Buddhist Funeral Service – Pali Version with English Translation

By Bhante Sumitta |

 

VANDANĀ – Homage

Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā sambuddhassa

Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā sambuddhassa

Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā sambuddhassa

Homage to Him, the Blessed One, the Exalted One, the Fully Enlightened One! ///

TI-SARAṆA – Three Refuges

Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi

Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi

Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi

Dutiyampi buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi

Dutiyampi dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi

Dutiyampi saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi

Tatiyampi buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi

Tatiyampi dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi

Tatiyampi saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi

I go to the Buddha as my refuge.

I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.

I go to the Sangha as my refuge.

For the second time, I go to the Buddha as my refuge.

For the second time, I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.

For the second time, I go to the Saṅgha as my refuge.

For the third time, I go to the Buddha as my refuge.

For the third time, I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.

For the third time, I go to the Sangha as my refuge.

PAÑCA SĪLA – Five Precepts

Pānātipātā veramaṇi sikkhā padaṃ samādiyāmi

Adinnādānā veramaṇi sikkhā padaṃ samādiyāmi

Kāmesu micchācārā veramaṇi sikkhā padaṃ samādiyāmi

Musāvādā veramaṇi sikkhā padaṃ samādiyāmi

Surā meraya majja pamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇi sikkhā padaṃ samādiyāmi

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from killing living beings.

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from taking things not given.

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from sexual misconduct.

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from false speech.

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from distilled and fermented

liquor (drinks and drugs) that causes intoxication or heedlessness.

BUDDHA VANDANĀ – Homage to the Buddha

Iti’pi so bhagavā, arahaṃ,

Sammā sambuddho,

Vijjā caraṇa sampanno,

Sugato, lokavidū,

Anuttaro purisa damma sārathī,

Satthā deva manussānaṃ,

Buddho, bhagavā’ti.

Such indeed is the Blessed One, exalted, omniscient, endowed with knowledge and virtues. Well-gone, Knower of the worlds, an Incomparable Charioteer for the training of individuals.Teacher of gods and men, Enlightened and Holy.

DHAMMA VANDANĀ – Homage to the Dhamma

Svākkhāto bhagavatā dhammo

Sandiṭṭhiko akāliko

Ehi-passiko opanayiko

Paccattaṃ veditabbo viññūhi’ti.

Well expounded is the Dhamma by the Blessed One,

visible here and now; not delayed in time,

inviting one to come and see; onward leading to Nibbana

to be attained by the wise, each for himself.

SAṄGHA VANDANĀ – Homage to the Saṅgha

Supaṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka saṅgho

Uju paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka saṅgho

Ñāya paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka saṅgho

Sāmīci paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka saṅgho

Yadidaṃ cattāri purisa yugāni aṭṭha purisa puggalā

Esa bhagavato sāvaka saṅgho

Āhuneyyo pāhuneyyo

Dakkhiṇeyyo añjali karaṇīyo

Anuttaraṃ puññakkhettaṃ lokassā’ti.

Of good conduct is the Order of the Disciples of the Blessed One.

Of upright conduct is the Order of the Disciples of the Blessed One.

Of wise conduct is the Order of the Disciples of the Blessed One.

Of dutiful conduct is the Order of the Disciples of the Blessed One.

That is to say: the Four Pairs of Persons, the Eight Kinds of

Individuals, this community (Saṅgha) of the Blessed One;s disciples

is worthy of gifts, is worthy of hospitality,

is worthy of offerings, is worthy of reverential salutation,

is an incomparable field of merit for the world.

Saccakiriya – Asservation:

Etena sacca vajjena sotthi me /te hotu sabbadā

Etena sacca vajjena sotthi me/te hotu sabbadā

Etena sacca vajjena sotthi me/te hotu sabbadā

By the power of this truth, may all good be with me / you forever!

By the power of this truth, may all good be with me / you forever!

By the power of this truth, may all good be with me / you forever!

Note: in the asservation the Pali word ‘me’ is used to bless oneself while ‘te’ is used to bless others. 

CETIYA VANDANĀ – Salutation to the Shrine

Vandāmi cetiyaṃ sabbaṃ

Sabba ṭhāne supatiṭṭhitaṃ

Sārīrika dhātu mahā bodhiṃ

Buddha rūpaṃ sakalaṃ sadā

I salute every cetiya (pagoda),

that may stand in any place,

the bodily relics, the Great Bodhi,

and all images of the Buddha.

BODHI VANDANĀ – Salutation to the Bodhi Tree

Yassa mūle nisinno’va – Sabbāri vijayaṃ akā

Patto sabbaññutaṃ satthā – Vande taṃ bodhi-pādapaṃ

Seated at whose base, the Teacher overcame all foes,

attaining Omniscience, that very Bodhi tree do I venerate.

Ime ete mahā-bodhi – Lokanāthena pūjitā

Ahampi te namassāmi – Bodhi-rājā namatthu te

This great tree of Enlightenment, reverenced by the Lord of the world, I too shall salute you! May there be homage to you, O royal Bodhi!

DῙPA PŪJĀ – Offering of Light

Ghana sārappa dittena – Dīpena tamadhaṃsinā

Tilokadipaṃ sambuddhaṃ – pūjayāmi tamonudaṃ

With lights brightly shining,

Abolishing this gloom,

I adore the Enlightened One,

Who dispels the darkness (of ignorance).

DHŪPA PŪJĀ – Offering of Incense

Sugandhikāya vadanaṃ – Ananta guṇa gandhinā

Sugandhinā’haṃ gandhena – Pujayāmi tathāgataṃ

With perfumed incense,

Made from fragrant substances,

I honor the Exalted One, worthy of respect,

Who dispels the darkness (of ignorance).

PUPPHA PŪJĀ – Offering of Flowers – 1

Vanna gandha gunopetaṃ – Etaṃ kusuma santatiṃ

Pūjāymi munindassa – Sirī pāda saroruhe

This mass of flowers – Fresh hued, fragrant and choice,

I offer at the sacred lotus – Like feet of the noble sage.

PUPPHA PŪJĀ – Offering of flowers – 2

Pūjemi Buddhaṃ kusumena nena

Puññena etena labhāmi mokkhaṃ

Pupphaṃ milāyāti yathā idaṃ me

Kāyo tathā yāti vināsa bhāvaṃ

I offer thee, Lord Buddha, these flowers – May this virtue aid in my emancipation. Our bodies undergo decay – Even as these flowers must fade.

UDAKA PŪJĀ – Offering of Water

Adhivāsetu no bhante – Pāniyaṃ parikappitaṃ

Anukampaṃ upādāya – Patiganhātu muttama

O Lord! The Blessed One, May this water

Be kindly accepted by you, Out of great compassion for us.

BHESAJJA PŪJĀ – Offering of Medicinal Drinks

Adhivāsetu no bhante – Gilāna paccayaṃ imaṃ

Anukampaṃ upādāya – Patiganhātu muttama

O Lord! The Blessed One, Please accept these medicinal drinks

As an offering to thee, Out of great compassion for us.

SABBA PŪJĀ – Offering of All the Offerings

Adhivāsetu no bhante – Sabbaṃ saddhāya pujitaṃ

Anukampaṃ upādāya – Patiganhātu muttama

O Lord! The Blessed One, Please accept all these offerings

Piously offered to you, Out of great compassion for us.

KHAMĀYĀCANĀ – Forgiveness of Shortcomings

Kāyena vācā cittena – Pamādena mayā kataṃ

Accayaṃ khama me bhante – Bhūri pañña tathāgata

If by deeds, speech or thought heedlessly, I have done anything wrong, forgive me O Master! – O Teacher, Most Wise!

Kāyena vācā cittena – Pamādena mayā kataṃ

Accayaṃ khama me dhamma – Sandiṭṭhika akālika

If by deeds, speech or thought heedlessly, I have done anything wrong, forgive me O Doctrine! Of which the beneficial result would be visible here and now, and the beneficial effects would not be delayed!

Kāyena vācā cittena – Pamādena mayā kataṃ

Accayaṃ khama me saṅgha – Supaṭipanna anuttara

If by deeds, speech or thought heedlessly, I have done anything wrong, forgive me O Saṅgha! Who is of good conduct, and incomparable.

ANUMODANĀ 1 – Transferring Merits to Devas and Other Beings

Ettāvatā ca amhehi – Sambhataṃ puñña sampadaṃ

Sabbe devā anumodantu – Sabba sampatti siddhiyā

May all the celestial beings share this merit, which we have thus acquired! May it contribute greatly to their happiness!

Ettavatā ca amhehi – Sambhataṃ puñña sampadaṃ

Sabbe bhūtā anumodantu – Sabba sampatti siddhiyā

May all the spirit beings share this merit, which we have thus acquired! May it contribute greatly to their happiness!

Ettavatā ca amhehi – Sambhataṃ puñña sampadaṃ

Sabbe sattā anumodantu – Sabba sampatti siddhiyā

May all the other beings share this merit, which we have thus acquired! May it contribute greatly to their happiness!

Ākāsaṭṭhā ca bhummaṭṭhā

Devā nāgā mahiddhikā

Puññaṃ taṃ anumoditvā

Ciraṃ rakkhantu lokasasanaṃ

May all beings inhabiting space and earth, Devas and Nāgās of mighty power, share this merit and may they long protect the dispensation!

Ākāsaṭṭhā ca bhummaṭṭhā

Devā nāgā mahiddhikā

Puññaṃ taṃ anumoditvā

Ciraṃ rakkhantu dhamma desanaṃ

May all beings inhabiting space and earth, Devas and Nagas of mighty power, share this merit and may they long protect the dispensation!

Ākāsaṭṭhā ca bhummaṭṭhā

Devā nāgā mahiddhikā

Puññaṃ taṃ anumoditvā

Ciraṃ rakkhantu maṃ paraṃ/ tvaṃ sadā.

May all beings inhabiting space and earth, Devas and Nagas of mighty power, share this merit and may they long protect the dispensation!

ANUMODANĀ 2 – Transferring Merits to the Departed Relatives

Idaṃ me ñātinaṃ hotu – Sukhitā hontu ñātayo.

Idaṃ me ñātinaṃ hotu – Sukhitā hontu ñātayo.

Idaṃ me ñātinaṃ hotu – Sukhitā hontu ñātayo.

Let this (merit) accrue to our relatives, and may they be well and happy!

SUHAMITTA PATTHANĀ – Aspiration for Spiritual Friends

Iminā puñña kammena – Mā me bāla samāgamo

Sataṃ samāgamo hotu – Yāva nibbāna pattiyā.

By the grace of this merit that I have acquired, May I never follow the evil friends; But only the good and spiritual friends until I attain the final goal-Nibbana.

NIBBĀNA PATTHANĀ – Aspiration for Nibbana

Idaṃ me puññaṃ – Āsavakkhayā vahaṃ hotu.

Idaṃ me puññaṃ – Āsavakkhayā vahaṃ hotu.

Idaṃ me puññaṃ – Āsavakkhayā vahaṃ hotu.

May this merit lead me to the cessation of all defilements!

sabba dukkhā pamuñcatu

sabba bhayā pamuñcatu

sabba rogā pamuñcatu

May you be delivered from all sufferings!

May you be delivered from all fears!

May you be delivered from all diseases!

Karaṇīya Mettā Sutta – The Discourse on Loving-Kindness – (KN 1.9)

Karaṇīyamattha-kusalena, yantaṃ santaṃ padaṃ abhisamecca

This is what should be done by one who is adept in what is beneficial, and who has 

understood the peaceful path:

 

Sakko ujū ca sūjū ca, suvaco cassa mudu anatimāni

One is to be competent, straightforward, upright, easily admonished, gentle, and humble;

 

Santussako ca subharo ca, appakicco sa sallahukavutti

Content and easy to support, with few duties and a minimalist lifestyle;

 

Santindriyo ca nipako ca, appagabbho kulesu ananugiddho

Peaceful, prudent, and unobtrusive; not greedy when amidst families;

 

Na ca khuddhaṃ samācare kiñci, yena viññū pare upavadeyyuṃ

Not doing anything – no matter how minor – that the wise would criticize.

 

Sukhino vā khemino hontu, sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhitattā

Wishing, “May everyone be happy and safe! May all beings be happy within themselves!

 

Ye keci pāna bhūtatthi, tasā vā thāvarā vā anavasesā

Whatever living beings there are – without exception; whether weak or strong; 

 

Dīghā vā ye mahantā vā, majjhimā-rassakā anuka thūlā

Long, large, medium, or short; tiny or huge;

 

Diṭṭhā vā yeva adiṭṭhā, ye ca dūre vasanti avidūre

Seen or unseen; living far away or close by;

 

Bhūtā vā sambhavesī vā, sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhitattā

Whether they have come into being or are seeking a state of existence – 

May all beings be happy within themselves!

 

Na paro paraṃ nikubbetha, nātimaññetha katthaci naṃ kañci

May no one deceive another, or despise anyone anywhere;

 

Byārosanā paṭigha-saññā, nāññamaññassa dukkhamiccheyya

May no one, out of anger or aversion, wish for another to suffer”.

 

Mātā yathā niyaṃ puttaṃ, āyusā ekaputtamanurakkhe

Just as a mother would protect with her life her only child,

 

Evampi sabba bhūtesu, manasaṃ-bhavaye aparimānaṃ

In the same way, one should develop a boundless heart towards all beings.



Mettañca sabba lokasmiṃ, mānasaṃ-bhavaye aparimānaṃ

One should develop a boundless heart of loving-kindness towards the entire world – 

 

Uddhaṃ adho ca tiriyañ ca, asambādhaṃ averaṃ asapattaṃ

Above, below, and all around, unconstrained, without hostility or enmity.

 

Tiṭṭhañ-caraṃ nisinno vā, sayāno vā yāvatassa vigatamiddho

Whether standing, moving, sitting, or reclining, as long as one is not drowsy,

 

Etaṃ satiṃ adhiṭṭheyya, brahmametaṃ vihāraṃ idha-māhu

One should be mindfully dedicated to this. This is called a divine abiding.

 

Diṭṭhiñ ca anupagamma sīlavā, dassanena sampanno

Not adhering to opinions, a virtuous person has perfect awareness;

 

Kāmesu vineyya gedhaṃ, na hi jātu gabbha-seyyaṃ punaretī ti

Having removed obsession with sensuality, one does not return to birth in a womb.

Please Chant this after the chanting of the Sutta:

Saccakiriya – Asservation:

Etena sacca vajjena sotthi me /te hotu sabbadā

Etena sacca vajjena sotthi me/te hotu sabbadā

Etena sacca vajjena sotthi me/te hotu sabbadā

By the power of this truth, may all good be with me / you forever!

By the power of this truth, may all good be with me / you forever!

By the power of this truth, may all good be with me / you forever!

Note: in the asservation the Pali word ‘me’ is used to bless oneself while ‘te’ is used to bless others. 

Blessing

Sabbītiyo vivajjantu,

sabbarogo vinassatu,

mā te* bhavatvantarayo

sukhī dīghayukho bhava

May all misfortunes be avoided, may all sickness be healed,

may there be no dangers to you, may you live long and happily.

Bhavatu sabba maṅgalaṃ

rakkhantu sabba devatā

sabba Buddhānu bhāvena

sadā sotthi bhavantu te*

May all blessings be with you. May all devas protect you.

By the power of all the Buddhas, may you be well and happy.

Bhavatu sabba maṅgalaṃ

rakkhantu sabba devatā

sabba dhammānu bhāvena

sadā sotthi bhavantu te*

May all blessings be with you. May all devas protect you.

By the power of all the Dhamma, may you be well and happy.

Bhavatu sabba maṅgalaṃ

rakkhantu sabba devatā

sabba Saṅghānu bhāvena

sadā sotthi bhavantu te*

May all blessings be with you. May all devas protect you.

By the power of all the Sangha, may you be well and happy.

Nakkhatta yakkha bhūtanaṃ

pāpaggaha nivāraṇaṃ

parittassānu bhāvena

hantu tesaṃ upaddave

By the power of this protection, may you be free from all dangers arising from malign influences of the planets, demons and powerful spirits. May your misfortunes vanish.

Ākāsaṭṭhā ca bhummaṭṭhā

Devā nāgā mahiddhikā

Puññaṃ taṃ anumoditvā

Ciraṃ rakkhantu lokasasanaṃ

May all beings inhabiting space and earth, Devas and Nāgās of mighty power, share this merit and may they long protect the dispensation!

Ākāsaṭṭhā ca bhummaṭṭhā

Devā nāgā mahiddhikā

Puññaṃ taṃ anumoditvā

Ciraṃ rakkhantu dhamma desanaṃ

May all beings inhabiting space and earth, Devas and Nagas of mighty power, share this merit and may they long protect the doctrine!

Ākāsaṭṭhā ca bhummaṭṭhā

Devā nāgā mahiddhikā

Puññaṃ taṃ anumoditvā

Ciraṃ rakkhantu maṃ paraṃ/ tvaṃ sadā.

May all beings inhabiting space and earth, Devas and Nagas of mighty power, share this merit and may they long protect the me and others / you forever!

ANUMODANĀ 2 – Transferring Merits to the Departed Relatives

Idaṃ me ñātinaṃ hotu – Sukhitā hontu ñātayo.

Idaṃ me ñātinaṃ hotu – Sukhitā hontu ñātayo.

Idaṃ me ñātinaṃ hotu – Sukhitā hontu ñātayo.

Let this (merit) accrue to our relatives, and may they be well and happy!

SUHAMITTA PATTHANĀ – Aspiration for Spiritual Friends

Iminā puñña kammena – Mā me bāla samāgamo

Sataṃ samāgamo hotu – Yāva nibbāna pattiyā.

By the grace of this merit that I have acquired, May I never follow the evil friends; But only the good and spiritual friends until I attain the final goal-Nibbana.

NIBBĀNA PATTHANĀ – Aspiration for Nibbana

Idaṃ me puññaṃ – Āsavakkhayā vahaṃ hotu.

Idaṃ me puññaṃ – Āsavakkhayā vahaṃ hotu.

Idaṃ me puññaṃ – Āsavakkhayā vahaṃ hotu.

May this merit lead me to the cessation of all defilements!

sabba dukkhā pamuñcatu

sabba bhayā pamuñcatu

sabba rogā pamuñcatu

May you be delivered from all sufferings!

May you be delivered from all fears!

May you be delivered from all diseases!

Sādhu! Sādhu!! Sādhu!!!

 

 

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