BUDDHIST PALI CHANTING: Blessing at Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage during Lockdown

During covid lockdown, the three monks resident at Dhammagiri for the Vassa ('Rains-Retreat') chant a Buddhist Blessing. The recitation is in Pali, the language spoken by the Buddha himself, as recorded in the oldest part of the Pali Canon.Ajahn Dhammasīha, Ajahn Moneyyo and Ven Buddhisāro express their 'anumodana' ('rejoicing') with the offerings of food and requisites they have received. They recite the traditional verses of sharing the good karma of the donors with departed relatives. Several verses are recited expressing the beneficial, wholesome results of good actions like generosity, kindness, faith and devotion, which lead to a good rebirth, and will bring us happiness for a long, long time.Additionally, the monks include the 'Bojjhanga-Paritta' for dispelling all sickness and disease; and the short version of 'Āṭānāṭiya-Paritta' invocing the last seven Buddha's to defeat any negative influence from malevolent spirits or demons.Finally, they express their blessings to everyone and wish them to be safe, protected by Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, and by all 'devas' ('angels'/'deities'), so that eveyone can enjoy good health, strength, long life, prosperity, success and happiness!Below is an English translation of the first part of the chanting, and of the very last verses at the end:(Translating everything would be too lengthy)As all the water in the streamsis flowing to the boundless sea,Just likewise all your offeringsare flowing to the spirit world.And all you wish for and desireshall soon and safely be attained;May wholesome wishes be fulfilledjust like the moon at full-moon nightjust like a jewel sparkling bright.May all distress come to an end,may all desease be quickly healed,May all your problems be resolved,may you live long and happily.When someone's always honouringthe elders worthy of respect,Then they will grow in these four thingslong life, strength, beauty, happiness.Those who give others life and strengthand beauty and intelligence,Who wisely give for happiness,receive great happiness themselves.Those who have given life and strength,and beauty and intelligence;They will enjoy long life and famewherever they will be reborn.(...May you be blessed in every wayall angels shall protect you well;And by the Buddha's/Dhamma's/Sangha's mighty powermay you be safe forevermore. www.dhammagiri.org.auwww.facebook.com/dhammagiri-forest-hermitagewww.youtube.com/channel/UCJINt0JJBfFm_x0FZcU9QJwwww.tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archive.