xvPreface
The selected discourses for recital are known as
PARITTA SUTTAS. PARITTA in Pali, PARITRANA is
Sanskrit and PIRITH in Sinhala. Whatever the form is
principally it means ‘PROTECTION’
They are used to describe certain suttas or
discourses preached by Buddha that are regarded as affording
protection and deliverance from harmful influences. The practice
of reciting and listening to the PARITTA SUTTA began very early
in the history of Buddhism.
It is certain that their recital produces mental well -
being in those who listen to them attentively and are confident
in the TRUTH of the Buddha’s words. Such mental well-
being can help those who are ill to recover and it can also
help to induce the mental attitude, that bring happiness, and
to overcome its opposite. Originally in India those who listen
to Paritta: preaching of the Buddha, understood what was
recited and the affect on them was equally great. The Buddha
himself had PIRITH recited for him and he also requested
others to recite for his disciples when they were ill. It is said
in the Buddhist history that Girimananda Thero was also
seriously ill was totally benefitted by listening attentively to the
Prith Sutta.
The SUTTA was preached by the Buddha in the PALI
language to bless the devotees hence they should be recited in the
same original language. English and Sinhala translations are also
given in this book to help the readers to understand better and
confirm their meanings.
The mind not only makes one sick , it also cures.
Whatever it’s physical nature, resistance to disease is
unquestionably related to the psychological condition of the
patient.According to Dhamma the mind is so closely linked with
the body that mental states affects the body’s health and well-
being. According to the Buddha “Right Effort” is a necessary
factor in overcoming sufferings. Listening to “PARITTA” in the
proper way can also generate energy for the purpose of doing
good, and following the path of worldly progress with diligence.