Different types of Discourse

There are several paritta verses that are identified as such within the Pali canon. Reverential: Most parittas are praising the Buddha or more broadly, the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha), of these parittas one of the best known is the Ratanasutta where for instance it states in part.

Whatever treasure there be either here or in the world beyond, whatever precious jewel there be in the heavenly world, there is nought comparable to the Tathagata (the perfect one). This precious jewel is the Buddha. By this (asseveration of the) truth may there be happiness.

In the book of the questions of King Milinda (1st century A.D.) a list of six Parittas is mentioned viz., Ratana, Khandha, Mora, Dhajagga, Atanatiya and Angulimala Parittas. The sanction of their utility is there made questionable. The dilemma is -The Parittas were promulgated by the Glorious Lord Buddha. Now if a man may not escape death, the Paritta is futile; if the paritta saves him it is not true anymore that one cannot escape death.

As a matter of fact, The Paritta Suttas for example had been prescribed by the Glorious Lord Buddha in the vinaya texts–as a watch, a guard, a protection for one’s self for the use for the Monastic order.

In general rule, the chanted formula consists of a profession of love towards all creatures, and prayer for the welfare of all beings. This specific profession of amity is no mere matter of pretty speech. It is highly imbued with physical and emotional powers.

The assertion of Truth (saccakiriya) is also another aspect of the work ascribed to the paritta-suttas. The fact that Truth protects the devotee. Recital of these Paritta Suttas, indeed, is a form of assertion of truth which generates the power of protection and saving.

It is quite natural to clutch at any conceivable means that may avail to save, especially at the time of vital peril. Thus the Paritta is still prevalent in Myanmar as a cry for help in the hours of disaster, or sickness or difficulty.