The Buddhist Hour

Script No. 385

Broadcast live on Hillside 88.0 FM

on Sunday 12 June 2005CE   2549 Buddhist Era

This script is entitled:

Puja for Ryan Halls; What can be done to help increase health and long life

The merit made by this program is dedicated to Ryan Halls for his well-being and happiness. We wish for his operation to be successful. We wish for him to have good health and to live in the Dharma.

In the Buddhist Tradition, we generate powerful merit by stating truth asseverations, and then dedicate the merit towards whatever aim we wish to achieve.

There are prayers known as Parittas and Pujas that are specifically designed to remove obstacles to bring a person's good karma forward and for the neccessary conditions to ripen in the present.

This is the proccess behind the prayers we will make for Ryan Halls.

Ryan was born with a congenital deformity of his heart and has had open heart surgery at 8 days old, 3 years old, and now, 12 years old. The last operation was on Friday, the 9th of June 2005, at the Royal Children's Hospital, in Melbourne. His mother, Evelin Halls, continues her vigilant nuturing and care around the clock. May Evelin be well and happy.

The doctors advised that it will take 7 days for his heart to recover from the operation, and during this time he is in intensive care. We will perform a daily Puja for Ryan Halls and dedicate the merit to his healthy recovery.

On today's program, we will perform one such Puja, and earnestly wish for Ryan's recovery.

We being now by making salutations to the Buddha.

NAMO TASSA BHAGAVATO ARAHATO SAMMASAMBUDDHASA

NAMO TASSA BHAGAVATO ARAHATO SAMMASAMBUDDHASA

NAMO TASSA BHAGAVATO ARAHATO SAMMASAMBUDDHASA

By these truths may Ryan Halls recover from this heart operation to live a happy  and healthy life in the Dharma.

Now, we will ask for the assistance of a great Buddhist saint, named Padmasambhava. Padmasambhava is accredited for establishing the holy Dharma in Tibet, and is considered a great healer by Buddhist practicioners. By chanting his mantra, we will call him to assist Ryan return to good health.

OM AH HUM VAJRA GURU PADMA SIDDHI HUM

OM AH HUM VAJRA GURU PADMA SIDDHI HUM

OM AH HUM VAJRA GURU PADMA SIDDHI HUM

OM AH HUM VAJRA GURU PADMA SIDDHI HUM

OM AH HUM VAJRA GURU PADMA SIDDHI HUM

OM AH HUM VAJRA GURU PADMA SIDDHI HUM

OM AH HUM VAJRA GURU PADMA SIDDHI HUM

In the Buddhist Tradition, it is said that there are many Buddhas from all across the universe.  One such Buddha, named Medicine Buddha, has made a vow to help any beings that are sick or injured recover from their afflictions. By chanting his mantra now, we request him to come and help Ryan Halls. We visualise that we are chanting this Mantra next to Ryan so that he may hear the Medicine Buddha's name.

OM. NAMO BHAGAVATI. BHAISAIJYA GURU VAITUREYA PRABHA RAJAYA. TATHAGATAYA ARHATI SAMYAKSAMBUDDHAYA. TADYATHA. OM. BHAISAIJYI. BHAISAIJYI. BHAISAIJYA. SAMUDGATI. SVAHA.

OM. NAMO BHAGAVATI. BHAISAIJYA GURU VAITUREYA PRABHA RAJAYA. TATHAGATAYA ARHATI SAMYAKSAMBUDDHAYA. TADYATHA. OM. BHAISAIJYI. BHAISAIJYI. BHAISAIJYA. SAMUDGATI. SVAHA.

OM. NAMO BHAGAVATI. BHAISAIJYA GURU VAITUREYA PRABHA RAJAYA. TATHAGATAYA ARHATI SAMYAKSAMBUDDHAYA. TADYATHA. OM. BHAISAIJYI. BHAISAIJYI. BHAISAIJYA. SAMUDGATI. SVAHA.

By the power of this chanting may Ryan Halls recover from his heart operation.

Now, we will chant a series of Parritas, verses on protection, to remove obstacles to Ryan's health. We make statements of truths, and then, by the power of these truths, request Ryan to be well and happy. At the end of each Paritta, we will make a dedication to Ryan Halls, for his healthy recovery.

Passages on the Recollection of the Three Treasures

ITI PI SO BHAGAVA       

ARAHAM SAMMA SAMBUDDHO      

VIJJA-CARANA SAMPANO       

SUGATO, LOKA-VIDU        

ANUTTARO                    

PURISADHAMMA SARATHI        

SATTHA DEVAMANUSSANAM

BUDDHO BHAGAVA TI

SVAKKHATO BHAGAVATO DHAMMO      

SANDITTHIKO                   

AKALIKO                         

EHIPASSIKO

OPANAIKO                    

PACCATTAM VEDITABBO VINNUHI TI 

SUPATIPANNO BHAGAVATO SAVAKA SANGHO   

UJUPATIPANNO BHAGAVATO SAVAKA SANGHO   

NAYAPATIPANNO BHAGAVATO SAVAKA SANGHO   

SAMICIPATIPANNO

YADIDAM CATTARIPURISA YUGANI    ATTHAPURISA.

AHUNEYYO PAHUNEYYO DAKKHINEYYO        

ANJALIKARANIYO ANUTTARAM                  

PUNNAKKHETTAM LOKASSATI

By the power of these truth asseverations, may Ryan Halls recover from this heart operation and live a happy and healthy life in the Dharma.

The Verses on Reverence Making For Success

The Seeing One who has removed delusion's stain

By himself a Buddha, a Sugata, One Freed

He has freed from the snares of Mara, the Evil One

Multitudes who could be led to security

To the Buddha, highest excellence, my head I bow down

Protector and leader of the world

By this power may you be triumphantly successful

And all dangers, may they be destroyed!

The Dhamma, that is like the teacher's banner

Showing to the world the Path of Purity

Leading out of Samsara, upholding the Dhamma holder

Well practiced, conduces to happiness, to making peace.

To the Dhamma, highest excellence, my head I bow down,

Cleaver of delusion, calmer of fiery passion:

By this power may you be triumphantly successful

And all dangers, may they be destroyed!

The army of true Dhamma following the Sugata is

Victor in the world over evil and defilement

Calmed by themselves, at peace and fetterless

Having known in themselves the well expounded Dhamma

To the Sangha, highest excellence, my head I bow down

Enlightened after the Buddha, of the same virtue and view

By this power may you be triumphantly successful

And all dangers, may they be destroyed!

By the power of these truth asseverations, may Ryan Halls recover from this heart operation and live a happy and healthy life in the Dharma.

Verses on the Asseverations of Truth

For me there is no other refuge

The Buddha truly is my refuge

By the speaking of this truth

Ever may you be in safety

For me there is no other refuge

The Dhamma truly is my refuge

By the speaking of this truth

Ever may you bein safety

For me there is no other refuge

The Sangha truly is my refuge

By the speaking of this truth

Ever may you be in safety

By the power of these truth asseverations, may Ryan Halls recover from this heart operation and live a happy and healthy life in the Dharma.

Verses on the Lord of Compassion

The Lord greatly compassionate

for the benefit of all living beings

having fulfilled all the perfections

attained by himself the highest Bodhi

By the speaking of this truth

may all obstacles cease to be!

The Lord greatly compassionate

for the welfare of all living beings

having fulfilled all the perfections

attained by himself the highest Bodhi

By the speaking of this truth

may all obstacles cease to be!

The Lord greatly compassionate

for the happiness of all living beings

having fulfilled all the perfections

attained by himself the highest Bodhi

By the speaking of this truth

may all obstacles cease to be!

By the power of these truth asseverations, may Ryan Halls recover from this heart operation and live a happy and healthy life in the Dharma.

The Protection of the Six Verses on Treasure

The riches of this world and of the next

and all the precious things the heavens may hold

none can compare with the Tathagata:

In the Buddha's found this treasure rare,

by virute of this truth may bliss abound

The waning out of lust, the Deathless, rare

the Sakyan Sage in concentration found.

Naught with that state can aught compare

In the Dhamma's found this treasure rare;

by virtue of this truth may bliss abound

The Buddha, most high, prasied purity

and callied it 'concentration straight resulting'

naught with this concentration can compare

In the Dhamma's found this treaure rare

by virtue of this truth may bliss abound

Those persons Eight whom all the sages praise

make up four pairs - worthy of offerings

are they the followers of the Sugata

and offerings made them bear abundant fruits

In the Sangha's found this treasure rare

by virute of this truth may bliss abound

Whoso, desireless, have applied themselves

firm-minded to the Lore of Gotama

their goal attained, they to the Deathless plunged

and freely enjoy the Coolness that they've gained

In the Sangha's found this treasure rare

by virute of this truth may bliss abound

Consumed the old, the new no more gives being

their minds desireth now no future birth

the seed consumed, they've no more zeal for growth,

extinguished are those wise ones as this lamp

In the Sangha's found this treasure rare

by virute of this turth may bliss abound.

By the power of these truth asseverations, may Ryan Halls recover from this heart operation and live a happy and healthy life in the Dharma.

The Enlightenment-Factors' Protection

The Enlightenment factors are reckoned:

mindfulness, then ivestigation of Dhammas

effort, joy, tranquility.

the enlightenment factors are thus further;

collectedness, equanimity enlightenment factors

These seven which the All-seeing Muni

has taught perfectly

developed and frequently practised

bring about the super-knowledges,

Nibbana and Enlightenment:

By the speaking of this truth

ever in safety may you be

At one time the Lord saw Phra Moggallana and Phra Kassapa

suffering from fever.

He pointed out the seven enlightenment factors

And they, overjoyed, were

at that moment free of disease:

By the speaking of this truth

ever in safety may you be

Once, when the King of Dhamma

was affliceted by fever

(He asked) Phra Cunda Thera on this matter

that he should speak affectionately.

And then, having rejoiced

He arose from that disease's condition:

By the speaking of this truth

ever in safety may you be.

Those diseases were gotten rid of

by those three great Sages,

as the Path destroys defilements,

attainment according with the nature of Dhamma:

By the speaking of this truth

ever in safety may you be

By the power of these truth asseverations, may Ryan Halls recover from this heart operation and live a happy and healthy life in the Dharma.

The Victory Protection

The Lord greatly compassionate

for the welfare of all living beings

having fulfilled all the perfections

attained by himself the highest Bodhi:

by the speaking of this truth,

may you be blessed with victory.

Victorious at the Bodhi-tree's root

He who increased delight for the Sakyas,

thus may victory be yours

may you win the blessing of victory.

In the undefeated posture

upon the exalted holy place

having the consecration of all the Buddhas

he rejoices in the best attainment.

Lucky stars, lucky blessings

a lucky dawn, a lucky sacrifice,

a lucky instant, a lucky moment (when) well-given

(are things) to brahmacaris, (when) bodily kamma is righteous,

and righteous is verbal kamma,

(when) mental kamma is righteous,

righteous are their aspirations

These righteousnesses having been done one gains the goal by righteousness.

May he gain benefits and happiness

and grow in the Buddha Sasana,

without disease and happy  may he be

together with all his relatives

May she gain benefits and happiness

and grow in the Buddha Sasana,

without disease and happy  may she be

together with all her relatives.

May they gain benefits and happiness

and grow in the Buddha Sasana,

without disease and happy  may they be

together with all their relatives.

Having revered the Buddha-treasure,

truly the best of medicines,

welfare for devas and men,

By the Buddha's might may safety be,

may all distress be destroyed

and all your dukkha be stilled.

Having revered the Dhamma-treasure,

truly the best of medicines,

calmer of fevered passions,

by the Dhamma's might may safety  be,

may all distress be destroyed

and all your fears be stilled.

Having revered the Sangha-treasure,

truly the best of medicines,

worthy of gifts and hospitality,

by the Sangha's might may safety be,

may all distress be destroyed and all your ills be stilled.

For me there is no other refuge, etc

whatever treasure there is in the world

divers (kinds) found here and there,

no treasure is there to equal the Buddha-

therefore may there be safety for you.

Whatever treasure there is in the world

divers (kinds) found here and there,

no treasure is there to equal the Dhamma-

therefore may there be safety for you.

Whatever treasure there is in the world

divers (kinds) found here and there,

no treasure is there to equal the Sangha-

therefore may there be safety for you.

By the power of these truth asseverations, may Ryan Halls recover from this heart operation and live a happy and healthy life in the Dharma.

The Fearlessness Protection

Whatever unlucky signs and inauspiciousness,

and the sound of birds which is not

pleasing *

Evil planets, bad dreams, undesired;

by the Buddha's power may they be

destroyed.

Whatever unlucky signs and inauspiciousness,

and the sound of birds which is not pleasing,

Evil planets, bad dreams, undesired;

by the Dhamma's power may they  be

destroyed.

Whatever unlucky signs and inauspiciousness,

and the sound of birds which is not pleasing,

Evil planets, bad dreams, undesired;

by the Sangha's power may they be destroyed.

By the power of these truth asseverations, may Ryan Halls recover from this heart operation and live a happy and healthy life in the Dharma.

The Verses on the Buddha's Wholesome Victories

Creating a form-thousand-armed, each with a

weapon,

Mara on the elephant of Girimekhala roared

frightfully with his soldiers.

The Lord of Munis conquered him by means

of Dhamma-giving and so on:

by the power of this may you be of wholesome

victories.

More than Mara making war all night

was the frightfulness of Alavaka the Yakkha,

impatient and arrogant.

The Lord of Munis conquered him by means of

well taming with patience:

by the power of this may you be of wholesome

victories.

The noble elephant Nalagiri became quite mad,

very cruel, like a forest fire, wheel-weapon

or a thunderbolt.

The Lord of Munis conquered him by means

of sprinkling the water of loving kindness:

by the power of this may you be of wholesome

victories.

Very cruel, with a sword upraised in his expert

hand,

running three leagues along the path he was,

Garlanded-with-fingers.

The Lord of Munis conquered him with a mind

performing marvels:

by the power of this may you be of wholesome

victories.

Having made her belly like a pregnant

woman (by tying on) a piece of wood

Cinca spoke lewdly in the midst of the people.

The Lord of Munis conquered her by fair and

peaceful means:

by the power of this may you be of wholesome

victories.

Saccaka, whose speach habitually departed

from the truth,

raised up, like a flag, his theory with a mind

become completely blind.

The Lord of Munis conquered him by wisdom's

shining lamp:

by the power of this may you be of wholesome

victories.

Nandopananda the serpent of wrong understanding

 but great power,

the (Buddha's) son, the Elder (Moggallana)

serpent-like set out to tame.

The Lord of Munis conquered him by means

 of a demonstration of power:

by the power of this may you be of wholesome

victories.

Like a serpent well coiled about the arms

were the wrongly grasped views

of the Brahma-god named Baka of pure light

and power.

The Lord of Munis conquered him by means

of the medicine of knowledge:

by the power of this may you be of wholesome

victories.

These are the eight verses of the Buddha's

wholesome victories

which should be chanted and recollected

every day without laziness

(so that) being rid of the many kinds of

obstacles

the man of wisdom can attain Liberation

and happiness.

* Note in English the expression, 'bird of ill-omen'.

By the power of these truth asseverations, may Ryan Halls recover from this heart operation and live a happy and healthy life in the Dharma.

Prajna Paramita Hrdaya Sutra

Avaloskitesvara Bodhisattva while contemplating profoundly the Prajna Paramita.

Realised that the five Skandhas are empty, and thus he was able to overcome all sufferings.

Sariputra, form is  not different from Emptiness, Emptiness is not different from form,

Form is in fact Emptiness, Emptiness is in fact form.

the same is of feeling, conception, impulse and consciousness.

Sariputra, Emptiness is the nature of all Dhamma's.

It can neither be created nor annihilated, polluted nor cleansed, increased nor decreased.

Therefore, in Emptiness there is no form, no feeling, conception, inpulse or consciousness;

no eye, ear, nose, tounge, body or mind; no form, sound, smell, taste, touch or conception:

no object of eye to the realm of consciouness;

no ignorance, nor it's extinction; no ageing and no death, nor their cessation;

no suffering, causes, cessation, nor the path; no wisdom with nothing to attain.

As there is nothing to attain, a Bodhisattva that relies on the Prajna Paramita has niether worry

 nor obstruction.

Without and obstruction, there is no fear

away from confusion, daydreaming, and thus reaches Nirvana,

Buddha's of the past, present and future, also rely on the Prajna Paramita,

to attain Sumpreme Enlightenment.

Thus, one should know that Prajna Paramita is the great mantra,

the mantra of illumination, the supreme of all mantras,

It is un-eqaulled and able to emancipate all sufferings.

This is true and not false. Thus proclaim, the Prajna Paramita Mantra,

saying thus, "Gate. Gate, Paragate, Parsamgate, Bodhi svaha".

By the power of these truth asseverations, may Ryan Halls recover from this heart operation and live a happy and healthy life in the Dharma.

May all parents who are caring for their sick children be well and happy.

May all who are in pain, have no pain. May all those in grief, have no grief. May all those in sorrow, have no sorrow.

May all beings be well and happy.

May you be well and happy.

May I be well and happy.

This script was written and prepared by Julian Bamford, Frank Carter, Leanne Eames, Anita M. Hughes, Anthony Knox, Alec Sloman, and Lainie Smallwood.

References

Pali Chanting with translations; Mahamakut Rajavidyalaya Press 1983

Heart Sutra; Master Ru Sun, Yun Yang Temple

Medicine Buddha Puja Chanting Sheets; John D. Hughes Collection

Document Statistics.

Word count: 3176