Theravada Buddhism: The View of the Elders

Appendix 1 A Sample of Basic Theravada Liturgy (Vandana and Puja)

Appendix 1 A Sample of Basic Theravada Liturgy (Vandana and Puja) [Paying homage] Homage to Him, the Blessed One, the Exalted One, the Fully Enlightened One [uttered three times]. [Taking refuge] I go to the Buddha as my refuge. I go to the Dhamma as my refuge. I go to the Sangha as my refuge. For the second time, I go to the Buddha as my refuge. . . . Dhamma . . . Sangha . . . For the third time, I go to the Buddha as my refuge. . . . Dhamma . . . Sangha . . . [Observing the Five Precepts] I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from destroying life. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from taking what is not given. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from sexual misconduct. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from false speech. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from spirituous drinks, malt liquors, and wines, foundation for heedlessness. [Salutation to the Buddha] Such, indeed, is that Blessed One, Exalted, Fully Enlightened, Endowed with knowledge and virtue, Auspicious, Knower of worlds, Guide incomparable for the training of individuals, Teacher of gods and men, Enlightened, and Blessed. 156 Appendix 1 [Salutation to the Dhamma] Well-expounded is the Dhamma by the Blessed One, to be selfrealized , with immediate fruit, to be but approached to be seen, capable of being entered upon, to be attained by the wise, each for oneself. [Salutation to the Sangha] Of good conduct is the Order of the Disciples of the Blessed One, of upright conduct is . . . , of wise conduct is . . . , of dutiful conduct is the Order of the Disciples of the Blessed One. This Order of the Disciples of the Blessed One—namely, these four pairs of persons, the eight kinds of individuals—is worthy of offerings, is worthy of hospitality, is worthy of gifts, is worthy of reverential salutation, is an incomparable field of merit of the world. [Salutation to the three sacred objects] I salute every Cetiya that may stand in any place, the bodily relic, the Great Bodhi (Tree), and all images of the Buddha. [Salutation to the Bodhi (Tree)] Seated at whose base, the Teacher overcame all foes, attaining omniscience, even that Bodhi Tree do I adore. Those great trees of Enlightenment, reverenced by the Lord of the world—I too shall salute you! May there be homage to you, O, majestic Bodhi! [Offering of flowers to the Buddha] This arrangement of flowers, fresh-hued, odorous, and choice, I offer to the sacred lotus-like feet of the Noble Sage. With diverse flowers, I adore the Buddha; and through this merit may there be release. Even as these flowers must fade, so does my body march to a state of destruction. [Offering of lamps (light)] With light burning brightly destroying darkness, I adore the Appendix 1 157 Enlightened One, the light of the three worlds, who dispels darkness. [Offering of perfume] The Well-gone One, with splendid face, with the good perfume of infinite virtues, I adore with fragrant perfume. [Offering of water, medicine, and food] Let the Venerable Sir accept this water humbly offered by us. Out of compassion for us let the Great One accept (this). Let the Venerable Sir accept this medicine humbly offered by us. Out of compassion for us let the Great One accept (this). Let the Venerable Sir accept this food humbly offered by us. Out of compassion for us let the Great One accept (this). [Transference of merits to the departed] Let this merit accrue to our relatives, and may they be happy [usually uttered three times]. [Transference of merits to divine beings] May all divine beings share this fortune of merit, which we have thus accumulated, for the acquisition of all good fortunes [usually uttered three times]. [Wish] On account of this meritorious deed may I never have association with the unwise; may I always have the association of the wise until I attain nirvana! Let this meritorious deed bring about the exhaustion of influxes [uttered three times]! Let (myself ) be free from all suffering! [Forgiveness] If by deed, speech, or thought, heedlessly I have done anything wrong, forgive me, O Venerable Sir, Greatly Wise, Thus-gone One [uttered three times]! 158 Appendix 1 [Listed here are the most basic forms of paying homage to the Triple Gem and making offerings to the Buddha used daily by Theravada Buddhists. But very often the liturgy is elaborated with many additions...