Pali For Lay People
Pali For Lay People
Pali For Lay People
LEARNING PĀḶI
“For Lay People”
Pāḷi Sikkha
Version 1.2
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Contents
Verb Suffix “ti” (ti-vibhatti) ..................................................................................................................... 4
Verb Suffix “anti”..................................................................................................................................... 4
Suffix “si” ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Subject + Object + Verb ........................................................................................................................... 5
Verb Suffix “ma” (ma-vibhatti) ................................................................................................................ 6
Only-Noun Sentences (Tulyattha-Liṅgattha) ........................................................................................... 6
Form-3 Nouns (Tatiyā Vibhatti) ............................................................................................................... 9
Form-4 Nouns (Catutthī Vibhatti) .......................................................................................................... 10
Form-5 Nouns (Pancamī Vibhatti) ......................................................................................................... 10
Form-6 Nouns (Chatthī Vibhatti) ........................................................................................................... 12
Form-7 Nouns (Sattamī Vibhatti) ........................................................................................................... 13
Verb-suffix “tu” (Pancamī Vibhatti) ...................................................................................................... 14
Verb-suffix “antu” (Pancamī Vibhatti) .................................................................................................. 15
Verb-suffix “hi” (Pancamī Vibhatti) ...................................................................................................... 16
Verb-suffix “tha” (Pancamī Vibhatti) .................................................................................................... 16
Verb-suffix “mi” (Pancamī Vibhatti) ..................................................................................................... 16
Verb-suffix “ma” (Pancamī Vibhatti)..................................................................................................... 16
Form-1: Singular Adjectives (Nama-visesana Pathama, Eka-vacana) .................................................. 16
Form-1: Plural Adjectives (Nama-visesana Pathama-vibhatti Bahu-vacana) ....................................... 17
Form-2: Singular Adjectives (Nama-visesana Dutiya Eka-vacana)....................................................... 17
Form-2: Plural Adjectives (Nama-visesana Dutiya Bahu-vacana) ........................................................ 18
Form 3-7: Adjectives (Nama-visesana Tatiya - Sattamī) ....................................................................... 18
Form-2: Adverb (Kriya-visesana) .......................................................................................................... 19
Future Tense ........................................................................................................................................... 19
“Tabba”, the Verbal Noun Suffix ........................................................................................................... 19
Asking for five precepts with three refuges ............................................................................................ 19
Sabbath Sīla (Uposatha-sīla) ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Nine-Precept Sīla (Navaṅga-sila) .............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Asking for Ten precept-sīla ....................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Ten precepts ............................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Ajiīva-ṭṭhamaka-sīla................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
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Suffix “si”
1. Vippamutto’si sabbadhi.
(You) have been freed (from kilesa) in all aspects.
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“brāhmaṇo” to mean Superior One, but always emphasized the fact that “superior” (Brāhmaṇo) must be defined by moral
purification but not by birth or by caste. In this sense, “Brāhmaṇo” here refers to an arahant, a person who is fully enlightened
and completely purified of all mental defilements.
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1. Saraṇa-gamanṃ paripuṇṇaṃ.
Refuge-approaching (is) complete.
2. Ārogyaṃ paramaṃ lābhaṃ.
Health (is) paramount gain.
3. Ārogya-paramā lābhā.
No-desease(health)-paramount (are) gains. [health is the best of all gains]
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4. A-ppamādo amata-padaṃ.
Un-forgetfulness (is) immortality-path
5. Dānaṃ sineha-bhesajjaṃ.
Giving (is) love-medicine.
6. Dānaṃ sabbattha-sādhakaṃ.
Giving (is) all-purpose-accomplisher.
7. Samaggānaṃ tapo sukho.
The united ones’ teamwork (is) bliss.
8. Sabbe sankhārā aniccā.
All the conditioned (are) impermanent.
9. Sabbe sankhārā dukkhā.
All the conditioned (are) suffering.
10. Sabbe sankhārā anattā.
All the dhammas (are) non-self. (dhammas=conditioned & unconditioned i.e. Nibbāna)
11. Nāma-rūpaṃ aniccaṃ dukkhaṃ anattā.
Mind-matter (is) impermanent, unsatisfactory and empty of soul.
12. Aniccā vata sankhārā.
Impermanent indeed (are) the conditioned!
13. (Itipi) so bhagavā arahaṃ.
(Thus) the Blessed One (is) the Worthy One. (thus=because of this reason)
14. (Itipi) so bhagavā sammā-sam-buddho.
(Thus) the Blessed One (is) the Fully-self-enlightened One.
15. (Itipi) so bhagavā vijjā-caraṇa-sampanno.
(Thus) the Blessed One (is) the Wisdom-practice-endowed One. [The Buddha is endowed with 3 or 6
kinds of wisdom (vijjā) and 15 practices (caraṇa).]
16. (Itipi) so bhagavā sugato.
(Thus) the Blessed One (is) the Well-goer or the Well-speaker. [“Well-goer” means he goes well as all
the previous Buddhas.]
17. (Itipi) so bhagavā loka-vidū.
(Thus) the Blessed One (is) the World-knower.
18. (Itipi) so bhagavā anuttaro purisadamma-sārathi.
(Thus) the Blessed One (is) the Superior Being-tamer. [Purisa-damma means “being-to-be-tamed”.]
19. (Itipi) so bhagavā satthā deva-manussāsaṃ.
(Thus) the Blessed One (is) the Teacher of the Heavenly-and-Humans.
20. (Itipi) so bhagavā buddho.
(Thus) the Blessed One (is) the Awakened One or the Enlightened One.
21. (Itipi) so bhagavā bhagavā.
(Thus) the Blessed One (is) the Blessed.
22. Dhammo sandiṭṭhiko (san-diṭṭha-iko)
Dhamma (is) Self-seeing-worthy (worth one’s own experience)
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There is not a condition, Monks, not a chance that separates the Buddha (tathāgata) from life due to
someone’s attempt. [By no means, Monks, can anyone make a successful attempt to assassinate the
Buddha.]
20. Dukkhā muccatha.
May (you) be free from suffering.
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“Dhaja-agga” literally means flag-top that here figuratively refer to the qualities of Triple Gem to recollect for us when
we feel frightened by something, like the flag-top to look up for soldiers in a battle field when they feel depressed or
scared. And “paritta” means a protective chanting.
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1. Sabbe sattā (pāṇā, bhūtā, puggalā, attabhāva-pariyāpannā3) averā hontu; abyāpajjā hontu; anīghā
hontu; sukhī attānaṃ pariharantu.
May all beings be unhated; be unstressed; be unhurt; be able to take care of themselves happily.
2. Sabbā itthiyo, sabbe purisā averā hontu; abyāpajjā hontu; anīghā hontu; sukhī attānaṃ
pariharantu.
May all women, all men be unhated; be unstressed; be unhurt; be able to take care of themselves
happily.
3. Sabbe ariyā (sabbe anariyā) averā hontu; abyāpajjā hontu; anīghā hontu; sukhī attānaṃ
pariharantu.
May all Noble Ones (all non-noble ones) be unhated; be unstressed; be unhurt; be able to take care of
themselves happily.
4. Sabbe devā, sabbe manussā, sabbe vinipātikā averā hontu. Abyāpajjā hontu. Anīghā hontu. Sukhī
attānaṃ pariharantu.
May all angels, all human beings, and all woeful beings be unhated; be unstressed; be unhurt; be able
to take care of themselves happily.
5. Rakhantu sabba-devatā.
May all the guardian angels protect (you).
6. Sāsanampi ca lokañca devā rakkhantu sabbadā.
May the guardian angels protect the sāsana and the world forever.
7. Sabbe sattā dukkhā muccantu.
May all beings be free from suffering.
8. Sabbe sattā yathā-laddha-sampatito mā vigacchantu.
May all beings not lose whatever gained prosperity.
9. Pajā sabbā sussayantu, vuṭṭahantu su-mangalaṃ,
dūsentu duggattiṃ gāmiṃ, pūrentu sabba-pāramiṃ.
May all beings sleep well, wake up blissfully,
Terminate woeful destiny4, fulfill all the pāramī5.
10. Sabbe pūrentu sankappā (cando pannaraso yathā).
May all wishes be fulfilled (like the 15th moon).
11. Sabbe bhayā upaddavā, anekā antarāyāpi vinassantu.
May all terrors, misfortunes and countless dangers cease.
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Pāṇa means those who breath; bhūtā those who are present; puggalā those who are individual persons; attabhāva-pariyāpannā
those who manifest by bodies. Actually, these are just synonyms referring to living beings in general. By using different words,
however, we can focus longer on beings when we send metta to them.
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“Woeful destiny” is the translation of duggatiṁ gāmiṁ, which literally means duggati-goer, referring to evil deeds that make
us go to woeful states (duggati).
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“Pāramī” is the wholesome qualities for us to fulfill until we attain nibbana. It is of ten kinds such as an act of generosity,
moral conduct, and so on.
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1. Taṃ vadetha.
Say that (repeat that)
2. Appamādena sampādetha.
With unforgetfulness, accomplish (three trainings)
3. Sukhitā hotha.
May (you) be happy.
4. Dukkhā muccatha.
May (you) be free from suffering.
5. Anuggahaṃ katvā sīlaṃ detha me bhante.
Honoring me, (please) give me sīla, sir.
1. Ahaṃ a-vero homi; a-byāpajjo homi; an-īgho homi; sukhī attānaṃ pariharāmi.
May I be unhated; be unstressed; be unhurt; be able to take care of myself happily.
1. Mayaṃ averā homa; abyāpajjā homa; anīghā homa; sukhī attānaṃ pariharāma.
May we be unhated; be unstressed; be unhurt; be able to take care of ourselves happily.
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1. Mettā-sagatena cetasā.
With metta-associated mind
2. Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā-sam-buddhassa.
Homage to the Blessed One who is worthy and fully-self-enlightened.
3. Namo sattannaṃ sammā-sam-buddhānaṃ.
Homage to seven Fully-self-enlightened Ones.
4. Pisuṇāya vācāya veramaṇi-sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
(I) undertake the precept refraining from the slander.
5. Pharusāya vācāya veramaṇi-sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
(I) undertake the precept refraining from the harsh speech.
6. Puratthimāya disāya (anudisāya) sabbe sattā averā hontu.
May all beings in the eastern (South-east) direction be unhated.
7. Pacchimāya disāya (anudisāya) sabbe sattā averā hontu.
May all beings in the western (North-west) direction be unhated.
8. Uttarāya disāya (anudisāya) sabbe sattā averā hontu.
May all beings in the northern (North-east) direction be unhated.
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Future Tense
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1. Ahaṃ bhante ti-saraṇena saha pañcasīlaṃ dhammaṃ yācāmi; Anuggahaṃ katvā sīlaṃ detha me
bhante.
I, Venerable Sir, beg for the five-precept dhamma with the Three Refuges. Honoring me, give me sīla,
sir.
2. Dutiyampi ahaṃ … - For the second time, I…..
3. Tatiyampi ahaṃ … - For the third time, I….
4. Yamahaṃ vadāmi, taṃ vadetha. - Whatever I say, (you) say that (Repeat after me).
5. Āma bhante. - Yes, sir
6. Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā-sam-buddhassa
Homage to the Blessed One who is worthy and fully-self-enlightened.
7. Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
The Buddha as refuge I approach. [I take refuge in the Buddha.]
8. dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi - The Dhamma as refuge I approach.
9. saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi. - The Sangha as refuge I approach.
10. Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī-sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I take the precept to refrain from killing.
11. Adinnādānā veramaṇī-sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I take the precept to refrain from taking what is not given.
12. Kāmesu micchācārā veramaṇī-sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I take the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.
13. Musāvādā veramaṇī-sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I take the precept to refrain from telling untruth.
14. Surā-meraya-majja-pamāda-ṭṭhānā veramaṇī-sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I take the precept to refrain from alcohol and drugs that are a condition for fuddle and forgetfulness.
15. Tisaraṇena saha pañca-sīlaṃ sādhukaṃ katvā appamādena sampādetha (sampādehi).
Fulfill the five-precept with three refuges undertaking it carefully with unforgetfulness.
(I) undertake the precept to refrain from putting down a being sooner.
8. Adinnādānā veramaṇī-sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
(I) undertake the precept to refrain from taking what is not given.
9. Abrahmacariyā veramaṇī-sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
(I) undertake the precept to refrain from ignoble conduct (sex)
10. Musāvādā veramaṇī-sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
(I) undertake the precept to refrain from false speech.
11. Surā-meraya-majja-pamāda-ṭṭhānā veramaṇī-sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
(I) undertake the precept to refrain from alcohol (surā) and drugs (meraya) that are a condition
(ṭhānā) for fuddle (majja) and forgetfulness (pamāda).
12. Vi-kāla-bhojanā veramaṇī-sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
(I) undertake the precept to refrain from improper-time-eating (vi-kāla-bhojanā).
13. Nacca gīta vādita visūkadassana, mālāgandha vilepana dhārana maṇḍana vibhūsanaṭṭhānā
veramaṇi-sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi.
14. Uccāsayana-mahāsayanā veramaṇi-sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi.
(I) undertake the rule of training to refrain from using high and luxurious seats or beds.
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(I) undertake the precept to refrain from alcohol (surā) and drugs (meraya) that are a condition
(ṭhānā) for fuddle (majja) and forgetfulness (pamāda).
12. 6. Vi-kāla-bhojanā veramaṇī-sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
(I) undertake the precept to refrain from improper-time-eating (vi-kāla-bhojanā).
13. 7. Nacca gīta vādita visūkadassana, mālāgandha vilepana dhārana maṇḍana vibhūsanaṭṭhānā
veramaṇi-sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi.
(I) undertake the rule of training to refrain from dancing, singing, music, shows, using garlands,
perfumes, cosmetics, adornments and ornaments.
14. 8. Uccāsayana-mahāsayanā veramaṇi-sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi.
(I) undertake the rule of training to refrain from using high and luxurious seats or beds.
15. 9. Yathā-balaṃ mettāsahagatena cetasā sabbāvantaṃ lokaṃ pharitvā viharāmi.
To my best, (I) will dwell (will spend my time) spreading all over the world with metta-associated
mind.
1. Ahaṃ bhante ti-saraṇena saha dasa-gahaṭṭha-sīlaṃ dhammaṃ yācāmi; anuggahaṃ katvā sīlaṃ detha
me bhante.
(I) ask for ten-precept-lay-sīla dhamma with Three Refuges; Honoring me, (please) give me sīla, sir.
2. Dutiyampi ahaṃ … - For the second time, I…..
3. Tatiyampi ahaṃ … - For the third time, I….
4. Yamahaṃ vadāmi, taṃ vadetha. - Whatever I say, (you) say that (Repeat after me).
5. Āma bhante. - Yes, sir
6. Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā-sam-buddhassa
Homage to that Blessed One who is worthy and fully-self-enlightened.
7. Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
The Buddha as refuge I approach. [I take refuge in the Buddha.]
8. Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi - The Dhamma as refuge I approach.
9. Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi. - The Sangha as refuge I approach.
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(I) take the precept to refrain from alcohol and drugs that are a condition for fuddle and
forgetfulness.
1. Ahaṃ bhante tisaraṇena saha ājīv’aṭṭhamaka-sīlaṃ dhammaṃ yācāmi, anuggahaṃ katvā sīlaṃ detha
me bhante.
I, Venerable Sir, ask for the livelihood-as-the-eighth-sīla dhamma with Three Refuges; Honoring me,
(please) give me sīla, sir.
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Buddha's Qualities
Dhamma’s Qualities
Sangha’s Qualities
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This order of the Buddha’s disciples who are four man-pairs or eight man-individuals (is):
6. Āhuneyyo - Āhuna-worthy. [“Āhuna” is a gift brought from far away]
7. Pāhuneyyo - Pāhuna-worthy. [“Pāhuna” is a gift prepared for an honorable guest]
8. Dakkhiṇeyyo - Dakkhiṇa-worthy. [“Dakkhiṇa” is the gift donated to a holy person for the sake of
one’s dead beloved.]
9. Añjalikaraṇīyo - Añjalikaraṇa-worthy. [“Añjalikaraṇa” is the respectful hand-gesture. It is to put
two hands face to face on one’s forehead or chest.]
10. Anuttaraṃ puññakkhettaṃ lokassa - The unsurpassable merit-field on earth.
Chanting
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[JR] -- Ahaṁ bhante sabbā āppatiyo āvikaromi - Ven. sir, I would like to confess all my offences.
(āppatiyo=offence; āvikaromi=I confess)
[Sr] -- Sādhu āvuso sādhu sādhu - Very well , Friend, very well, very well.
[JR] -- Ahaṁ bhante sambahulā nanavatthukā sabbā āppatiyo āpajjim. Tā tumha-mūle patidesemi - Ven.
sir, I have committed many offences of different bases. I confess those offenses in your presence.
(sambahulā=many; nanavatthukā=different bases; āpajjim=I committed; tumha=you; patidesemi- I
confess)
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[Sr] – Āyatim āvuso samvareyyāsi – Friend, you should restrain yourself in the future. (Āyatim=in the
future; samvareyyāsi=you should restrain)
[JR] -- Sādhu sutthu bhante samvarissāmi - Very well, I shall carefully restrain myself , Ven. Sir.
[Sr] -- Sādhu āvuso sādhu sādhu - Very well friend, very well, very well.
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