Morning Chant & Translation

About the Morning Chant

The morning chanting service is an essential part of daily practice at Wat Thai of Los Angeles. These sacred texts, primarily in Pali (the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism), have been recited by Buddhist practitioners for over 2,500 years. Below you will find the chanting texts along with their English translations.

Preliminary Homage

Namo Tassa (Homage to the Blessed One)

Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammā-Sambuddhassa (3 times)

Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Self-Enlightened One.

Tisarana — The Three Refuges

Buddham saranam gacchāmi
Dhammam saranam gacchāmi
Sangham saranam gacchāmi

I go to the Buddha as my refuge.
I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
I go to the Sangha as my refuge.

Dutiyampi Buddham saranam gacchāmi
Dutiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchāmi
Dutiyampi Sangham saranam gacchāmi

For the second time, I go to the Buddha as my refuge.
For the second time, I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
For the second time, I go to the Sangha as my refuge.

Tatiyampi Buddham saranam gacchāmi
Tatiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchāmi
Tatiyampi Sangham saranam gacchāmi

For the third time, I go to the Buddha as my refuge.
For the third time, I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
For the third time, I go to the Sangha as my refuge.

Pañca Sīla — The Five Precepts

1. Pānātipātā veramanī sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi
   I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
2. Adinnādānā veramanī sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi
   I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. Kāmesumicchācārā veramanī sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi
   I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.
4. Musāvādā veramanī sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi
   I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
5. Surāmerayamajjapamādatthānā veramanī sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi
   I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.

Practicing at Home

You are encouraged to practice morning chanting at home as part of your daily Buddhist practice. Set aside a quiet space, sit comfortably, and recite these texts mindfully. Even a few minutes of chanting each morning can bring peace and clarity to your day.

For audio recordings and additional chanting resources, please contact the temple office.