Abstract

A critical study of the Catu-Bhanavara-Pali The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali opens with the saranagamana (taking refuge with the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha). Dasasikkhapada (the ten precepts) dvattimsakara (meditation on the 32 types of bodily impurities). And the paccavekkhana (introspection on the use of the four requisites). Then the suttas begin; the first one being; the Dasadhamma sutta, which contain the ten virtues which should be often recollected and practiced by Buddhist monks. After this they invoke the blessings with asseveration.

Mahamangala, Ratana. and karaniyametta which in turn are followed in sequence by the khandhaparitta (cultivation of loving-kindness to wards snakes). The mettanisamsa (on the benefits of friendship and loyalty), the Mora paritta (a short verse said to have been recited a peacock to secure protection by parising the sun god. the Arahants. and the Buddhas). These are followed by the candaparitta and the suriyaparitta which are connected with the virtues of the Buddha and to relic of affliction that comer from Rahu (elipse) by paying homage to and reflecting on the Buddha. Next are the Dhajagga sutta (the crest of banner). Which embodies the noble qualities of the triple Gem and is a specific remedy against fear. The three Bojjhanga-suttas, recited by Cunda to the Buddha then by Buddha to Mahakassapa, and by the Buddha to Mahamaggallana, respectively, on the occasion of illness. These contain the seven factors of enlightenment. Then there is the Girimananda-sutta, which contains a list of different ailments and constitutes a meditation on the impurity of the body taught by the Buddha to Ananda for the benefit of Girimananda who was grievously sick, the Isigili-sutta (an enumeration of paccekabuddhas), in the third Bhanavara discuss about Dhammacakka-pavattana-sutta, Mahasamaya-sutta, Alavaka sutta. Kasibharadvaja-sutta, Parabhava-sutta. Vasala-sutta. Sacca-Vibhanga-sutta and the Atanatiya-sutta which was approved by the Buddha on the recommendation of four guardian deities for protection from men. Thus pirith is now regarded as a safeguard against fear and malady, in Theravada Buddhism. This chanting Pali suttas is also carried out for every body.

Actually the recital of catu-bhanavara might include the music therapy or the use of other benefits. Music as a theory to cure various maladies is very much popular in recent times as all over the world. Some suttas from Sutta pitaka were to be looked upon where it provides on psychoneurological explanation and may be integrated with other factors for the purpose of analyzing these benefits of chanting and music. The Dhamma bears a soft comer in every human being and it is connected directly to our mind and body. Thus, the recital of the entire catu-bhanavara pali text gives paritrana or protection to the concerned people warding off evils and by bringing good luck.