Effective Methods to recite Bojjhaṅga Sutta (The Discourse on the Factors of Enlightenment) for the sick people

Effective Methods to recite Bojjhaṅga Sutta
(The Discourse on the Factors of Enlightenment) 

for the sick people 

as advised given by Most Respected Venerable Mingun SayadawGyi (Bhaddanta Vicittasārābhivaṃsa)

He was given the titles-Tipiṭakadhara, Dhammabhaṇḍāgārika, Abhidhajamahāraṭṭhaguru, Abhidhajaaggamahāsaddhammajotika. He was the first Tipiṭakadhara (one who can memorised whole Three Baskets of Dhamma) in Myanmar.

This is translated from Burmese chanting book,by Aggācāra Dhamma Distribution Group (aggacara2013@gmail.com), 8th December 2013.

Introduction and advice
1. Bojjhaṅga Sutta
2. Moggallāna-Bojjhaṅga Sutta
3. Kassapa-Bojjhaṅga Sutta
4. Cunda-Bojjhaṅga Sutta
5. Gilāna-Bojjhaṅga Sutta


Please read the introduction and advice carefully before chanting.

Introduction

The Bojjhaṅga Sutta originates from Tipiṭaka. It has few different types.
1. Bojjhaṅga Sutta
This discourse explains the power of this discourse and benefits like leading to deathless, Enlightenment and Nibbāna.
2. Moggallāna-Bojjhaṅga Sutta
This discourse was recited by the Lord Buddha to Venerable Moggallāna who was sick at that time.
3. Kassapa-Bojjhaṅga Sutta
This discourse was recited by the Lord Buddha to Venerable Kassapa who was sick at that time.

4. Cunda-Bojjhaṅga sutta
This discourse was recited by Venerable Cunda to The Lord Buddha who was sick at that time.
    These discourses are mentioned without elaboration in Tipiṭaka. If one can recite them accordingly to the advice given later, then the chanting will be more complete in nature and more powerful.
    That’s why, sick people who oneself wish to recite these protective discourses, or friends who wish to recite to sick people, should recite accordingly to the advice that is shown later. Then, the methods as suggested by ancient teachers and also in accordance with the Pāḷi grammar and method will be more effective to the sick ones.

5. Gilāna-Bojjhaṅga Sutta
The ancient teachers first included Moggallāna-Bojjhaṅga sutta, Kassapa-Bojjhaṅga sutta and Cunda-Bojjhaṅga sutta.
Next, they compiled the Gilāna-Bojjhaṅga Sutta. It was recited to sick person with the vocative calling “Gilāna”. This calling is underlined in that discourse <number 5. Gilāna-Bojjhaṅga Sutta (page 15)>.
             Actually, they used the word “gilāna” in accordance with the sabhāva-nirutti (natural language) in order to communicate with the sick person, whether monks, sāmaṇera, or lay people.
Advice
         This “gilāna” is a vocative word, is used to address sick person. That’s why, when reciting the Gilāna-bojjhaṅga sutta for the sick person, one should read the following advice and then recite with eyes of wisdom. In this way, the meaning is more obvious and the chanting is more complete and powerful.
1. For sick monks, instead of reciting the “gilāna” word, you can substitute the “gilāna” word with his title, like:
“Bhante Buddharakkhita”,
“Āvuso Buddharakkhita”
or just “Bhante”, or “Āvuso”.
(please look at note 1)
2. For the novice (sāmaṇera),
A monk can address him as “Āvuso sāmaṇera” or  “āvuso”.
3. For devotees.
A monk can address a male devotee as “upāsaka”,
A monk can address a female devotee as “upāsika”

* Note 1: “Āvuso” is used by an older monk to call a younger monk. “Bhante” is used to call an elder monk by a younger monk. It means the monk is older according to the ordained age. For example, if he was ordained two years ago, now he would be a monk with two vassas. He should call those monks who have more vassas than him as ‘Bhante”.

Lay people should address a monk as “bhante”.

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Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa
1. Bojjhaṅga Sutta
1.  Saṃsāre saṃsarantānaṃ,  
     Sabbadukkhavināsane,
     Satta dhamme ca bojjhaṅge,
     Mārasenā pamaddane.
These seven factors of Enlightenment, which erase all the sufferings of beings whirling in saṃsāra (the vicious cycle of repeated birth and death) and which overpower the army of Death.
2.  Bujjhitvā ye cime sattā,
     Tibhavā muttakuttamā,
     Ajāti-majarābyādhiṃ,
     Amataṃ nibbhayaṃ gatā.
Having realized these seven Dhammas, the beings had attained Deathlessness; Fearlessness, Birth-less, decay-less and without sickness stage; they were freed from three existences.
3.  Evamādi-guṇūpetaṃ,
    Aneka-guṇa-saṅgahaṃ,
    Osadhañca imaṃ mantaṃ,
    Bojjhaṅgañca bhaṇāma he.
Gifted with such and other qualifications; altogether with innumerable qualities, this is a medicinal spell. Come! Let us recite this discourse of The Seven Factors of Enlightenment.
4. Bojjhaṅgo sati saṅkhāto,
    Dhammānaṃ vicayo tathā,
    Vīriyaṃ pīti pasaddhi,
    Bojjhaṅgā ca tathāpare.
The factors of Enlightenment are Mindfulness, Investigation of the Dhamma and also Effort, Rapture, Tranquility, and other factors of Enlightenment.
5.  Samādhupekkhā bojjhaṅgā,
     Sattete sabbadassinā,
     Muninā sammadakkhātā,
     Bhāvitā bahulīkatā.
The factors of Concentration, and Equanimity.  All these seven are well expounded by the All-seer; developed and repeated practiced by the Sage.
6.  Saṃvattanti abhiññāya,
     Nibbānāya ca bodhiyā,
     Etena saccavajjena,
     Sotthi te hotu sabbadā.
In order to see profoundly, to realize the wisdom and to attain Nibbàna. By this affirmation of the Truth, may you be happy forever.
 

2. Moggallāna-Bojjhaṅga Sutta

Sattime, Moggallāna, bojjhaṅgā mayā sammadakkhātā bhāvitā bahulīkatā abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattanti.
These seven factors of Enlightenment, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; lead to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Katame satta?
What are these seven?

Sati-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Moggallāna,
mayā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Mindfulness, the factor of Enlightenment, Moggallāna, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Dhammavicaya-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Moggallāna,
mayā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Investigation of Dhamma, the factor of Enlightenment, Moggallāna, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Vīriya-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Moggallāna,
mayā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Effort, the factor of Enlightenment, Moggallāna, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Pīti-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Moggallāna,
mayā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Joy, the factor of Enlightenment, Moggallāna, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Passaddhi-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Moggallāna,
mayā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Tranquility, the factor of Enlightenment, Moggallāna, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Samādhi-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Moggallāna,
mayā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Concentration, the factor of Enlightenment, Moggallāna, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Upekkhā-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Moggallāna,
mayā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Equanimity, the factor of Enlightenment, Moggallāna, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Ime kho, Moggallāna, satta bojjhaṅgā
mayā sammadakkhātā bhāvitā bahulīkatā abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattantī
These seven factors of Enlightenment, Moggallāna, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

 

3. Kassapa-Bojjhaṅga Sutta

Sattime, Kassapa, bojjhaṅgā mayā sammadakkhātā bhāvitā bahulīkatā abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattanti.
These seven factors of Enlightenment, Kassapa, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; lead to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Katame satta?
What are these seven?

Sati-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Kassapa,
mayā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Mindfulness, the factor of Enlightenment, Kassapa, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Dhammavicaya-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Kassapa,
mayā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Investigation of Dhamma, the factor of Enlightenment, Kassapa, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Vīriya-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Kassapa,
mayā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Effort, the factor of Enlightenment, Kassapa, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Pīti-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Kassapa,
mayā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Joy, the factor of Enlightenment, Kassapa, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Passaddhi-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Kassapa,
mayā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Tranquility, the factor of Enlightenment, Kassapa, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Samādhi-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Kassapa,
mayā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Concentration, the factor of Enlightenment, Kassapa, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Upekkhā-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Kassapa,
mayā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Equanimity, the factor of Enlightenment, Kassapa, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Ime kho, Kassapa, satta bojjhaṅgā mayā sammadakkhātā bhāvitā bahulīkatā abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattantī ’’
These seven factors of Enlightenment, Kassapa, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by me; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Ekasmiṃ samaye Nātho,
Moggallānañca Kassapaṃ,
Gilāne dukkhite disvā,
Bojjhaṅge satta desayi.
At one time, the Lord saw Ven. Moggallāna and Ven. Kassapa; suffering and ill. He expounded them the Seven Factors of Enlightenment.
Te ca taṃ abhinanditvā,
Rogā mucciṃsu taṅkhaṇe,
Etena saccavajjena,
Sotthi te hotu sabbadā.
They also were rejoiced at that event. At that very moment they were freed from the illness.   By this affirmation of the Truth, may you be happy forever. 

4. Cunda-Bojjhaṅga Sutta

Sattime, Bhante, bojjhaṅgā bhagavatā sammadakkhātā bhāvitā bahulīkatā abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattanti.
These seven factors of Enlightenment, Venerable Sir, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Katame satta?
What are these seven?

Sati-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Bhante,
bhagavatā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Mindfulness, the factor of Enlightenment, Venerable Sir, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Dhammavicaya-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Bhante,
bhagavatā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
 The investigation of Dhamma, the factor of Enlightenment, Venerable Sir, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Vīriya-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Bhante,
bhagavatā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Effort, the factor of Enlightenment, Venerable Sir, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Pīti-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Bhante,
bhagavatā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Joy, the factor of Enlightenment, Venerable Sir, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Passaddhi-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Bhante,
bhagavatā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Tranquility, the factor of Enlightenment, Venerable Sir, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Samādhi-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Bhante,
bhagavatā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Concentration, the factor of Enlightenment, Venerable Sir, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Upekkha-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Bhante,
bhagavatā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Equanimity, the factor of Enlightenment, Venerable Sir, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Ime kho, Bhante, satta bojjhaṅgā
bhagavatā sammadakkhātā bhāvitā bahulīkatā abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattanti.
These seven factors of Enlightenment, Venerable Sir, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Ekadā Dhammarājā pi,  gelaññenābhipīḷito,
Cundattherena taṃyeva,  bhaṇāpetvāna sādaraṃ,
Once even the King of Dhamma the Buddha himself was afflicted by illnes. The Elder Cunda was asked to recite that very doctrine with due authority.

Sammoditvāna ābādhā,  tamhā vuṭṭhāsi ṭhānaso,
Etena saccavajjena,  sotthi te hotu sabbadā.
Having rejoiced, the Buddha therefore arose and was healed. By this affirmation of the Truth, may you be happy forever.

Pahīnā te ca ābādhā,
Tiṇṇannampi mahesinaṃ
Maggahatā kilesāva,
Pattānuppatti-Dhammataṃ
Etena saccavajjena,
Sotthi te hotu sabbadā.
Just as the defilements, destroyed by Magga consciousness, can arise again no more, in the same manner these ailments were eliminated from the three Great Sages. By this affirmation of the Truth, may you be happy forever 

5. Cunda-Bojjhaṅga Sutta

Sattime, Gilāna, bojjhaṅgā bhagavatā sammadakkhātā bhāvitā bahulīkatā abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattanti.
These seven factors of Enlightenment, O Sick person!, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Katame satta?
What are these seven?
Satisambojjhaṅgo kho, Gilāna,
bhagavatā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Mindfulness, the factor of Enlightenment, O Sick person!, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Dhammavicaya-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Gilāna,
bhagavatā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Investigation of Dhamma, the factor of Enlightenment, O Sick person!, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Vīriya-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Gilāna,
bhagavatā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Effort, the factor of Enlightenment, O Sick person!, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Pītisambojjhaṅgo kho, Gilāna,
bhagavatā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Joy, the factor of Enlightenment, O Sick person!, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Passaddhi-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Gilāna,
bhagavatā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Tranquility, the factor of Enlightenment, O Sick person!, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Samādhi-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Gilāna,
bhagavatā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Concentration, the factor of Enlightenment, O Sick person!, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Upekkhā-sambojjhaṅgo kho, Gilāna,
bhagavatā sammadakkhāto bhāvito bahulīkato abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattati.
Equanimity, the factor of Enlightenment, O Sick person!, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.

Ime kho, Gilāna, satta bojjhaṅgā
bhagavatā sammadakkhātā bhāvitā bahulīkatā abhiññāya sambodhāya nibbānāya saṃvattanti.
These seven factors of Enlightenment, O Sick person!, well-expounded, developed and practised frequently by the Blessed One; leads to full understanding, perfect self enlightenment and Nibbāna.