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Ratana Sutta: an early paritta (protection prayer)
Sile
Veteran
Just found a very cool comparative (Pali-Sanskrit) translation and analysis by Anandajoti Bhikkhu of the Ratana Sutta, a very early protection prayer said to have been taught by the Buddha at the request of the inhabitants of Vaiśālī who were suffering a demonic plague: http://bit.ly/RfNpGg
For an English version, see Piyadassi Thera's translation from the Pali: http://bit.ly/TsXLSw
In addition to the coolness of the text existing in both canons, I loved the compassion shown to the troublesome beings in the opening verses:
1. "Whatever beings (non-humans) are assembled here, terrestrial or celestial, may they all have peace of mind, and may they listen attentively to these words:
2. "O beings, listen closely. May you all radiate loving-kindness to those human beings who, by day and night, bring offerings to you (offer merit to you). Wherefore, protect them with diligence.
Piyadassi elsewhere gives an introduction to paritta chanting in general - I like that the protection comes from listening, as well as chanting:
"Paritta in Pali, paritrana in Sanskrit and pirit (pronounced pirith) in Sinhala mean principally protection. Paritta suttas describe certain suttas or discourses delivered by the Buddha and regarded as affording protection. This protection is to be obtained by reciting or listening to the paritta suttas. The practice of reciting or listening to the paritta suttas began very early in the history of Buddhism. The word paritta, in this context, was used by the Buddha, for the first time, in a discourse known as Khandha Paritta ...and also in the Anguttara Nikaya under the title Ahi (metta) Sutta....This discourse was recommended by the Buddha as guard or protection for the use of the members of the Order. The Buddha in this discourse exhorts the monks to cultivate metta or loving-kindness towards all beings." (http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/piyadassi/protection.html)
For an English version, see Piyadassi Thera's translation from the Pali: http://bit.ly/TsXLSw
In addition to the coolness of the text existing in both canons, I loved the compassion shown to the troublesome beings in the opening verses:
1. "Whatever beings (non-humans) are assembled here, terrestrial or celestial, may they all have peace of mind, and may they listen attentively to these words:
2. "O beings, listen closely. May you all radiate loving-kindness to those human beings who, by day and night, bring offerings to you (offer merit to you). Wherefore, protect them with diligence.
Piyadassi elsewhere gives an introduction to paritta chanting in general - I like that the protection comes from listening, as well as chanting:
"Paritta in Pali, paritrana in Sanskrit and pirit (pronounced pirith) in Sinhala mean principally protection. Paritta suttas describe certain suttas or discourses delivered by the Buddha and regarded as affording protection. This protection is to be obtained by reciting or listening to the paritta suttas. The practice of reciting or listening to the paritta suttas began very early in the history of Buddhism. The word paritta, in this context, was used by the Buddha, for the first time, in a discourse known as Khandha Paritta ...and also in the Anguttara Nikaya under the title Ahi (metta) Sutta....This discourse was recommended by the Buddha as guard or protection for the use of the members of the Order. The Buddha in this discourse exhorts the monks to cultivate metta or loving-kindness towards all beings." (http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/piyadassi/protection.html)
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