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Q-04: I am writing an article about “Paritta Chanting.” Last year I learned the chanting practice of Sri Lanka. Now can you kindly talk about chanting practice of other Theravada countries?

All the best,

Sylwia Gil

A-04:  Now we can tell you something about Myanmar chanting practice. In Myanmar, paritta recitation is performed throughout the country for the purpose of protection, good health and wealth. Chanting practice in Myanmar is particularly significant on Myanmar New Year Day. This is also for the same purpose of protection, health and wealth. Additionally, on New Year Day, a special kammavaca is recited to drive out evil spirits. This kammavaca is not from the Tipitaka like other kammavacas used by monks who perform their vinaya acts. This is a scholarly composition of ancient monks. In this case paritta and kammavaca are recited by monks, and typically include the Mangala Sutta, Metta Sutta, Ratana Sutta, Vatta Sutta and the attributes of the Three Gems.

Parittas are also recited by monks during all religious ceremonies. On such occasions, the Metta Sutta and attributes of the Three Gems are usually recited. Lay people often invite monks to recite parittas at their social celebrations like a wedding or the occupation of a new house. Many monks and many lay people recite paritta on a daily basis.  In Myanmar a compilation of 11 suttas selected from the Tipitaka are well known as The Great Parittas (Pa-yeik-kyi), and the Pali suttas are learned by young monastic boys and novices aged about ten, by heart.

Paritta thread, usually made from sewing thread and paritta water and paritta sand are prepared on New Year recitations and new house blessings. On other occasions they are rarely prepared. For protection, the thread is put around the house, and some children wear the thread around their wrists and neck and the paritta water is sprinkled and the paritta sand spread throughout the house.

This may not be good enough information for you now. If you have any further questions related to this subject, feel free to raise it with us.

With Metta,

Ashin Acara

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Dhamma Questions are answered by Bhante U Cittara, resident monk of Mangala Vihara, and his assistant monks. Questions and comments on given answers are welcome. Send your questions and comments to resident_monk@mangalavihara.org.sg.