Taking Refuge

Ever wonder what the monks are saying, what language is used in ceremonies at the Wat, or at blessing ceremonies in people’s homes?  They are speaking in Pali, the ancient language spoken in Buddha’s time 2500 years ago.

This article will present the four taking refuge recitations in Pali and English translations used in almost all ceremonies, spoken by the lay to request the Dhamma teachings from the monastic.

Why learn Pali?  We learn Pali for many reasons, because of tradition, because it stirs our hearts, and also because it allows us to study the Buddha’s teachings, to analyze the text and meaning to understand for ourselves the Dhamma.

Paying Homage to the Buddha

This recitation can be said by itself at the beginning of any teachings.  It is said three times for tradition and for emphasis.  It can also be used as a meditation object, to repeat over and over.

(homage to the Buddha in Pali)

Namo tassa, bhagavato, arahato, samma sambuddhasa
Namo tassa, bhagavato, arahato, samma sambuddhasa
Namo tassa, bhagavato, arahato, samma sambuddhasa

(homage to the Buddha in English)

Homage to Him, the Blessed One, the Conqueror, the Supremely Enlightened One.
Homage to Him, the Blessed One, the Conqueror, the Supremely Enlightened One.
Homage to Him, the Blessed One, the Conqueror, the Supremely Enlightened One.

(*A Conqueror (arahant) is someone who tames the greatest enemy, the self.)

Requesting the Three Refuges and Five Precepts

The recitation called “ārādhanā tisaraṇapañcasīla” in Pali is called “Requesting the Three Refuges and Five Precepts” in English.  There are two versions, one to recite in a group, and the other when you are reciting alone.

(group request, in Pali)

mayaṁ bhante tisaranena saha pañcasīlāni yācāma
dutiyampi mayaṁ bhante tisaranena saha pañcasīlāni yācāma
tatiyampi mayaṁ bhante tisaranena saha pañcasīlāni yācāma

(group request, in English)

We, venerable sir, request the three refuges with the five precepts.
For the second time we, venerable sir, request the three refuges with the five precepts.
For the third time we, venerable sir, request the three refuges with the five precepts.

(individual request, in Pali)

ahaṁ bhante tisaranena saha pañcasīlāni yācāmi
dutiyampi ahaṁ bhante tisaranena saha pañcasīlāni yācāmi
tatiyampi ahaṁ bhante tisaranena saha pañcasīlāni yācāmi

(individual request, in English)

I, venerable sir, request the three refuges with the five precepts.
For the second time I, venerable sir, request the three refuges with the five precepts.
For the third time I, venerable sir, request the three refuges with the five precepts.

Requesting the Three Refuges

The third recitation is to request the three refuges: Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.  When your heart or mind is trembling, you can find peace by believing in the Buddha.  If not, then believe in the Dhamma, that is the Truth, moral law, and teachings of Buddha.  Still if that doesn’t work for you, then you can find peace by visiting the monastery, talking with the Venerables, and put your belief in the Sangha, the order of teaching mendicants founded by the Buddha.

(taking refuge is in Pali)

Buddham saranam gacchami
Dhammam saranam gacchami
Sangham saranam gacchami

Dutiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami
Dutiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami
Dutiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami

Tatiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami
Tatiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami
Tatiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami

(taking refuge is in English)

I go to the Buddha for refuge.
I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
I go to the Sangha for refuge.

For a second time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
For a second time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
For a second time, I go to the Sangha for refuge.

For a third time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
For a third time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
For a third time, I go to the Sangha for refuge.

Requesting the Five Precepts (Five Training Vows)

The final recitation is for requesting the five precepts, which are the five training vows a Buddhist makes to discipline one’s self.  Completing this vow, understanding the meaning, and trying to live accordingly is what separates a person who was born in a Buddhist family and knows nothing of the teachings, versus someone who embraces the teachings of Buddha, and thus is Buddhist in heart/mind.

(the Five Training Vows in Pali)

1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami

(the Five Training Vows in English)

1. I undertake the training to refrain from destroying living creatures.
2. I undertake the training to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. I undertake the training to refrain from sexual misconduct.
4. I undertake the training to refrain from incorrect speech.
5. I undertake the training to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.

Some people interpret these five precepts literally, strictly, and others more loosely.  For example, precept #5 can mean literally to stop drinking alcohol only.  Others interpret #5 more strictly, understanding the intention of Buddha’s teaching, which could be to avoid harming the self and others through taking of drugs that alters the mind.  Thus not just refraining from alcohol, but also non-liquid drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and even stop smoking cigarettes.

There are higher precepts that Buddhist may take, which are the Eight Precepts, the Ten Precepts, as well as the Vinaya training rules for ordained monastics and nuns.

Remember what’s important is not how you appear, but how you are in your heart/mind, how you intend to live your life as the Buddha taught.  There are other recitations, but at least you should know these four.

This entry was posted on April 13, 2010 at 6:40 pm and is filed under Recitations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.