Pirith

By B.M. Seneviratna Bandara

Pirith or Paritta provide protection and refuge of Triple Gem. The whole Three -pitakas themselves can be considered as Pirith. Suttas like Ratana are considered specially as Pirith.

Pirith is chanted in four quanta (Banawara). However, there are two subsequent additions of Sutta to be chanted as quanta.

The fifth quantum beings with Dhamma Chakkapavattana Sutta and the sixth quantum includes Suttas such as Jaya, Gini, Chakka and so on.

Pirith fall into three sequences: 1. Preached by the Buddha. E.g.: Ratana Sutta, 2. Approved by the Buddha. E.g.: Atanatiya Sutta and 3. Imitative. E.g.: Jaya Piritha.

Some doubt that certain Suttas such as Isigili Sutta, Atanatiya Sutta and so on have been absorbed by Pirith through Mahayanic influence.

Compleat factual force of Triple Gem is contained both in Pirith preached by the Buddha and in Pirith approved by the Buddha.

There can be a force even in Seevali charm which is supposed to have been completed in accordance with magic. The force of actual Buddhist Pirith tremendous. Even a drop of water or a twisted thread, which was subjected to the chant is a blessing to the beings.

When the duties of both the chanters and the hearers are duly fulfilled the highest effect which should be derived from Pirith is produced. In order to be effective, chanters should chant with correct pronunciation, loving kindness and meaning it, and the audience must also be with devotees.

As Pirith is a precious doctrine, it is good in every respect that it be chanted frequently by anyone.

Jaya Mangala Gathas and Suttas such as Mangala, Ratana and Karaniya and so on are called “Seth Pirith’. Only the Monks preach the Pirith called “Vath”. Pirith such as seven day, ninety hour, thirty hour (Sinhala) are typed according to duration.

Pirith beyond thirty hours duration are chanted with special rites such as vowing to God, planting a ‘Kap’, drumming and so on failure of which may cause disaster.

The Buddha preached Pirith Suttas on special reasons and on invitations.

Ratana Sutta was preached by the Buddha, to end fear of complaints, devils and famine in Vesali.

Chief Pirith Suttas are Ratna, Chanda, Dhajagga, Mara and Atanatiya.

By the chant of Pirith factual deeds are performed. In a disaster like an ailment or on a needy occasion, getting Pirith chanted is profitable.

Pirith are chanted both by Monks and laymen. There are provincial chanting differences also.

The Four Noble Truths embody, the Wheel of Norm.

(Dhamma Chakkapavattana Sutta). Sacca Vibhanga Sutta is the synopsis of Dhammachakkanapavattana Sutta. Parabhava and Wasala Suttas expound the downfall of man. A man can prosper by abstaining from those materials mentioned in the above two Suttas Mettanisansa Sutta points and results of friendship. Even today, Angulimala Sutta is chanted to facilitate delivery of children almost all the Stanzas in Ratana Sutta are Buddhist charms which can be utilised against devilish dread and planetary influence, and also for subduing of enemies and the rise of paddy harvest.

By chanting Pirith mental and physical distress can be alleviated disgrace and railing can be desisted on life’s span can be prolonged while he is under devilish disaster. E.g.: Prince Dighayu.