Sīvalī Paritta
The Protective Chant of Sīvali
All Buddhas and Silent Buddhas aspire to perfections. We recite the Protective Chant extolling the virtues of Sīvali the Great Arahant. [Na Jaliti… is a mantra (a charm) which has to be used in its original form.]
A hundred-thousand aeons ago Buddha Padumuttara, who understood the reality of all phenomena, appeared.
Sīvali the great arahant became eminently suitable to receive all offerings and adorations. He was beloved of men and gods. He was a pleasant, great saint. He was beloved of the nāgās and the great winged beings. His organs were subdued. We worship him.
My mind was not at rest. It burnt with various fires. We worship him who received the offerings of gods and men. May all profits and benefits accrue to me.
My mother suffered seven days in labour pain, bearing pain and tears on a difficult birth, because of her love for me.
I attained Sainthood while my head was being shaven to ordain me a monk. Gods, Nāgās and humans offer me requisites.
I offered special gifts to the Buddha Padumuttara and Vipassi with great delight which lead to distinction.
As a result of that special act of merit I receive many requisites, whether I am in the forest, in the village, in the water or on land.
At that time I attended upon the Buddha, the Leader of the world, who was pleasantly disposed towards me. He had a great retinue of monks.
The Enlightened One took me to see Revata at Jetavana and placed me above others
On the day the Buddha approached Revata with a retinue of thirty-thousand monks, the Buddha who calms the mind of the whole world, stated this.
“O monks! Of my disciples, Sīvali is the greatest from the point of view of receiving gifts and requisites.” The Buddha extolled me this way, in the presence of the audience.
All my defilements were extinguished. The cycle of existence became totally exhausted. I live bereft of defilements, like an elephant who has shattered its shackles.
My visit to the Buddha was fruitful. I acquired the three forms of knowledge. I received the highest gains in the Dispensation of the Buddha.
I achieved the four forms of high awareness, the eight forms of liberation, and the six forms of advanced knowledge in the Dispensation of the Buddha.
Great Arahant Sīvali is a disciple of the Buddha. He is son of the Buddha. He is possessed of great power. He is a great hero.
Through the power of his moral strength and great merit of generosity, may Arahant Sīvali who is affluent and glorious, protect us always.
This way the Buddha, seated at the foot of the Bodhi Tree, vanquished death (Mara) will remain for an aeon. May Arahant Sīvali protect us.
My Great Arahant who, entered the Buddha’s dispensation, having fulfilled the ten perfections, is the son of Sakya Gotama.
There were eighty great disciples. Of the widest reputation Venerable Punna was the greatest. Of those who received requisites, Venerable Sīvali was the greatest.
The Buddha possesses virtues one cannot even think about. The greatness of the Buddha’s Dispensation is beyond thought. Those who are happy with what one cannot think about, will receive results beyond thought.
By the power of morality, patience and loving-kindness, may all suffering be eradicated and may you (I) be protected by the virtue of this Truth!
By the power of morality, patience and loving-kindness, may all suffering be eradicated and may you (I) be protected by the virtue of this Truth!
By the power of morality, patience and loving-kindness, may all suffering be eradicated and may you (I) be protected by the virtue of this Truth!