Every day at mealtime, after the almsoffering, the monks at Dhammagiri chant a Buddhist Blessing. The recitation is in Pali, the language spoken by the Buddha himself, as recorded in the oldest part of the Pali Canon.

With the blessing, Ajahn Dhammasīha, Ajahn Moneyyo and Ven Buddhisāro express their 'anumodana' ('rejoicing') with the offerings of food and requisites they have received. They recite the traditional verses of sharing the good karma of the donors with departed relatives. Several verses are recited expressing the beneficial, wholesome results of good actions like generosity, kindness, faith and devotion, which lead to a good rebirth, and will bring us happiness for a long, long time.

Additionally, the monks include the 'Bojjhanga-Paritta' for dispelling all sickness and disease; and the short version of 'Āṭānāṭiya-Paritta' invocing the last seven Buddha's to defeat any negative influence from malevolent spirits or demons.

Finally, they express their blessings to everyone and wish them to be safe, protected by Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, and by all 'devas' ('angels'/'deities'), so that eveyone can enjoy good health, strength, long life, prosperity, success and happiness!

Below is an English translation of the first part of the chanting, and of the very last verses at the end (translating everything would be too lengthy):

As all the water in the streams

is flowing to the boundless sea,

Just likewise all your offerings

are flowing to the spirit world.

And all you wish for and desire

shall soon and safely be attained;

May wholesome wishes be fulfilled

just like the moon at full-moon night,

just like a jewel sparkling bright.

May all distress come to an end,

may all desease be quickly healed,

May all your problems be resolved,

may you live long and happily.

When someone's always honouring

the elders worthy of respect,

Then they will grow in these four things

long life, strength, beauty, happiness.

.Those who give others life and strength

and beauty and intelligence,

Who wisely give for happiness,

receive great happiness themselves.

Those who have given life and strength,

and beauty and intelligence;

They will enjoy long life and fame

wherever they will be reborn.

May you be blessed in every way,

all angels shall protect you well;

And by the Buddha's/Dhamma's/Sangha's mighty power

may you be safe forevermore.

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