Learning Paritta - CANDA PARITTA [ Protection ] in English

Learning to recite the verses of CANDA PARITTA [THE MOON DEITY'S PRAYER FOR PROTECTION] in English.
(In Indian cosmology the major planets are regarded as deities or Gods.
This view, at times, extends to the common parlance of today, e.g.
"rain god", "sun god", etc. The Buddha was not disposed to comment on these views, and so he contented himself with merely expressing the message of the Dhamma through the medium of these views.)

Thus have I heard:-
On one occasion the Blessed One was living near Savatthi, at Jetavana at Anathapindika's monastery. At that time Candima, the moon deity, was seized by Rahu, Lord of Asuras. Thereupon calling to mind the Blessed One, Candima, the moon deity, recited this stanza:-
1. "O Buddha, the Hero, thou art wholly free from all evil. My adoration to thee. I have fallen into distress. Be thou my refuge."
Thereupon the Blessed One addressed a stanza to Rahu, Lord of Asuras,
on behalf of Candima, thus:
2. "O Rahu, Candima has gone for refuge to the Tathagata, the Consummate One. Release Candima. The Buddha radiates compassion
on the world (of beings)."

Thereupon Rahu, Lord of Asuras, released Candima, the deity, and immediately came to the presence of Vepacitta, Lord of Asuras, and stood beside him trembling with fear and with hair standing on end. Then Vepacitta addressed Rahu in this stanza.
3. "Rahu. Why did you suddenly release Candima? Why have you come trembling, and why are you standing here terrified?"
4. "I have spoken to by the Buddha in a stanza (requesting me to release Candima). If I had not released Candima my head would have split into seven pieces. While yet I live, I should have had no happiness. (Therefore, I released Candima)."
~ Paritta from "The Book of Protection" by the late Most Venerable Piyadassi Maha Thera.

Sakka, King of the Gods, asked the Buddha:-
"Sir, do different religious teachers teach the same thing and pursue the same goal?"
"No, Ruler of the Gods, they do not.
And why?
This world is made up of many and various elements, and people adhere to one or another of these elements, and become tenaciously addicted to them, saying:-
"This alone is true, all else is false."
Therefore, all those religious teachers
do not teach the same Dhamma, practice
the same discipline, desire the same thing
or pursue the same goal." ~ Dig.II: 282

By the virtue of paritta, may all beings be well, happy and peaceful.

Sabbadanam dhammadanam jinati
"The Gift of Dhamma excels all gifts" - Buddha

(No copyrights intended - "The only and universal copyright holder of the material herein is The Supreme Buddha. The eternal truths that emanated from the Supremely Enlightened tongue of the Buddha do not recognize any ephemeral copyright requirements stipulated by mere worldlings". - Most Venerable Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero).

Category:

Education

Tags:

• paritta
• protection
• refuge
• Moon
• deity
• recital
• chanting
• planets
• elements
• cosmology
• stars
• sun
• ancient
• courage
• determination
• steadfastness
• composure
• mindfulness
• mind
• consciousness
• virtue
• morality
• light
• life
• wisdom
• insight
• enlightenment
• bliss
• peace
• happiness
• sorrow
• grief
• freedom
• learning
• education
• beings
• supreme
• teachings
• goals
• achievement
• craving
• desire
• passion
• goodwill
• love
• compassion
• heart
• calm
• equanimity
• knowledge
• understanding
• tolerance
• patience
• unity
• venerable
• Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda