The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
by Moumita Dutta Banik | 2017 | 50,922 words
This study deals with the Catu-Bhanavara-Pali, (lit. “Text of the Four Recitals”) which in Buddhism is popularly known as “The Book of Protection”. This text, in the Pali language, represents a recital of the Dhamma meant for protection and deliverance from evil and sorrows as well as promoting welfare and well-being. The spreading time of Catubhan...
(14) Candaparitta-sutta
The next sutta is Candaparitta.[1] —Canda–A head man (gamani) of savatthi. He came to see the Buddha at Jetavana and asked him why some people earned the reputation of being wrathful and others of being kindly. The Buddha explained that the one man gives way to passion, resentment and illusion; therefore, others harass him; he shows vexation and comes to be called wrathful. The other shows opposite qualities and is called kindly (surata). The commentary says that the name Canda was given to the gamani by the Elders who compiled the text.
Introduction of canda paritta–
[Moon deity’s prayer for protection.]
On One Occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at the monastery of Anathapindika in the grave of prince Jeta near shravasti. The Moon deity was seized by Rahu. On that occasion the moon deity contemplated on the virtues of the Blessed One and recited and prayed.
To Lord Buddha, the Energetic One. That he had freed himself from all passions but the Moonlight had fallen into difficulty and prayed to come to his rescue.
On that Occasion The Blessed one addressed the Noble Asura-Rahu on behalf of the Moon deity. The moon deity had taken refuge in the passionless one The Buddha who was compassionate towards all living beings therefore he should release the Moon deity. Thereupon the Noble Asura-Rahu released the Moon deity and ran swiftly to the Asura king vepacitti and with agitated mind and with body hair erected and stood by his side.
There upon the Asura king vepacitti addressed the Noble Asura-Rahu and asked why he had released the moon hastily and why he had been confused and agitated. There upon Asura-Rahu replied to vepacitti that he had heard two stanzas uttered by Lord Buddha and if he did not listen to Lord Buddha and kept the moon deity without releasing, his head would have been blasted into seven parts. Then Rahu released the moon deity.
If there is a deep trust in the divine grace a total surrender to the divine will, an integral adhesion to the divine plan which includes not only all beings but also celestial objects. Then surely all difficulties that seemed so unsurmountable, they fall of by themselves.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
S. i. 50.