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# Formal Requests

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## Contents

- Taking the Five Precepts
- Taking the Eight Precepts
- Ordination for an Eight-Precept Nun
- Requesting a Discourse
- Requesting Blessings
- Requesting Forgiveness

## Taking the Five Precepts

THE REQUEST:
Maya"m bhante, ti-sara.nena saha pañca siilaani yaacaama.
  Venerable Sir, we request the Three Refuges & the Five Precepts.
Dutiyampi maya"m bhante...
  Venerable Sir, a second time...
Tatiyampi maya"m bhante...
  Venerable Sir, a third time...

The monk then recites the following passage three times, after which the lay people repeat it three times:

Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammaa-sambuddhassa.
  Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Rightly Self-awakened One.

The monk then recites the following passages line by line, with the lay people reciting line by line after him.

Buddha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Dhamma"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Sa"ngha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  I go to the Sangha for refuge.

Dutiyampi buddha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A second time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Dutiyampi dhamma"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A second time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Dutiyampi sa"ngha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A second time, I go to the Sangha for refuge.

Tatiyampi buddha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A third time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Tatiyampi dhamma"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A third time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Tatiyampi sa"ngha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A third time, I go to the Sangha for refuge.

The monk then says:

Ti-sara.na-gamana"m ni.t.thita"m.
  This ends the going for refuge.

The lay people respond:

AAma bhante.
  Yes, Venerable Sir.

The monk then recites the precepts line by line, with the lay people reciting them line by line after him.

Paa.naatipaataa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from taking life.
Adinnaadaanaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from stealing.
Kaamesu micchaacaaraa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from sexual misconduct.
Musaavaadaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from telling lies.
Suraa-meraya-majja-pamaada.t.thaanaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from intoxicating liquors & drugs that lead to carelessness.

The monk then concludes with the following:

Imaani pañca sikkhaa-padaani:
  These are the five training rules.
Siilena sugati"m yanti.
  Through virtue they go to a good bourn.
Siilena bhoga-sampadaa.
  Through virtue is wealth attained.
Siilena nibbuti"m yanti.
  Through virtue they go to Liberation.
Tasmaa siila"m visodhaye.
  Therefore we should purify our virtue.

(BOW THREE TIMES)

## Taking the Eight Precepts

THE REQUEST:
Maya"m bhante, ti-sara.nena saha a.t.tha siilaani yaacaama.
  Venerable Sir, we request the Three Refuges & the Eight Precepts.
Dutiyampi maya"m bhante...
  Venerable Sir, a second time...
Tatiyampi maya"m bhante...
  Venerable Sir, a third time...

The monk then recites the following passage three times, after which the lay people repeat it three times:

Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammaa-sambuddhassa.
  Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Rightly Self-awakened One.

The monk then recites the following passages line by line, with the lay people reciting line by line after him.

Buddha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Dhamma"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Sa"ngha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  I go to the Sangha for refuge.

Dutiyampi buddha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A second time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Dutiyampi dhamma"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A second time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Dutiyampi sa"ngha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A second time, I go to the Sangha for refuge.

Tatiyampi buddha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A third time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Tatiyampi dhamma"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A third time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Tatiyampi sa"ngha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A third time, I go to the Sangha for refuge.

The monk then says:

Ti-sara.na-gamana"m ni.t.thita"m.
  This ends the going for refuge.

The lay people respond:

AAma bhante.
  Yes, Venerable Sir.

The monk then recites the precepts line by line, with the lay people reciting them line by line after him.

Paa.naatipaataa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from taking life.
Adinnaadaanaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from stealing.
Abrahma-cariyaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from sexual intercourse.
Musaavaadaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from telling lies.
Suraa-meraya-majja-pamaada.t.thaanaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from intoxicating liquors & drugs that lead to carelessness.
Vikaala-bhojanaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from eating after noon & before dawn.
Nacca-giita-vaadita-visuuka-dassanaa maalaa-gandha-vilepana-dhaara.na-ma.n.dana-vibhuusana.t.thaanaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from dancing, singing, music, watching shows, wearing garlands, beautifying myself with perfumes & cosmetics.
Uccaasayana-mahaasayanaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from high & luxurious seats & beds.

Imaani a.t.tha sikkhaa-padaani samaadiyaami.
  I undertake these eight precepts.
Imaani a.t.tha sikkhaa-padaani samaadiyaami.
  I undertake these eight precepts.
Imaani a.t.tha sikkhaa-padaani samaadiyaami.
  I undertake these eight precepts.

(BOW THREE TIMES)

## Ordination for an Eight-Precept Nun

Araha"m sammaa-sambuddho bhagavaa.
  The Blessed One is Worthy & Rightly Self-awakened.
Buddha"m bhagavanta"m abhivaademi.
  I bow down before the Awakened, Blessed One.

(BOW DOWN)

Svaakkhaato bhagavataa dhammo.
  The Dhamma is well-expounded by the Blessed One.
Dhamma"m namassaami.
  I pay homage to the Dhamma.

(BOW DOWN)

Supa.tipanno bhagavato saavaka-sa"ngho.
  The Sangha of the Blessed One's disciples has practiced well.
Sa"ngha"m namaami.
  I pay respect to the Sangha.

(BOW DOWN)

Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammaa-sambuddhassa. (Three times.)
  Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Rightly Self-awakened One.

Esaaha"m bhante, sucira-parinibbutampi, ta"m
bhagavanta"m sara.na"m gacchaami, dhammañca
bhikkhu-sa"nghañca, pabbajja"m ma"m sa"ngho dhaaretu,
ajjatagge paanupeta"m sara.na"m gata"m.
  Venerable sir, I take refuge in the Blessed One -- though he long ago attained Liberation -- together with the Dhamma & the Bhikkhu Sangha. May the Sangha regard me as one gone forth, having attained refuge from this day forward.

Aha"m bhante, ti-sara.nena saha a.t.tha siilaani yaacaami.
  Venerable Sir, I request the Three Refuges & the Eight Precepts.
Dutiyampi aha"m bhante...
  Venerable Sir, a second time...
Tatiyampi aha"m bhante...
  Venerable Sir, a third time...

The monk then recites the following passage three times, after which the nun repeats it three times:

Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammaa-sambuddhassa.
  Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Rightly Self-awakened One.

The monk then recites the following passages line by line, with the nun reciting line by line after him.

Buddha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Dhamma"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Sa"ngha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  I go to the Sangha for refuge.

Dutiyampi buddha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A second time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Dutiyampi dhamma"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A second time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Dutiyampi sa"ngha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A second time, I go to the Sangha for refuge.

Tatiyampi buddha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A third time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Tatiyampi dhamma"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A third time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Tatiyampi sa"ngha"m sara.na"m gacchaami.
  A third time, I go to the Sangha for refuge.

The monk then says:

Ti-sara.na-gamana"m ni.t.thita"m.
  This ends the going for refuge.

The nun responds:

AAma bhante.
  Yes, Venerable Sir.

The monk then recites the precepts line by line, with the nun reciting them line by line after him.

Paa.naatipaataa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from taking life.
Adinnaadaanaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from stealing.
Abrahma-cariyaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from sexual intercourse.
Musaavaadaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from telling lies.
Suraa-meraya-majja-pamaada.t.thaanaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from intoxicating liquors & drugs that lead to carelessness.
Vikaala-bhojanaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from eating after noon & before dawn.
Nacca-giita-vaadita-visuuka-dassanaa maalaa-gandha-vilepana-dhaara.na-ma.n.dana-vibhuusana.t.thaanaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from dancing, singing, music, watching shows, wearing garlands, beautifying myself with perfumes & cosmetics.
Uccaasayana-mahaasayanaa verama.nii sikkhaa-pada"m samaadiyaami.
  I undertake the training rule to refrain from high & luxurious seats & beds.

Imaani a.t.tha sikkhaa-padaani samaadiyaami.
  I undertake these eight precepts.
Imaani a.t.tha sikkhaa-padaani samaadiyaami.
  I undertake these eight precepts.
Imaani a.t.tha sikkhaa-padaani samaadiyaami.
  I undertake these eight precepts.

(BOW THREE TIMES)

## Requesting a Discourse

Brahmaa ca lokaadhipatii sahampati
Kat'añjalii andhivara"m ayaacatha:
Santiidha sattaapparajakkha-jaatikaa
Desetu dhamma"m anukampima"m paja"m.
  The Brahma Sahampati, Lord of the World,
  With hands palm-to-palm before his heart, requested a blessing:
  There are beings here with only a little dust in their eyes.
  Please teach the Dhamma out of compassion for them.

## Requesting Blessings

Vipatti-pa.tibaahaaya
sabba-sampatti-siddhiyaa,
Sabba-dukkha-vinaasaaya
paritta"m bruutha ma"ngala"m.
Vipatti-pa.tibaahaaya
sabba-sampatti-siddhiyaa,
Sabba-bhaya-vinaasaaya
paritta"m bruutha ma"ngala"m.
Vipatti-pa.tibaahaaya
sabba-sampatti-siddhiyaa,
Sabba-roga-vinaasaaya
paritta"m bruutha ma"ngala"m.
  For warding off misfortune, for the achievement of all good fortune,
  For the dispelling of all pain, may you chant a blessing & protection.
  For warding off misfortune, for the achievement of all good fortune,
  For the dispelling of all danger, may you chant a blessing & protection.
  For warding off misfortune, for the achievement of all good fortune,
  For the dispelling of all illness, may you chant a blessing & protection.

## Requesting Forgiveness

### (From the Triple Gem)

Repeat Namo... three times. Then:

Ratanattaye pamaadena, dvaarattayena kata"m,
Sabba"m aparaadha"m khamatu no bhante.
  May the Triple Gem forgive us for any wrong we have done out of carelessness in thought, word, or deed.

### (From a Senior Monk)

Repeat Namo... three times. Then:

[Mahaathere]* pamaadena, dvaarattayena kata"m,
Sabba"m aparaadha"m khamatu no bhante.
(Three times.)
  Venerable Sir, may you forgive us for any wrong we have done you out of carelessness in thought, word, or deed.

> [* Mahathere is used for very senior & highly respected monks. Change it to There for somewhat less senior monks, Upajjhaaye for one's preceptor, AAcariye for one's teacher, and AAyasmante for monks in general.]

Bow down & stay there while the monk says:

Aha"m khamaami, tumhehi pi me khamitabba"m.
  I forgive you; may you all also forgive me.

Respond:

Khamaama bhante.
  We forgive you, Venerable Sir.

The monk will then recite a blessing, after which all say:

Saadhu bhante.
  Very good, Venerable Sir.

(BOW THREE TIMES)

### (When one person is asking forgiveness)

Repeat Namo... three times. Then:

[Mahaathere]* pamaadena, dvaarattayena kata"m,
Sabba"m aparaadha"m khamatha me bhante.
(Three times.)
  Venerable Sir, may you forgive me for any wrong I have done you out of carelessness in thought, word, or deed.

> [* Mahathere is used for very senior & highly respected monks. Change it to There for somewhat less senior monks, Upajjhaaye for one's preceptor, AAcariye for one's teacher, and AAyasmante for monks in general.]

Bow down & stay there while the monk says:

Aha"m khamaami, tayaa pi me khamitabba"m.
  I forgive you; may you all also forgive me.

Respond:

Khamaami bhante.
  I forgive you, Venerable Sir.

The monk will then recite a blessing, after which say:

Saadhu bhante.
  Very good, Venerable Sir.

(BOW THREE TIMES)

Revised: Wed 16 May 2001