I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from sexual misconduct.
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from false speech.
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from distilled and fermented
liquor (drinks and drugs) that causes intoxication or heedlessness.
6. Chanting
BUDDHA VANDANĀ - Homage to the Buddha
Iti’pi so bhagavā, arahaṃ, Sammā sambuddho,
Vijjā caraṇa sampanno, Sugato, lokavidū,
Anuttaro purisa damma sārathī,
Satthā deva manussānaṃ, Buddho, bhagavā’ti.
Such indeed is the Blessed One, exalted, Perfectly Enlightened, endowed with knowledge and virtues, Well-gone,
Knower of the worlds, a Supreme trainer of persons to be trained, Teacher of gods and men, Enlightened and
Blessed.
DHAMMA VANDANĀ - Homage to the Dhamma
Svākkhāto bhagavatā dhammo
Sandiṭṭhiko akāliko
Ehi-passiko opanayiko
Paccattaṃ veditabbo viññūhi’ti.
Well expounded is the Dhamma by the Blessed One,
visible here and now; not delayed in time,
inviting one to come and see; onward leading to Nibbana
to be attained by the wise, each for himself.
SAṄGHA VANDANĀ - Homage to the Saṅgha
Supaṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka saṅgho
Uju paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka saṅgho
Ñāya paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka saṅgho
Sāmīci paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka saṅgho
Yadidaṃ cattāri purisa yugāni aṭṭha purisa puggalā
Esa bhagavato sāvaka saṅgho
Āhuneyyo pāhuneyyo
Dakkhiṇeyyo añjali karaṇīyo
Anuttaraṃ puññakkhettaṃ lokassā’ti.
Of good conduct is the Order of the Disciples of the Blessed One.
Of upright conduct is the Order of the Disciples of the Blessed One.
Of wise conduct is the Order of the Disciples of the Blessed One.
Of dutiful conduct is the Order of the Disciples of the Blessed One.
That is to say: the Four Pairs of Persons, the Eight Kinds of individuals,
this community (Saṅgha) of the Blessed One's disciples
is worthy of gifts, is worthy of hospitality,
is worthy of offerings, is worthy of reverential salutation,
is an incomparable field of merit for the world.
Karanīyametta Sutta
Karaṇīya Mettā Sutta (Sn 1.8) The Discourse on Loving-kindness
The Karaniya Metta Sutta, also known as the Discourse on Loving-kindness, outlines a profound teaching on practicing loving-kindness and cultivating goodwill towards all beings. It's found in the Sutta Nipāta (Sutta section) of the Pali Canon.
The sutta emphasizes a comprehensive and universal approach to developing metta, which is loving-kindness or a benevolent and unconditional goodwill towards all beings. Here's an analysis of its content:
Ethical Conduct and Virtuous Behavior
The sutta lays down ethical guidelines for individuals skilled in goodness. It highlights the qualities and behaviors that individuals should cultivate. These include being upright, honest, gentle in speech, content, and easily satisfied, without arrogance, and being peaceful, calm, wise, and not demanding.
Non-Harm and Compassion
It emphasizes not causing harm or injury in thought, speech, or action. It encourages abstaining from actions that others would criticize or find fault with. This promotes compassion and a sense of responsibility towards others.
Universal Benevolence
The teaching extends goodwill and kindness universally. It doesn't differentiate based on individuals' strengths or weaknesses, their proximity, or their relationship to oneself. The metta or loving-kindness should encompass all beings, seen or unseen, and even those to be born.
Non-Anger and Non-Ill Will
The sutta encourages the abandonment of anger, ill will, and any intentions to cause suffering or harm to others. It emphasizes the need for a mind free from hostility, which resonates with the practice of metta.
Universal Radiance of Loving-kindness
The teaching goes further, extending the scope of loving-kindness. It's to be radiated boundlessly, akin to the radiance of the sun, spreading upwards, downwards, and in all directions. This conveys the idea of limitless and boundless compassion for all living beings.
Mental Cultivation and Freedom from Desires
It suggests a constant mental recollection and cultivation of loving-kindness. The practice aims for a pure heart that is free from desires and remains unbound, leading to liberation from cyclic existence.
Non-Attachment and Freedom from Rebirth
The teaching concludes by suggesting that by not holding onto fixed views and by being free from desires and attachments, one avoids being reborn and continues the cycle of existence.
Overall Essence
The Karaniya Metta Sutta is a foundational teaching that underlines the importance of cultivating kindness and compassion towards all beings. It provides a comprehensive guide for ethical conduct, mental cultivation, and a way to transcend suffering through universal loving-kindness, encouraging a boundless and compassionate heart.
Qualifications:
Karaṇīyam-attha-kusalena, yantaṃ santaṃ padaṃ abhisamecca,
This is what should be done by one who is skilled in goodness and who knows the path of peace:
Sakko ujū ca suhujū ca, suvaco cassa mudu anatimānī,
Let them be able and upright, straightforward and gentle in speech, humble and not conceited,
Santussako ca, subharo ca, appakicco ca, sallahuka-vutti,
Contented and easily satisfied, unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways.
Santindriyo ca, nipako ca, appagabbho, kulesu ananugiddho.
Peaceful and calm, and wise and skillful, not proud and demanding in nature.
Na ca khuddaṃ samācare kiñci, yena viññū pare upavadeyyuṃ.
Let them not do the slightest thing that the wise would later reprove,
Practice:
Sukhino vā khemino hontu, sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhitattā.
Wishing: In gladness and in safety, may all beings be at ease.
Ye keci pāṇa-bhūtatthi, tasā vā, thāvarā vā, anavasesā,
Whatever living beings there may be, whether they are weak or strong, omitting none,
Dīghā vā ye mahantā vā, majjhimā rassakā aṇuka-thūlā,
The great or the mighty, medium, short, or small,
Diṭṭhā vā ye ca adiṭṭhā, ye ca dūre vasanti avidūre,
The seen and the unseen, those living near and far away,
Bhūtā vā, sambhavesī vā, sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhitattā.
Those born and to be born, may all beings be at ease.
Na paro paraṃ nikubbetha, nātimaññetha katthaci naṃ kiñci,
Let none deceive another or despise any being in any state.
Byārosanā paṭīgha-saññā, nāññam-aññassa dukkham-iccheyya.
Let none through anger or ill-will wish harm upon another.
Mātā yathā niyaṃ puttaṃ, āyusā eka-puttam-anurakkhe,
Even as a mother protects with her life her child, her only child,
Evam-pi sabba-bhūtesu, māna-sambhāvaye aparimāṇaṃ.
So with a boundless heart should one cherish all living beings,
Mettañca sabba-lokasmiṃ, māna-sambhāvaye aparimāṇaṃ,
Radiating kindness over the entire world: spreading upwards to the skies
Uddhaṃ adho ca tiriyañca, asambādhaṃ averaṃ asapattaṃ.
and downwards to the depths, outwards and unbounded, freed from hatred and ill-will.
Tiṭṭhañ’caraṃ nisinno vā, sayāno vā, yāvatassa vigatam-iddho,
Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down, free from drowsiness,
Etaṃ satiṃ adhiṭṭheyya. Brahmam-etaṃ vihāraṃ idham-āhu.
One should sustain this recollection. This is said to be the sublime abiding.
Diṭṭhiñca anupagamma, sīlavā dassanena sampanno,
By not holding to fixed views, the pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision,
Kāmesu vineyya gedhaṃ, Na hi jātu gabbha-seyyaṃ punaretīti.
Being freed from all sense-desires, is not born again into this world.
Further Reading:
