digitabuddhist recitations in pali and english booklet - buddhist scripture
TRANSCRIPT
Buddhist Recitations in Pali and English
51 Key Dhammapada Verses, Eightfold Path, Metta Sutta and other Early Buddhist Scripture
Dr. Dharmakirti, Nisha Gautam & Dr. Siddharth Ashvin Shah www.siddharthshah.com
Album Tracks
1. Introduction to Album of Early Buddhist (Theravada) Scripture Recitation
2. Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path and Five Precepts
3. Three Refuges: Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha
4. Deer Park Sermon “Dhamma Chakka Pavattana Sutta”
and Great Blessing “Mahaamangal Sutta”
5. Dhammapada: 51 Key Verses
6. “Metta Sutta” Loving-Kindness Sutra and Meditation
Sources 1. Original Pali texts
2. Dr. Dharmakirti (New Delhi) 3. Dr. Uday Bhaskar Sathuvalli (USA) 4. 1881 translation by F. Max Müller 5. 1936 translation by Irving Babbit 6. 1954 translation by S. Radhakrishnan 7. 1959 translation by Sri Acharya Buddharakkhita 8. 1987 translation by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
In this album, you will hear the beauty and power of Pali recitations from Early Buddhist texts and scriptures. Buddhist practitioners all over the world will recognize the sutta selections and other recitations. Many have never heard these scriptures in a way that aspires to be faithful to Sakyamuni Buddha’s spoken tongue. Buddha spoke and preached in the vernacular of the Magadh region of India. Therefore, it is often said that he spoke in the language Magadhi, which was systematized into the written and spoken language of Pali. Dr. Dharmakirti, an eminent Buddhist scholar, public figure and social change activist in India provides the Pali recitation in crisp traditional cadence. His is a rare skill that may soon go extinct if new generations of Pali students do not carry on the tradition. It gives me great joy to present exciting new translations for the Dhammapada and Metta Sutta. These translations were prepared by Mrs. Nisha Gautam. Whenever needed, Dr. Dharmakirti generously provided consultation on these translations. U.B. Sathuvalli, a student of Pali, provided crucial assistance to root out inaccuracies and slips in the recitation-transliterations. After this introductory track, the following recitations are given:
Introduction (TRACK 1)
Track 2 Fundamentals of Dhamma and practice -- the four noble truths,
the eightfold path and the five precepts. Track 3 Three Refuges. Invocation, and then recited thrice in traditional format.
Concludes with slower recitation for learning purposes. Track 4 Two teachings from the Buddha. The first is Buddha’s First Sermon
at Deer Park called the “Dhamma Chakka Pavattana Sutta” (Discourse Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion) and the second is his Great Blessing called “Mahaamangal Sutta.” These teachings are provided for an experience of the elegance of the Pali language. English translations are not provided.
Track 5 Contains 51 verses of the Dhammapada. The Dhammapada is a crucial
part of Early Buddhist texts called the TripiTaka. Beginning Buddhist practitioners often approach the 423 verses of the Dhammapada and
feel intimidated by its size. Here I have chosen 51 verses that give the breadth of this venerable scripture in a form that many will find more manageable.
Track 6 Concludes this album with the Sutta of Loving-Kindness, which is called
the Metta Sutta. The track begins with the English translation, then gives the Pali version, and then repeats the English translation once more.
For the Dhammapada and Metta Sutta, we have offered translations that are far more gender neutral than previous translations. In some cases we have retained the words “he, him, and his” if no good, contextual alternate could be found. This album is primarily about exposing listeners to Pali recitations, and not teaching listeners how to speak Pali. An education in speaking Pali is best done in a live student-teacher relationship. We hope that an appreciation of Pali recitations can support a practitioner’s sense of connection to the Dhamma. Feeling such a connection may help some to reside in the Dhamma more firmly, which ultimately must be perpetuated by individual practice and social action. We hope this album contributes in some small way. One final note. This album is a joint family affair. The translation editor, Mrs. Nisha Gautam, is my wife, and Dr. Dharmakirti is Nisha’s father. We offer this album as a family who cares about the practice and heritage of Buddhist teachings. Making this album drew us closer together, and we feel grateful to have experienced Buddhism as a path that involves family and community as well as a path that fosters individual liberation.
Siddharth Ashvin Shah
Non Aspirated Aspirated Non
Aspirated Aspirated
Gutturals (velars) k kh g gh
Palatals (prepalatals) c ch j jh
Cerebrals (retroflexes) T Th D Dh
Dentals t th d dh
Labials p ph b bh
Pronunciation Chart
The pronunciation grid provides guidance on how proper anatomical use of the tongue yields accurate pronunciation. In this transliteration, a capitalized letter (such as T, cerebral) is sounded out differently than a small letter (t, which is dental).
Four Noble Truths (TRACK 2)
I. dukkha ariya sacca The Noble Truth of Suffering. More Literal Translation: That beings suffer is a fact. More Interpretive Translation: Any living being will experience suffering.
II. dukkha samudaya ariya sacca The Noble Truth of the Cause of Suffering. There is a cause to suffering. Suffering exists due to attachment and ignorance.
III. dukkha nirodha ariya sacca The Noble Truth of the Extinction of Suffering. There is a way to stop suffering. Suffering can be restrained.
IV. dukkha nirodha gaamini pratipada ariya sacca The Noble Truth of the Path that Leads to the Extinction of Suffering. The path to stop suffering is the Eightfold Path. The Eightfold Path is a methodology to restrain suffering.
*Dukkha has no exact equivalent in English. It is most often translated as “suffering” while its connotation includes “imperfection,” “difficulties,” “troubles,” or “unsatisfactoriness.”
English Pali Sanskrit
1 Right Views (Understanding) Samma DhitThi Samyak DhrisTi
2 Right Purpose (Thought, Aspiration) Samma Sankappo Samyak Sankalpa
3 Right Speech Samma Vaaca Samyak Vaani
4 Right Action (Conduct) Samma Kammanto Samyak Karmaanta
5 Right Livelihood (Profession) Samma Aajivo Samyak Aajivika
6 Right Effort Samma Vyaayaamo Samyak Vyaayaama
7 Right Kind of Awareness (Mindfulness) Samma Sati Samyak Smriti
8 Right Concentration (Meditation) Samma Samaadhi Samyak Samaadhi
Eightfold Path (TRACK 2)
Five Precepts (Pancsheel) (TRACK 2)
1 I Undertake Training of Harmlessness Respect for life No killing
2 I Undertake Not to Take What is Not Given
Respect for others’ property No stealing
3 I Undertake Purification of the Body Respect for our pure nature No sexual misconduct
4 I Undertake Purification of Speech Respect for honesty No lying
5 I Undertake Purification of the Mind Respect for a clear mind No intoxicants
Three Refuges (TRACK 3)
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma-Sambuddhassa Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma-Sambuddhassa Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma-Sambuddhassa
Homage to Him, the Blessed One, the Exalted One, The Fully-Enlightened One. Homage to Him, the Blessed One, the Exalted One, The Fully-Enlightened One. Homage to Him, the Blessed One, the Exalted One, The Fully-Enlightened One.
Buddham Saranam gacchami Dhammam Saranam gacchami Sangham Saranam gacchami
I go to the Buddha as my Refuge, I go to the Dhamma as my Refuge, I go to the Sangha as my Refuge.
Dutiyam'pi Buddham Saranam gacchami Dutiyam'pi Dhammam Saranam gacchami Dutiyam'pi Sangham Saranam gacchami.
For the second time, I go to the Buddha as my Refuge, For the second time, I go to the Dhamma as my Refuge, For the second time, I go to the Sangha as my Refuge.
Tatiyam'pi Buddham Saranam gacchami Tatiyam'pi Dhammam Saranam gacchami Tatiyam'pi Sangham Saranam gacchami
For the third time, I go to the Buddha as my Refuge, For the third time, I go to the Dhamma as my Refuge, For the third time, I go to the Sangha as my Refuge
A
First Sermon at Deer Park called the “Dhamma Chakka Pavattana Sutta” (Discourse Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion)
B
Great Blessing called “Mahaamangal Sutta.”
These teachings are provided for an experience of the elegance of the Pali
language. English translations are not provided.
Two Teachings (TRACK 4)
English Translations of Dhammapada (TRACK 5)
PALI TRANSLITERATION * ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Chapter 1 Verse 1
manopubbangammaa dhammaa manosetthaa manomayaa manasaa ce padutthena bhaasati vaa karoti vaa tatonang dukkha manveti cakkang va vahato padang
Mind precedes all activity. Mind is supreme. All activity arises in the mind first. If one thinks or acts evil, suffering follows as a wheel follows the foot of an ox which draws a cart.
Chapter 1 Verse 2
manopubbangammaa dhammaa manosetthaa manomayaa manasaa ce pasannena bhaasati vaa karoti vaa tatonang sukha manveti chaayaa va anapaayini
Mind precedes all activity. Mind is supreme. All activity arises in the mind first. If one thinks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows like a shadow that refuses to leave.
Chapter 1 Verse 3
akkocching mang avadhi mang ajini mang ahaasi me ye ca tang upanayhanti verang tesang na sammati
He chastised me, he hit me, he defeated me, he robbed me—those who have such thoughts, their enmity never ends.
* The nasalized “ng” is often written “m” in English transliterations. In the Dhammapada, the “ng” lettering is used for a more close approximation to the Pali as it originally sounded.
PALI TRANSLITERATION ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Chapter 1 Verse 4
akkocching mang avadhi mang ajini mang ahaasi me ye tang napanayhanti verang tesupasammati
He chastised me, he hit me, he defeated me, he robbed me—those who do not have such thoughts, their enmity ceases.
Chapter 1 Verse 5
na hi verena veraani sammantidha kudaacanang averena ca sammanti esa dhammo sanantano
In this world, enmity never comes to rest through enmity, it comes to rest through non-enmity (friendliness) — this is the eternal Law of Nature.
Chapter 2 Verse 1
appamaado appamapadang pamaado maccuno padang appamattaa ca [na] miyanti ye ca apamattaa yathaa mataa
Not indulging in material pleasures is the path to immortality and indulging in material pleasures is the way towards death. The non-indulgent never die but the indulgent are already dead while they are alive.
Chapter 2 Verse 7
maa padaa damanu yunceye thamaa kaamaratisanthavang appamatto hing jhaayanto pappoti vipulang sukhang
Do not get entangled in material pleasures, do not indulge in sensual pleasures. Do not indulge in lustfulness. A non-indulgent and meditating person attains great happiness.
Chapter 3 Verse 3
dunniggahassa lahuno yatthakaamanipaatino cittassa damatho saadhu cittang danta sukhaavahang
That [mental activity] which is difficult to control, which has fragile nature, which wanders at its own will – it is good to annihilate such mental activity. Annihilating such mental activity brings happiness.
PALI TRANSLITERATION ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Chapter 4 Verse 7
na paresang vilomaani na paresang kataakatang attano vang avekkheyyang kataani akataani ca
Do not pay attention to the hurtful remarks of others, do not observe what others do or do not do, only observe what you do or not do.
Chapter 5 Verse 3
puttaa matthi dhanam matthi iti vaalo vihannyati attaa hi attano matthi kuto puttaa kuto dhanam
“This is my son, this is my wealth” – a fool worries about these things. When a person does not possess himself, to what extent he can possess a son and wealth?
Chapter 5 Verse 8
na tang kammang katang saadhu yang katvaa anutappati yassa assumukho rodang vipaakang patisevati
It is not worth doing something that one has to regret in the future and that which bears fruits of tears and resentment.
Chapter 5 Verse 9
tang ca kammang katang saadhu yang katvaa naanutappati yassa patito sumano vipaakam patisevati
Only that action is well done that one does not regret and that which bears fruit of the mind feeling joy.
Chapter 6 Verse 6
selo yathaa ekadhano vaatena ca samirati evang nindaapasangtaasu na saminjanti panditaa
Just like wind can not move a solid mountain, similarly a wise person is unmoved by either praise or insult.
Chapter 7 Verse 7
santang assa manang hoti, santaa vaacaa ca kamma ca sammadainya vimuttassa, upasantassa taadino
By comprehending truth, a venerable monk has a mind that is peaceful, has speech that is peaceful and has actions that are peaceful.
PALI TRANSLITERATION ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Chapter 8 Verse 3
yo ca gaathaasatang bhaase, anatthapadasamhitaa ekang dhammapadang seyyo, yang sutvaa upasammati
Rather than reciting a hundred meaningless verses, hearing one verse of Dhamma [gaatha], by which one gets peace, is better.
Chapter 8 Verse 4
yo sahassang sahassena, sangaame maanuse jine ekang ca jeyya mattaanang, sa ve sangaamajuttamo
The one who conquers oneself is far better than the one who conquers thousands in a battle.
Chapter 9 Verse 4
paapo pi passati bhadrang, yaava paapang na paccati yadaa ca paccati paapang, abha paapo paapaani passati.
Until one does not get the fruit of one’s own evil deeds, one believes evil deeds are good. But when one gets the fruit of evil deeds, then one can see the evil.
Chapter 10 Verse 13
na naggacariyaa na jataa na pankaa, naanaasakaa thandilasaayikaa vaa rajjo bajalang [ca jallang] ukkutikappadhaanang, sodhenti maccang avitinnakankha
If one does not clarify one’s doubts, one cannot purify oneself by being naked, growing long hair, smearing mud on the body, observing fasts, sleeping on hard surfaces, smearing dust or by sitting in difficult postures.
Chapter 11 Verse 3
parijinnamidang rupang, roganiddhang bhavunguram [pabhangurang] bhijjati pooltisandeho, maranantanhi jivitam
This body is fragile, home for various diseases and is deteriorating. This dirty body will be destroyed. Life and death is a cycle.
PALI TRANSLITERATION ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Chapter 12 Verse 9
attanaa va katang paapang, attanaa sankilissati attanaa akatang paapang, attanaa’va visujjhati suddhi asuddhi paccattang, naayo ayang visodhaye
Evil done by oneself defiles oneself. Evil not done keeps the self pure. Being pure and impure is determined by oneself. One cannot purify another.
Chapter 13 Verse 6
yo ca pubbe pamajjitvaa, pacchaa so nappamajjati so mang lokam pabhaaseti, abbhaa mutto’va candimaa
One who earlier indulged in material pleasures, and no longer does so, illuminates existence like the moon does without interfering clouds
Chapter 14 Verse 5
sabbapaapassa akaranang, kusalassa upasampadaa sacittapariyodapanang, etang buddhaana saasanang
Protect oneself from evil actions and build up pure actions; keep purifying one’s mind – this is the teaching of all Buddhas.
Chapter 14 Verse 10
bahumve saranang yanti pabbataani vanaani ca aaraamarukkhacetvaani, manussaa bhayatajjitaa.
Out of fear people go to mountains, forests, parks, and trees -- considering them deities for shelter
Chapter 14 Verse 11
n’etang kho saranang khemang, n’etang sarana muttamang n’etang kho saranamaagamma, sabbadukkhaa pamuccati
...but this shelter is not satisfying, this is not correct shelter, because going to such shelter one does not eliminate sorrow from the root
Chapter 14 Verse 12
yo ca buddhanca dhammancang, sanghancang saranagato cattaari ariyasaccaaning, sammappannyaya passati
One who takes refuge in Buddha, Damma and Sangha and observes Four Noble Truths with clear wisdom
PALI TRANSLITERATION ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Chapter 14 Verse 13
dukkhang dukkhasamuppaadang, dukkhassa ca ametakam ariyanca batthangikang makka, dukkhupasama milang
One who knows the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering and the Eightfold path which lead to the cessation of suffering comes out of sorrow.
Chapter 14 Verse 14
etang kho saraneng khemang, etang saranang muttamang etang sarana maagamma, sabbadukkhaa pamuccati
One who knows this shelter with wisdom, and follows the path, comes out of sorrow.
Chapter 15 Verse 1
susukhang vata jivaamang, verinesu averino verinesu manussesu, veraama averino
Be friendly among the hostile, yea! To live life happily, live among the hostile with friendliness.
Chapter 15 Verse 5
jayang verang pasavati, dukkhang seti paraajito upasanto sukhang seti, hitvaa jayaparaajayang
Conquest gives birth to hatred, a defeated person sleeps with sorrow. One who gives up on victory or defeat sleeps peacefully.
Chapter 15 Verse 8
aarogyaparamaa laabhaa, santutthi parang dhanang vissaasaparamaa yaati, nibbaanang parang sukhang
Health is foremost gain, contentedness is foremost wealth, trust is the greatest brother, Nirvana is the greatest bliss.
Chapter 16 Verse 3
tasmaa piyang na keraaya, pipaayi hipaapako ganthaa tesang na vijjanti, yesang natthi piyaappiyang
Do not endear anyone. Separation from the dear is painful. Those who have neither dear nor hated are free of bondage.
PALI TRANSLITERATION ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Chapter 16 Verse 8
tanhaaya jaayati loko [soko], tanhaaya jaayati bhayang tanhaaya vippamuttassa, natthi soko kuto bhayang?
Craving gives birth to grief, craving gives birth to fear -- one who is free from craving has no sorrows, and where is the fear?
Chapter 17 Verse 1
kodhang jahe vippajaheyang maanang, samyojanang sabba matikkameyyang tang naamarupasming asajjamaanang, [akincanang] naanupatanti dukkhaa
Abandon anger, forsake pride, overcome all worldly bondage; one who is not attached to name and fame and detached from material pleasure remains unaffected by sorrow.
Chapter 17 Verse 3
akkodhena jine kodhang, asaadhung saadhunaa jine jine kadariyang daanena, saccenaalikavaadinang
Overcome anger with love, win over the wicked with gentleness, conquer the miserly with gifts, and conquer a liar with truth.
Chapter 18 Verse 17
natthi raagasamo aggi, natthi dosasamo gaho natthi mohasamang jaalang, natthi tanhaasamaa nadi
There is no fire like lust, no ghost like hatred, no entanglement like attachment and no river like craving.
Chapter 19 Verse 15
na tenang ariyo hoti, yena paana nahinsati ahimsaa sabbapaanaanang, “ariyo”ti pabuccati
One does not become noble by injuring living creatures; one is called noble by refraining from killing living creatures.
Chapter 20 Verse 1
maggaan’atthangiko settho, saccaanang caturo padaa viraago settho dhammaanang, dvipadaananca cakkhumaa
The Eightfold Path is the best way; Four Noble Truths is best among all truth; detachment is the way of life; the Enlightened One is the supreme amongst all human beings.
PALI TRANSLITERATION ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Chapter 20 Verse 5
“sabbe sankhaaraa aniccaa” ti, yadaa pannyaaya passati atha nibbindati dukkhe, esa maggo visuddhiyaa
The entire universe is impermanent -- when one observes this with wisdom, then all sufferings cease; this is the way to purification [Nirvana].
Chapter 20 Verse 6
“sabbe sankhaaraa dukkhaa” ti, yadaa pannyaaya passati atha nibbindati dukkhe, esa maggo visuddhiyaa
All internal trappings are full of sorrow -- when one observes this with wisdom, then all sufferings cease; this is the way to purification [Nirvana].
Chapter 20 Verse 7
“sabbe dhammaa anattaa” ti, yadaa pannyaaya passati atha nibbindati dukkhe, esa maggo visuddhiyaa
All material phenomena are without an inherent soul -- when one observes this with wisdom, then all sufferings cease; this is the way to purification [Nirvana].
Chapter 20 Verse 13
ucchindang sineham attano, mukudang saaradikang va paaninaa santimagga meva bruhaya, nibbaanang sugate nadesitang
Destroy self-love like a winter lotus flower that is uprooted by hands. Take refuge in the Nirvanic peace path shown by the Enlightened One.
Chapter 21 Verse 1
mattaa sukhapariccaagaa, passe ce vipulang sukhang caje mattaa sukhang dhiro, sampassang vipula sukhang
If there is a possibility of gaining more happiness by sacrificing a small amount of happiness, then a smart person sacrifices little happiness for more gain.
PALI TRANSLITERATION ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Chapter 22 Verse 9
akatang dukkatang seyyo, pacchaa tapati dukkatang katang ca sukatang seyyo, yang katvaa n’aanutappati
To not do evil is best; an evil-doer later has regrets. Virtuous deeds are best; the virtuous do not regret later.
Chapter 23 Verse 9
sace labeyaa nipakang sahaayang, saddhing carang saadhuvihaaridhirang abhibhuyyang sabbaani parissayaani, careyya ten’attamano satimaa
If one finds a wise companion to walk with, overcome all obstacles, be contemplative and be happy with that companion.
Chapter 24 Verse 5
yathaa’pi mule anupaddave dalhe, chinno’pi rukkho punareva ruhati evang pi tanhaanusaye anuhate, [nibbattati dukkham idam punappunam]
Like strong roots of a tree, if not destroyed thoroughly, the cut tree grows again -- similarly if strong desires and thirst are not uprooted thoroughly, the cycle of pain takes birth again and again.
Chapter 24 Verse 9
tasinaaya purakkhataa pajaa, paresantanti saso’va vaadhito sanyojanasangasattaa, dukkha upenti punappung ciraaya
A person who runs after desires is like a tethered rabbit, who runs around in circles; that person is entangled in worldly bondage and lives painfully in a never ending cycle.
Chapter 25 Verse 15
yato yato sammasati, khandhaanang udayabbayang labhati piti paamoyang, amatang tang vijaanatang
As soon as one comprehends the origin and the destruction of the five elements of the body, one attains the happiness and joy of those who have attained enlightenment.
PALI TRANSLITERATION ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Chapter 25 Verse 22
paamojjabahulo bhikkhu, pasanno buddhasaasane adhigacche padang santang, sankhaarupang samang sukhang
The monk who is happy in the practices of Buddha, receives the path which leads to the cessation of worldly desires.
Chapter 26 Verse 11
na jataahi na gottehi, na jaccaa hoti braahmano yam saccang ca dhamme so, so suci so braahmano
A person is not deemed a brahmin by matted locks, by lineage nor by birth. A person who is holy and has truth and righteousness is deemed a brahmin.
Chapter 26 Verse 15
sabbasamyojanang chetvaa, yo ve na paritassati sangaatigang visamyuttang, tamahang brumi braahmanam
One who has cut all fetters, who is not intimidated by thirst, and who is emancipated from attachment, is deemed a brahmin.
Chapter 26 Verse 24
aviruddhang viruddhesu, attadandesu nibbutang saadaanesu anaadaanang, tamahang brumi braahmanang
A brahmin is one who is tolerant among opponents, who is peaceful among the violent, greedless among the greedy.
Metta Sutta (TRACK 6)
PALI TRANSLITERATION ENGLISH TRANSLATION
1. karaniya mattha kusalena, yang tang santang padang abhisamecca; sakko ujoo ca sujoo ca, suvaco cassa mrudu anatimaani
One who desires a path towards peace, desires to be expert in welfare activities, should be extremely gentle. Such a one’s words should be sweet, pretty and straightforward.
2. tantussako [santussako] ca subharo ca, appakicco ca sallahukavutti; santindriyo ca nipako ca, appagabbho kulesu ananugiddho
One should be contented, easily supported and live a simple life. One’s senses should be calm and clever and detached from clan [or family].
3. na ca khuddang samaacare kincing, yena vinyu pare upavadeyyung; sukhino va khemino hontu, sabbe sattaa bhavantu sukhitattaa
One should never commit any small mistake because of which other wise people hold him guilty. May all beings be happy.
4. ye keca paanabhutatthi, tasaa vaa thaavaraa anavasesaa. deeghaa vaa ye mahantaa va, majjhimaa rassakaa anukathoolaa
Mobile or immobile, huge or great, medium or small, tiny or big, may all beings be happy.
5. ditthaa vaa yena aditthaa, ye ca doore vasanti adoore. bhootaa va sambhavesee va, sabbe sattaa bhavantu sukhitattaa
Visible or invisible, far or near, born or about to be born, may all beings be happy.
PALI TRANSLITERATION ENGLISH TRANSLATION
6. na paro param nikubbetha, naati majjetha katthaci na kanci. vyaarosanaa patighassaiyaa, naaiya maiyassang dukkhamiccheyya
Do not criticize. Never insult anyone. Do not wish to harm anyone with animosity or opposition.
7. maataa yathaa nityang puttang aayusaa ekaputtang manurakkhe; evampi sabbabhootesu, maanas bhaavaye aparimaanang
As a mother guards her only child, even at the risk of her own life, similarly one who is desirous of supreme bliss should guard each and every being, treating them as children, and should cultivate an unbounded loving kindness for all beings.
8. mettangca sabbalokasing maanasay bhaavaye aparimaanang; uddhang adho ca tiriyangca, asambaadhang averang asapattang
Without obstacle, above animosity, below and diagonally in the entire world, spread unlimited love.
9. titthang carang nisinno va, sayaano vaa yaavatassa vigatamiddho. etang sati adhittheyya, brahmametang vihaare idhamaahu
While standing, walking, sitting or sleeping or awake may one be mindful of this. May one wander mindfully.
10. ditthungca anupaggamma seelavaa dassanena sampanno; kaamesu vinaya gedham, na hi jaatuggabbhaseyyam punaretee'ti
May one be away from all false illusions. By being virtuous and full of pure knowledge, one destroys desires and cravings, and is freed from the cycle of rebirth.
Biographic Profiles
Dr. Dharmakirti, PhD, DLitt Nisha Gautam, MA Siddharth Ashvin Shah, MD, MPH
Dharmakirti is a prominent humanist intellectual in the areas of social change, anti-corruption, Indian philosophy and Buddhist ethics. He was born into a poor family and successfully overcame both class and caste discrimination to become a highly placed official in the Delhi Government Department of Education. In his tenure, he instituted policies of fair play and advanced the cause of education. A tireless thinker and writer, Dharmakirti is a Hindi-language author of over seventy-five books in philosophy, social criticism and education. His essays regularly appear in newspapers and periodicals. He holds three doctoral degrees (Psychology, Philosophy and Buddhist Studies) and was awarded a Doctor of Letters in Philosophy. Dharmakirti has been honored with several national and international awards, including the Dhamma Ratna Award.
Gautam is a student of spirituality, especially by way of Vipassana meditation. She believes that Buddha’s verses are reflective of immense self-knowledge and devoted practice, as opposed to blind ritualism. Born into a family in which education, learning and independent thinking were encouraged, Gautam gravitated to Buddha’s teachings. She continues to find pleasure in the non-dogmatic nature of Buddhism in which truths are validated through sincere effort and inquiry. Gautam lives in the Washington DC metro area, where she owns the catering company Chai & Chaat, and works at the neighborhood Trader Joe’s. She holds a Masters degree in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics.
Shah is a physician specializing in integrative medicine, behavioral medicine, public health and healing trauma [siddharthshah.com]. In addition to authoring several best-selling albums on iTunes and Amazon for eating, sleeping and relaxing effectively, Shah’s concern for the preservation of world healing traditions led him to develop this album. Shah is medical director of Greenleaf Integrative Strategies [greenleaf-is.com], a service firm that teaches caregivers how to prevent compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. He travels worldwide to train diverse groups on Integrative Psychosocial Resilience, which blends East-West therapies and mind-body strategies. A common thread to all of Shah’s work is demonstrating how people can meet trauma and related psychosocial difficulties with resiliency and positive strategies.