significance of paritta chanting in buddhism · the third bhanavara has half of atanatiya sutta the...

TI-SARANA BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION

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Nov/Dec 2019

Significance of Paritta Chanting in Buddhism Ven. G. Dhammadinna Thera

All world religions are practiced and spread through a variety of rites and rituals. Basically, most of these rites and rituals are related to the needs of society. As we all know, the Buddha preached the Dhamma that is deep in meaning and aims to help all beings achieve the ultimate bliss of Nibbana. However, as a human-centric religion, Buddhism has always been sensitive to and engaged with societal requirements. To this end, certain important suttas from the Buddha’s teachings were selected and recorded on Ola leaves some 2,000 years ago. These suttas were later compiled into the Paritta Chanting Book. The Pali word Paritta can be translated as “protection” or “safeguard” and refers to the Buddhist practice of reciting certain Paritta suttas in order to ward off danger or misfortune. The Buddha and his disciples did on some occasions, chanted these suttas to bring spiritual comfort to people suffering from epidemics and other natural disasters. The word Paritta was first found in the Khandha Paritta of Culla Vagga Pali in the Tripitaka. The Buddha, in this discourse, exhorts the monks to cultivate Mettā or loving kindness towards all beings. This was after one of them was bitten by a serpent and died. Paritta chanting is a collective term designating a set of protective chants preached by the Buddha to be used by both lay people and monks. The Paritta is regarded as capable of warding off all forms of evil spirits and dangers (vipatti) including diseases and the negative influence of the planets….etc. This is achieved by recalling with confidence the virtues of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha referred to in these discourses. An important aspect of Paritta Chanting, recited for protection as well as instilling confidence, is that a calming intonation and correct rhythm is required to appeal to beings in both higher and lower realms. All the Parittas invoke the great qualities of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha and Buddhists believe the combination of these “Three Jewels” brings great blessings to mankind.

Paritta Chanting has since become a well-known Buddhist practice all over the world. This practice has been further developed in certain Buddhist countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand where overnight Paritta Chanting is undertaken on auspicious occasions.

There are three groups of discourses in Paritta Chanting. They are Reverential, Aid seeking and Blessing. These protective Suttas have been arranged in a particular order in the book of Catubhanavara Pali. There are four Bhanavaras (collection of 8,000 letters) as follows:

The first Bhanavara has sixteen suttasThe second Bhanavara has five suttasThe third Bhanavara has half of Atanatiya suttaThe fourth Bhanavara has other half of Atanatiya suttaThere are seven additional suttas.

Buddhist commentarial definitions for some familiar Parittas are as follows:

“Maha tejavantataya samantato sattanam bhayam upaddavam upasaggam ca tayati rakkhatiti parittam” - that which protects people from fears and dangers

“Parisamantato tayati rakkhatiti parittam” - that which offers all round protection“Antarayam pariharantam tayatiti parittam” - that which guards persons who take risks“Paritova sabbupaddavato tayatiti parittam” - that which defends people against all dangers “Etena sacca vajjena sotti to hotu sabbada” - by the firm determination of this Truth, may you ever be well

While Paritta Chanting is an important Buddhist practice, its efficacy can be affected by Kamma hindrances, defilements and a lack of faith. What will enhance the benefits of Paritta Chants is the power of Sila or virtue and a virtuous life, the starting point in Buddhism.


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Our Senior Religious Adviser

We are very happy to announce during Kathina Ceremony on 27th October 2019 that Ven. Prof. Dr. Ittademaliye Indasara Mahāthera has kindly accepted our invitation to be our Senior Religious Adviser.

Bhante Indasara is the Chief Incumbent of Sri Sambuddhaloka Viharaya at Lotus Road, Colombo-1, Sri Lanka. A former Vice Chancellor and Senior Professor at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, Bhante Indasara received his B.A. Honours degree from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka and MA & PHD from the University of Delhi, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Colombo. He was a visiting professor at Ateneo de Manila University, Philippine in 2018.

Known to Ti-Sarana members and devotees, Bhante Indasara was one of our resident monks from 1996 to 1997. Bhante Indasara was also a Resident Monk of Mangala Vihara (Buddhist Temple) from 2005 to 2008 until he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka in October 2008.

Thank you Bhante Indasara for accepting our invitation!

Upcoming Activities at Ti-SaranaSpecial Overnight Blessing Service for the New Year 2020

To usher in the New Year, a Special Overnight Blessing Service will be held on 31st Dec. 2019, Tuesday at our Sturdee Road premises to invoke the blessings of the Triple Gem on all members, devotees and their families. May the New Year 2020 bring happiness, success, good health, peace and harmony to all!

The names of members and devotees who requested to be blessed will be read out before the commencement of the Overnight Blessing Service. Enclosed in this newsletter is the form “Special Blessings for 2020. Please submit your completed form to the Hon. Treasurer by 25th Dec. 2019.

Do join us for the Special Overnight Blessing Service and meditate on the Suttas and Parittas being chanted. May all your aspirations for a happy and peaceful 2020 be fulfilled!

Programme on Eve of New Year, 31st Dec. 2019 (Tuesday) 7.30 pm Vandanā and Pūjā

7.55 pm Gilānapaccaya for Mahāsangha8.10 pm Light refreshment for members and devotees8.30 pm Invitation to Mahāsangha to the Relic Chamber8.35 pm Invitation of the Sacred Buddha Relic and the Ola Leaf Manuscript to the Mandapa8.45 pm Reading the names of members and devotees for Special Blessing9.00 pm Ᾱradhanā - Invitation to Mahāsangha to commence the Special Overnight Blessing

Service9.05 pm Anusāsanā – Admonition9.20 pm Administration of Five Precepts9.25 pm Devārādhanā – Invitation to the Deities9.30 pm Overnight chanting of Suttas and Parittasto5.30 am 5.35 am Sharing of Merits with Devās and all sentient beings5.45 am Blessing for members and devotees by Mahāsangha


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Saṅghika Dāna on New Year’s Day, 1st Jan 2020, Wednesday

We will be offering Saṅghika Dāna (breakfast and lunch) to the Mahāsangha on New Year’s Day. Please come to offer Dāna to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Venerables for conducting the Special Overnight Blessing Service for us and also to receive blessings from them.

Programme on New Year’s Day, 1st Jan. 2020, Wednesday 7.00 am Vandanā and Buddha Pūjā 7.30 am Dāna (breakfast) for Mahāsangha

11.00 am Vandanā and Buddha Pūjā11.25 am Saṅghika Dāna for Mahāsangha11.40 am Vegetarian lunch for members and devotees

7.30 pm Vandanā and Pūjā 7.55 pm Gilānapaccaya for Venerables

Ven. I. Indarasa Mahāthera, Ven. W. Ratanasiri Mahāthera, Ven. R. Ᾱnanda Thera andThe Management Committee wish all Members and Devotees

A Very Blessed, Peaceful and Happy New Year 2020!

Be A Part Of Our New Dhamma Book

In our previous newsletter we announced the launch of a new book to commemorate the life of our previous Chief Religious Adviser, the late Bhante Gnanarama (1931 – 2019).

We have since set up a corner at our premises for members and devotees to browse books on Buddhism. The aim is to find and extract a quotation linked to “The Four Noble Truths” and “The Noble Eightfold Path” that interests you. Submit that quotation and sponsor a page in memory of our late Bhante Gnanarama. We look forward to receiving your contribution.

This new book will be divided into 12 chapters corresponding to the 12 months of a year. Each month will feature a key teaching of the Buddha as follows:-

January The First Noble TruthFebruary The Second Noble TruthMarch The Third Noble TruthApril The Fourth Noble TruthMay Right UnderstandingJune Right ThoughtJuly Right SpeechAugust Right ActionSeptember Right LivelihoodOctober Right EffortNovember Right MindfulnessDecember Right Concentration


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Recent Activities at Ti-Sarana100th Day Memorial Service of our late Chief Religious Adviser, Ven. Dr. P. Gñānārāma Anu-Nāyaka Mahāthera

We like to express our thank you to all the Venerables from various Buddhist organizations who kindly accepted our invitation to the Memorial Service on 11th September 2019.

Our thank you too to the Venerables who came from Sri Lanka to attend the Memorial Service: Ven. A. Ᾱnanda Nāyaka Mahāthera, Ven. W. Gnanobhasa Mahāthera, Ven. B. Wimalabuddhi Mahāthera, Ven. G. Dhammarathana Mahāthera and Ven. W. Anoma Thera (Chief Disciple of our late Bhante Gnanarama).

Our grateful thanks to Ven. Phramaha Dr. Wiñyoo Mahāthera from Dhamma Wisdom Centre and to Ven. K. Rathanasara Thera of Dhammakami Buddhist Society who gave the Memorial Sermon during our Evening Vandanā and Pūjā.

Abhidhamma Day ObservanceThis special day 13th October 2019 was marked by chanting of the Abhidhamma Suttas, sharing of merits with all sentient beings and concluded with a meditation practice.


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Kaṭhina & Robe Offering Ceremony on 27th October 2019We like to express our appreciation to all the Venerables who participated in our Kaṭhina/Vassāvāsika Robe Offering Ceremony. It was a very meaningful Kaṭhina Celebration for Ti-Sarana Dhamma Community. We are very grateful to Bhante Prof. Dr. I. Indasara Mahāthera, Chief Incumbent of Sri Sambuddhaloka Viharaya, Sri Lanka, who conferred Buddhist names on those who wish to have one. Bhante Indasara came immediately to Singapore after his Temple’s Kathina ceremony on 26th October 2019.

Note of ThanksThe Management Committee would like to thank all members and devotees for their support and participation in Ti-Sarana’s activities during the year. Our deep appreciation to all:

• Bhantes for their guidance and patience in imparting the Teachings of the Buddha to us;• Sunday Dhamma teachers and administrative members for their dedication and commitment;• Sunday Dāna chefs and their spouses who prepare Dāna for Bhantes and lunch for members and

devotees on Sundays and at all our religious events with much mettā; &• Speakers for delivering their thought provoking Dhamma Talks on Sundays and during Vassana.

We look forward to your continued support and participation in 2020.


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Activities of the Sunday Dhamma Classes

Resumption of Sunday Dhamma ClassesClasses for children will resume on 5th January 2020 (Sun.) from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon. All are welcome to bring their children/grandchildren to attend the Dhamma Classes. We look forward to your presence.

The Sunday Dhamma Classes held an Examination Blessings on 8th September 2019 to instil confidence and encourage the children to prepare for their year-end school examinations.

Children’s Day was celebrated on 15th September 2019 with a guided walk at the Fort Canning Park.


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2019 @ TI-SARANA BUDDHIST ASSOCIATIONMONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY28 29 30 31 01 02 03

1. Daily Pūjā2. Meditation

1. Daily Pūjā 1. Daily Pūjā2. Dhamma Talk

04 05 06 07 08 09 101. Daily Pūjā 1. Daily Pūjā

2. Pagoda Lamps of Blessing

1. Daily Pūjā 1. Daily Pūjā 1. Daily Pūjā2. Meditation


11 12 13 14 15 16 171. Poya Pūjā 1. Daily Pūjā








25 26 27 28 29 30 011. Daily Pūjā 1. Poya Pūjā



1. Daily Pūjā

02 03

2019 @ TI-SARANA BUDDHIST ASSOCIATIONMONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY25 26 27 28 29 30 01

1. Daily Pūjā2. Meditation






09 10 11 12 13 14 151. Daily Pūjā 1. Poya Pūjā










1. Daily Pūjā 1. Poya Pūjā 1. Daily Pūjā 1. Daily Pūjā 1. Daily Pūjā

30 311. Daily Pūjā 1. Daily Pūjā


November

Notes:

December

Notes:Daily Pūjā - 11 am from Monday to Saturday. 10.30 am on Sunday New Moon

7.30 pm from Monday to Friday. 6.30 pm from Saturday to Sunday Pagoda Lamps of Blessing - 8 pm Meditation - 8 pmSunday Classes - 10.00 am to 12.00 noon Dhamma Talk - 11.30 am to 12.30 pm Full Moon

Notes:Daily Pūjā - 11 am from Monday to Saturday. 10.30 am on Sunday New Moon

7.30 pm from Monday to Friday. 6.30 pm from Saturday to Sunday Pagoda Lamps of Blessing - 8 pm Meditation - 8 pmSunday Classes - 10.00 am to 12.00 noon Dhamma Talk - 11.30 am to 12.30 pm Full Moon


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Upcoming Sunday Dhamma Talks / Activities

03 Nov

Activity: TV Screening

Organiser: Ti-Sarana Buddhist Association

11 : 30 am

10 Nov

Topic: Short Dhamma Talk (Spiritual Friends)

Speaker: Bhante Sunitha

11 : 00 am

17 Nov

Speaker: Sis. Ng Lay Hoon

11 : 30 am

24 Nov

Topic: Mind Our Language

Speaker: Dr. Ang Beng Choo

11 :30 am

01 Dec

Activity: TV Screening

Organiser: Ti-Sarana Buddhist Assoication

11 : 30 am

08 Dec

Topic: The Influence of Buddhism on Japanese Culture

Speaker: Sis. Bhagya Jean Lau

11 : 30 am

15 Dec

Topic: Buddhist Perspective of Miracles

Speaker: Bhante Sumana 11 : 00 am

22 Dec

Activity: Preparation for Overnight Chanting

Organiser: Ti-Sarana Buddhist Association

10 : 30 am

29 Dec

Activity: Preparation for Overnight Chanting

Organiser: Ti-Sarana Buddhist Association 10 : 30 am

Topic: Inspiration from the Lotus Flower

significance of paritta chanting in buddhism · the third bhanavara has half of atanatiya sutta the...

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