Morning Chant & Translation
Morning chanting texts and English translations used at Wat Thai of Los Angeles for daily Buddhist practice.
About the Morning Chant
The morning chant is an essential part of daily Buddhist practice at Wat Thai of Los Angeles. Monks and lay practitioners gather each morning to recite these sacred texts, which pay homage to the Buddha, the Dhamma (his teachings), and the Sangha (the monastic community). Below you will find the Pali chanting texts along with their English translations to help you follow along and deepen your understanding of the practice.
Preliminary Homage
The chanting begins with the traditional homage to the Buddha, recited three times to express deep reverence and devotion.
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammā-Sambuddhassa
Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Self-Enlightened One.
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammā-Sambuddhassa
Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Self-Enlightened One.
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammā-Sambuddhassa
Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Self-Enlightened One.
Tisarana — The Three Refuges
After the preliminary homage, practitioners take refuge in the Triple Gem — the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. Each refuge is recited three times.
First Round
Buddham saranam gacchāmi.
I go to the Buddha as my refuge.
Dhammam saranam gacchāmi.
I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
Sangham saranam gacchāmi.
I go to the Sangha as my refuge.
Second Round
Dutiyampi Buddham saranam gacchāmi.
For the second time, I go to the Buddha as my refuge.
Dutiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchāmi.
For the second time, I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
Dutiyampi Sangham saranam gacchāmi.
For the second time, I go to the Sangha as my refuge.
Third Round
Tatiyampi Buddham saranam gacchāmi.
For the third time, I go to the Buddha as my refuge.
Tatiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchāmi.
For the third time, I go to the Dhamma as my refuge.
Tatiyampi Sangham saranam gacchāmi.
For the third time, I go to the Sangha as my refuge.
Pañca Sīla — The Five Precepts
The Five Precepts are the fundamental ethical guidelines for Buddhist practitioners. They are undertaken as a commitment to moral conduct and form the foundation of a wholesome life.
1. Pānātipātā veramañī sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi.
I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking the life of any living being.
2. Adinnādānā veramañī sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi.
I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking what is not given.
3. Kāmesu micchācārā veramañī sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi.
I undertake the training rule to abstain from sexual misconduct.
4. Musāvādā veramañī sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi.
I undertake the training rule to abstain from false speech.
5. Surāmeraya-majja-pamādatthānā veramañī sikkhāpadam samādiyāmi.
I undertake the training rule to abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs that lead to carelessness.
Practicing at Home
You do not need to be at the temple to practice morning chanting. Many Buddhists incorporate this practice into their daily routine at home. Here are some suggestions for establishing a home practice:
- Set up a small shrine: A Buddha image, a candle, and incense can help create a focused and respectful space for chanting.
- Choose a consistent time: Early morning, before the day begins, is the traditional time for chanting, but any quiet moment works.
- Start with the basics: Begin with the Preliminary Homage and the Three Refuges, then gradually add the Five Precepts as you become more comfortable.
- Use this guide: Keep this page bookmarked or print it out so you can follow along until the words become familiar.
- Practice with sincerity: The intention behind the chanting is more important than perfect pronunciation. Approach each session with a calm and respectful mind.
If you would like to learn more about chanting or practice alongside others, you are welcome to join the morning chanting sessions at Wat Thai of Los Angeles. Please visit our weekday services page for the current schedule.