13. Moraparittaṁ
The Peacock’s Safeguard
Introductory Verses
Pūrento Bodhisambhāre nibbatto morayoninaṁ.
While fulfilling the conditions for Awakening he was born from a peahen’s womb.
Yena saṁvihitārakkhaṁ Mahāsattaṁ vane carā
As the Great Being was protected with (a safeguard) the forest dwellers
cirassaṁ vāyamantā pi, neva sakkhiṁsu gaṇhituṁ.
were unable to catch him, though they endeavoured for a long time.
“Brahmamantan”-ti akkhātaṁ, parittaṁ taṁ bhaṇāmahe.
It is declared to be “Brahma’s Charm”, we will recite that safeguard.
The Safeguard
“Udetayaṁ Cakkhumā ekarājā,
“That One who gives Vision, the sole king, comes up,
harissavaṇṇo paṭhavippabhāso,
he is golden coloured, he enlightens the earth,
taṁ taṁ namassāmi harissavaṇṇaṁ paṭhavippabhāsaṁ,
therefore I revere the golden coloured one, who enlightens the earth,
tayajja guttā viharemu divasaṁ. [01]
guarded by you today, we will live out the day.
Ye brāhmaṇā vedagū sabbadhamme
o I revere those brahmins who have true understanding
te me namo - te ca maṁ pālayantu!
of all things - may they keep watch over me!
Namatthu Buddhānaṁ! Namatthu Bodhiyā!
Revere the Buddhas! Revere Awakening!
Namo Vimuttānaṁ! Namo Vimuttiyā!” [02]
Reverence to the Free! Reverence to Freedom!”
Imaṁ so parittaṁ katvā moro carati esanā.
After making this safeguard the peacock roams about seeking (for food).
“Apetayaṁ Cakkhumā ekarājā,
“That One who gives Vision, the sole king, goes down,
harissavaṇṇo paṭhavippabhāso,
he is golden coloured, he enlightens the earth,
taṁ taṁ namassāmi harissavaṇṇaṁ paṭhavippabhāsaṁ,
therefore I revere the golden coloured one, who enlightens the earth,
tayajja guttā viharemu rattiṁ. [03]
guarded by you today, we will live out the night.
Ye brāhmaṇā vedagū sabbadhamme
o I revere those brahmins who have true understanding
te me namo - te ca maṁ pālayantu!
of all things - may they keep watch over me!
Namatthu Buddhānaṁ! Namatthu Bodhiyā!
Revere the Buddhas! Revere Awakening!
Namo Vimuttānaṁ! Namo Vimuttiyā!” [04]
Reverence to the Free! Reverence to Freedom!”
Imaṁ so parittaṁ katvā moro vāsam-akappayī ti.
After making this safeguard the peacock dwells on (without fear).