Selections of Theravada Buddhism Pali Chant Translations, Part 2 of 2

Today, we will continue with some translations of selected Theravada Buddhism Pali Chants which are recited by both monastic and lay practitioners in everyday life.

The Buddha’s Words on Loving-Kindness “Let none deceive another Or despise any being in any state. Let none through anger or ill-will Wish harm upon another. Even as a mother protects with her life Her child, her only child, So, with a boundless heart, Should one cherish all living beings, Radiating kindness over the entire world: Spreading upwards to the skies And downwards to the depths, Outwards and unbounded, Freed from hatred and ill-will.

Reflection on Universal Well Being “[May I abide in well-being,] In freedom from affliction, In freedom from hostility, In freedom from ill-will, In freedom from anxiety, And may I maintain well-being in myself. May everyone abide in well-being, In freedom from hostility, In freedom from ill-will, In freedom from anxiety, and may they Maintain well-being in themselves. May all beings be released from all suffering. And may they not be parted from the good fortune they have attained.”

Suffusion with the Divine Abidings “[Now let us make the Four Boundless Qualities shine forth.] [I will abide] pervading one quarter with a heart imbued with loving-kindness; Likewise the second, likewise the third, likewise the fourth; So, above and below, around and everywhere; and to all as to myself. I will abide pervading the all-encompassing world with a heart imbued with loving-kindness; abundant, exalted, immeasurable, without hostility, and without ill-will.”

The Highest Blessings “‘Avoiding those of foolish ways, Associating with the wise, And honouring those worthy of honour. These are the highest blessings. Living in places of suitable kinds, With the fruits of past good deeds And guided by the rightful way. These are the highest blessings. Accomplished in learning and craftsman’s skills, With discipline, highly trained, And speech that is true and pleasant to hear. These are the highest blessings. Providing for mother and father’s support And cherishing family, And ways of work that harm no being, These are the highest blessings. Generosity and a righteous life, Offering help to relatives and kin, And acting in ways that leave no blame. These are the highest blessings.’”