse to the asura lord Rāhu:
“Kin-nu santaramāno va Rāhu Candaṁ pamuñcasi?
“Why did you so hurriedly release the Moon god, Rāhu?
Saṁviggarūpo āgamma kin-nu bhīto va tiṭṭhasī?” ti. [03]
After coming (here) why do you stand (there) like someone anxious and frightened?”
“Sattadhā me phale muddhā, jīvanto na sukhaṁ labhe,
“My head will split into seven, while living I will have no happiness,
- Buddhagāthābhigītomhi - no ce muñceyya Candiman”-ti. [04]
- I am one to whom the Buddha has chanted a verse - if I do not release the Moon.”
15. Suriyaparittaṁ
The Sun's Safeguard
Introductory Verse
Suriyo Rāhugahito, mutto yassānubhāvato,
The Sun, who was seized by Rāhu, was released by that (safeguard's) power,
sabbaveribhayaṁ nāsaṁ parittaṁ taṁ bhaṇāmahe.
the destruction of fear of all foes we will recite that safeguard.
The Safeguard
Evaṁ me sutaṁ:
Thus I have heard:
ekaṁ samayaṁ Bhagavā Sāvatthiyaṁ viharati
at one time the Gracious One was dwelling near Sāvatthī
Jetavane Anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme.
at Anāthapiṇḍika's grounds in Jeta's Wood.
Tena kho pana samayena Suriyo devaputto
Then at that time the Sun god
Rāhunā asurindena gahito hoti.
was seized by the asura lord Rāhu.
Atha kho Suriyo devaputto Bhagavantaṁ anussaramāno,
Then the Sun god, recollecting the Gracious One,
tāyaṁ velāyaṁ imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:
on that occasion recited this verse:
“Namo te Buddhavīratthu, vippamuttosi sabbadhi!
“Reverence to you, Buddha-hero, you who are free in every way!
Sambādhapaṭipannosmi tassa me saraṇaṁ bhavā” ti. [01]
I am being obstructed therefore please be a refuge to me.”
Atha kho Bhagavā Suriyaṁ devaputtaṁ ārabbha
Then, with reference to the Sun god, the Gracious One
Rāhuṁ asurindaṁ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:
addressed the asura lord Rāhu with a verse:
“Tathāgataṁ Arahantaṁ, Suriyo saraṇaṁ gato,
“To the Realised One, the Worthy One, the Sun has gone for refuge,
Rāhu Suriyaṁ pamuñcassu! Buddhā lokānukampakā. [02]
you must release the Sun, Rāhu! (For) the Buddhas pity the world.
Yo andhakāre tamasī pabhaṅkaro,
He who, in complete darkness, is a light-maker,
verocano maṇḍalī uggatejo,
who is brilliant, a great circle of fire,
mā Rāhu gilī caraṁ antalikkhe!
do not devour he who roams the sky, Rāhu!
Pajaṁ mama Rāhu pamuñca Suriyan!”-ti, [03]
Release the Sun, who is my kinsman, Rāhu!”
Atha kho Rāhu asurindo Suriyaṁ devaputtaṁ muñcitvā,
Then the asura lord Rāhu, having released the Sun god,
taramānarūpo yena Vepacitti asurindo tenupasaṅkami,
hurriedly approached the asura lord Vepacitti,
upasaṅkamitvā saṁviggo lomahaṭṭhajāto, ekam-antaṁ aṭṭhāsi.
and after approaching, anxious, and horrified, he stood on one side.
Ekam-antaṁ ṭhitaṁ kho Rāhuṁ asurindaṁ Vepacitti asurindo gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:
While he was standing on one side the asura lord Vepacitti recited this verse to the asura lord Rāhu:
“Kin-nu santaramāno va Rāhu Suriyaṁ pamuñcasi?
“Why did you so hurriedly release the Sun god, Rāhu?
Saṁviggarūpo āgamma kin-nu bhīto va tiṭṭhasī?” ti [04].
After coming (here) why do you stand (there) like someone anxious and frightened?”
“Sattadhā me phale muddhā, jīvanto na sukhaṁ labhe,
“My head will split into seven, while living I will have no happiness,
- Buddhagāthābhigītomhi - no ce muñceyya Suriyan”-ti. [05]
- I am one to whom the Buddha has chanted a verse - if I do not release the Sun.”
16: Dhajaggaparittaṁ
Safeguard through the Top of a Banner
Introductory Verses
Yassānussaraṇenāpi antalikkhe pi pāṇino
By the recollection of that (safeguard) living creatures in the firmament
patiṭṭham-adhigacchanti, bhūmiyaṁ viya sabbathā.
obtain complete support, just like (living creatures) everywhere on earth.
Sabbūpaddavajālamhā yakkhacorārisambhavā,
From the net of all adversity arising from yakkhas, thieves, and rivals,
gaṇanā na ca muttānaṁ, parittaṁ taṁ bhaṇāmahe.
those who were released cannot be numbered, we will recite that safeguard.
The Safeguard
Evaṁ me sutaṁ:
Thus I have heard:
ekaṁ samayaṁ Bhagavā Sāvatthiyaṁ viharati
at one time the Gracious One was dwelling near Sāvatthī
Jetavane Anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme.
at Anāthapiṇḍika's grounds in Jeta's Wood.
Tatra kho Bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi:
There it was that the Gracious One addressed the monks, saying:
“Bhikkhavo!” ti, “Bhadante!” ti te bhikkhū Bhagavato paccassosuṁ,
“Monks!”, “Reverend Sir!” those monks replied to the Gracious One,
Bhagavā etad-avoca:
and the Gracious One said this:
“Bhūtapubbaṁ bhikkhave devāsurasaṅgāmo samūpabbūḷho ahosi.
“Formerly, monks, there was a massed battle between the gods and the asuras.
Atha kho bhikkhave Sakko devānamindo deve Tāvatiṁse āmantesi:
Then, monks, the lord of the gods Sakka addressed the Tāvatiṁsa gods, saying:
“Sace mārisā devānaṁ saṅgāmagatānaṁ
“If, dear Sirs, to the gods who have gone into battle
uppajjeyya bhayaṁ vā chambhitattaṁ vā lomahaṁso vā,
there should arise fear, or terror, or horror,
mameva tasmiṁ samaye dhajaggaṁ ullokeyyātha.
at that time you could look for the top of my banner.
Mamaṁ hi vo dhajaggaṁ ullokayataṁ
For to those who look to the top of my banner
yaṁ bhavissati bhayaṁ vā chambhitattaṁ vā,
whatever fear there may be, or terror,
lomahaṁso vā so pahīyissati.
or horror, will be given up.
No ce me dhajaggaṁ ullokeyyātha,
If you cannot look to the top of my banner,
atha Pajāpatissa devarājassa dhajaggaṁ ullokeyyātha.
then you could look for the top of the god-king Pajāpati's banner.
Pajāpatissa hi vo devarājassa dhajaggaṁ ullokayataṁ
For to those who look to the top of the god-king Pajāpati's banner
yaṁ bhavissati bhayaṁ vā chambhitattaṁ vā,
whatever fear there may be, or terror,
lomahaṁso vā so pahīyissati.
or horror, will be given up.
No ce Pajāpatissa devarājassa dhajaggaṁ ullokeyyātha,
If you cannot look to the top of the god-king Pajāpati's banner,
atha Varuṇassa devarājassa dhajaggaṁ ullokeyyātha.
then you could look for the top of the god-king Varuṇa's banner.
Varuṇassa hi vo devarājassa dhajaggaṁ ullokayataṁ
For to those who look to the top of the god-king Varuṇa's banner
yaṁ bhavissati bhayaṁ vā chambhitattaṁ vā,
whatever fear there may be, or terror,
lomahaṁso vā, so pahīyissati.
or horror, will be given up.
No ce Varuṇassa devarājassa dhajaggaṁ ullokeyyātha,
If you cannot look to the top of the god-king Varuṇa's banner,
atha Īsānassa devarājassa dhajaggaṁ ullokeyyātha.
then you could look for the top of the god-king Īsāna's banner.
Īsānassa hi vo devarājassa dhajaggaṁ ullokayataṁ
For to those who look to the top of the god-king Īsāna's banner
yaṁ bhavissati bhayaṁ vā chambhitattaṁ vā,
whatever fear there may be, or terror,
lomahaṁso vā so pahīyissati.
or horror, will be given up.
Taṁ kho pana bhikkhave
But, monks, to he
Sakkassa vā devānamindassa dhajaggaṁ ullokayataṁ,
who looks to the top of the lord of the gods Sakka's banner,
Pajāpatissa vā devarājassa dhajaggaṁ ullokayataṁ,
or who looks to the top of the god-king Pajāpati's banner,
Varuṇassa vā devarājassa dhajaggaṁ ullokayataṁ,
or who looks to the top of the god-king Varuṇa's banner,
Īsānassa vā devarājassa dhajaggaṁ ullokayataṁ,
or who looks to the top of the god-king Īsāna's banner,
yaṁ bhavissati bhayaṁ vā chambhitattaṁ vā lomahaṁso vā,
whatever fear there may be, or terror, or horror,
so pahīyethāpi no pi pahīyetha.
may be given up, and may not be given up.
Taṁ kissa hetu?
What is the reason for that?
Sakko bhikkhave devānamindo avītarāgo avītadoso avītamoho,
The lord of the gods Sakka, monks, is not free from passion, is not free from hatred, is not free from delusion,
bhīrucchambhi utrāsi palāyi.
being fearful, terrified, scared, he ran away.
Ahañ-ca kho bhikkhave evaṁ vadāmi:
But I say this, monks:
Sace tumhākaṁ bhikkhave araññagatānaṁ vā,
If to you, monks, after going to the wilderness,
rukkhamūlagatānaṁ vā, suññāgāragatānaṁ vā,
or to the root of a tree, or to an empty place,
uppajjeyya bhayaṁ vā chambhitattaṁ vā lomahaṁso vā,
there should arise fear, or terror, or horror,
mameva tasmiṁ samaye anussareyyātha:
at that time you could recollect me thus:
“Iti pi so Bhagavā Arahaṁ Sammāsambuddho,
“Such is he, the Gracious One, the Worthy One, the Perfect Sambuddha,
vijjācaraṇasampanno Sugato lokavidū,
the one endowed with understanding and good conduct, the Fortunate One, the One who understands the worlds,
anuttaro purisadammasārathī,
the unsurpassed guide for those people who need taming,
Satthā devamanussānaṁ Buddho Bhagavā” ti.
the Teacher of gods and men, the Buddha, the Gracious One.”
Mamaṁ hi vo bhikkhave anussarataṁ yaṁ bhavissati bhayaṁ vā
For, monks, to those who recollect me whatever fear there may be
chambhitattaṁ vā lomahaṁso vā so pahīyissati.
or terror, or horror, will be given up.
No ce maṁ anussareyyātha, atha Dhammaṁ anussareyyātha:
If you cannot recollect me, then recollect the Dhamma thus:
“Svākkhāto Bhagavatā Dhammo,
“The Dhamma has been well-proclaimed by the Gracious One,
sandiṭṭhiko, akāliko, ehipassiko, opanayiko,
it is visible, not subject to time, inviting inspection, onward leading,
paccattaṁ veditabbo viññūhī” ti.
and can be understood by the wise for themselves.”
Dhammaṁ hi vo bhikkhave anussarataṁ yaṁ bhavissati bhayaṁ vā
For, monks, to those who recollect the Dhamma whatever fear there may be
chambhitattaṁ vā lomahaṁso vā so pahīyissati.
or terror, or horror, will be given up.
No ce Dhammaṁ anussareyyātha, atha Saṅghaṁ anussareyyātha:
If you cannot recollect the Dhamma, then recollect the Saṅgha thus:
“Supaṭipanno Bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho,
“The Gracious One's Saṅgha of disciples are good in their practice,
ujupaṭipanno Bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho,
the Gracious One's Saṅgha of disciples are straight in their practice,
ñāyapaṭipanno Bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho,
the Gracious One's Saṅgha of disciples are systematic in their practice,
sāmīcipaṭipanno Bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho,
the Gracious One's Saṅgha of disciples are correct in their practice,
yad-idaṁ cattāri purisayugāni aṭṭha purisapuggalā,
that is to say, the four pairs of persons, the eight individual persons,
esa Bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho,
this is the Gracious One's Saṅgha of disciples,
āhuneyyo, pāhuneyyo, dakkhiṇeyyo, añjalikaranīyo,
they are worthy of offerings, of hospitality, of gifts, and of reverential salutation,
anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassā” ti.
they are an unsurpassed field of merit for the world.”
Saṅghaṁ hi vo bhikkhave anussarataṁ yaṁ bhavissati bhayaṁ vā
For, monks, to those who recollect the Saṅgha whatever fear there may be
chambhitattaṁ vā lomahaṁso vā so pahīyissati.
or terror, or horror, will be given up.
Taṁ kissa hetu?
What is the reason for that?
Tathāgato bhikkhave Arahaṁ Sammāsambuddho,
The Realised One, monks, the Worthy One, the Perfect Sambuddha,
vītarāgo, vītadoso, vītamoho,
is free from passion, is free from hatred, is free from delusion,
abhīru acchambhi anutrāsi apalāyī” ti.
not being fearful, not terrified, not scared, he did not run away.”
Idam-avoca Bhagavā,
The Gracious One said this,
idaṁ vatvā Sugato athāparaṁ etad-avoca Satthā:
and after saying this, the Fortunate One, the Teacher, said something more:
“Araññe rukkhamūle vā, suññāgāre va bhikkhavo,
“In the wilds, at the root of a tree, or in an empty place, monks,
anussaretha Sambuddhaṁ, bhayaṁ tumhāka' no siyā. [01]
you must recollect the Sambuddha, and there will be no fear for you.
No ce Buddhaṁ sareyyātha, lokajeṭṭhaṁ narāsabhaṁ,
if you can't remember the Buddha, the world's elder, the man-bull,
atha Dhammaṁ sareyyātha, niyyānikaṁ sudesitaṁ. [02]
then you must remember the Dhamma, which leads out, which is well preached.
No ce Dhammaṁ sareyyātha, niyyānikaṁ sudesitaṁ,
If you can't remember the Dhamma, which leads out, which is well preached,
atha Saṅghaṁ sareyyātha, puññakkhettaṁ anuttaraṁ. [03]
then you must remember the Saṅgha, which is an unsurpassed field of merit.
Evaṁ Buddhaṁ sarantānaṁ, Dhammaṁ Saṅghañ-ca bhikkhavo,
Thus for those who remember the Buddha, the Dhamma, or the Saṅgha, monks,
bhayaṁ vā chambhitattaṁ vā, lomahaṁso na hessatī” ti.[04]
(there will be no) fear, or terror, there will be no horror.”
Paṭhamakabhāṇavāraṁ Niṭṭhitaṁ
The First Recital is Finished