RATHNAMALI GATHA RATHNAYA
Marziabo Hartley
Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya: The Sacred Verses of the Buddha's Relics
Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya is a Buddhist chant that is recited for protection, prosperity and merit. It consists of 28 verses that praise the virtues and powers of the Buddha's relics, which are also known as rathna or gems. The chant is believed to have been composed by Ven. Maha Kassapa Thera, one of the chief disciples of the Buddha, who received the relics after the Buddha's parinibbana.
RATHNAMALI GATHA RATHNAYA
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What are the Buddha's relics?
The Buddha's relics are the physical remains of the Buddha after his cremation. They include bones, teeth, hair and ashes. According to Buddhist tradition, the relics have miraculous qualities, such as emitting light, changing color, multiplying and levitating. They are also said to grant blessings and protection to those who worship them with faith and devotion.
Where are the Buddha's relics?
The Buddha's relics are distributed in various places around the world, especially in Asia. Some of the most famous places where the relics are enshrined are:
- The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, where the Buddha attained enlightenment.
- The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar, which contains eight strands of the Buddha's hair.
- The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka, which houses the Buddha's left canine tooth.
- The Ruwanwelisaya Stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, which contains a bowl relic of the Buddha.
- The Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal, which contains a bone relic of the Buddha.
How to recite Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya?
Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya can be recited at any time of the day or night, but it is especially recommended to recite it in the morning and evening. The chant can be recited individually or in a group, with or without a mala (rosary). The chant can be recited in Pali or in a translated language. The chant should be recited with clear pronunciation, correct intonation and sincere devotion.
The chant begins with Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa (Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Fully Enlightened One) three times. Then each verse is recited once, followed by Buddhanussati (Recollection of the Buddha) three times. The chant ends with Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa three times again.
Here is an example of how to recite Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya in Pali:
What are the benefits of reciting Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya?
Reciting Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya is said to bring many benefits to the reciter and others. Some of the benefits are:
- Protection from dangers, enemies, diseases and evil influences.
- Prosperity in wealth, health, happiness and success.
- Merit and good karma for this life and future lives.
- Purification of the mind from greed, hatred and delusion.
- Development of faith, wisdom and compassion.
- Attainment of Nibbana, the ultimate goal of Buddhism.
How to practice Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya?
Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya can be practiced as a daily meditation or as a special ritual. Here are some suggestions on how to practice it:
- Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit. You can use a cushion, a chair or a mat. You can also sit in front of a Buddha image or a relic shrine if you have one.
- Take a few deep breaths and relax your body and mind. You can also do some preliminary chanting or recite the Three Refuges and the Five Precepts if you wish.
- Hold a mala (rosary) in your right hand if you have one. You can use it to count the number of times you recite the chant. You can also use your fingers or a digital counter.
- Start reciting Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya as explained above. You can recite it silently, softly or loudly depending on your preference. You can also listen to a recorded version of the chant and follow along.
- Focus your attention on the meaning and sound of the words. You can also visualize the Buddha's relics as shining gems in your heart or around you.
- Recite the chant as many times as you like. You can set a specific number of times or a specific duration of time. You can also recite it until you feel calm, peaceful and joyful.
- When you finish reciting the chant, dedicate the merit to yourself and all beings. You can also make a wish or a vow related to your practice or your life.
- End your practice with gratitude and reverence. You can bow to the Buddha image or the relic shrine if you have one. You can also express your appreciation to yourself and others who support your practice.
What is the origin and history of Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya?
Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya is a part of the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, which is the discourse on the Buddha's final passing away. The sutta records the events and teachings that occurred during the last months of the Buddha's life. It also describes how the Buddha's relics were distributed and enshrined by his disciples and followers.
The verses of Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya are attributed to Ven. Maha Kassapa Thera, who was one of the most senior and respected disciples of the Buddha. He was also the leader of the first Buddhist council, which was held shortly after the Buddha's parinibbana. He was renowned for his strict adherence to the monastic discipline and his psychic powers.
According to legend, Ven. Maha Kassapa Thera received a share of the Buddha's relics from King Ajatasattu, who was the ruler of Magadha at that time. He then composed Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya as a tribute to the Buddha and his relics. He also taught the chant to his fellow monks and lay followers, who recited it for protection and blessing.
What are some examples of Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya in practice?
Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya is widely practiced by Buddhists in Sri Lanka and other countries. It is especially popular among Theravada Buddhists, who follow the teachings of the Pali Canon. It is also recited by Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhists, who respect the Buddha's relics as manifestations of his wisdom and compassion.
Some examples of Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya in practice are:
- In Sri Lanka, Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya is recited daily by monks and lay people at temples and homes. It is also recited during special occasions, such as Vesak (the celebration of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and parinibbana), Poson (the commemoration of the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka), and Esala (the month of religious festivals).
- In Thailand, Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya is recited as part of the Phra That Phanom festival, which is held annually at the Phra That Phanom temple in Nakhon Phanom province. The temple is believed to contain a relic of the Buddha's breastbone. The festival attracts thousands of pilgrims from Thailand and neighboring countries.
- In India, Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya is recited as part of the Bodh Gaya Mahotsav, which is a cultural and spiritual event that takes place at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. The temple marks the spot where the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The event features various religious and artistic performances.
How to learn and understand Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya?
Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya is a chant that can be learned and understood by anyone who is interested in Buddhism and its teachings. Here are some ways to learn and understand it:
- Listen to a recorded version of the chant and follow along with the text. You can find many recordings of the chant online or on CDs. You can also listen to live recitations of the chant at temples or events.
- Learn the meaning and translation of the words and phrases in the chant. You can use a dictionary, a commentary or a guide book to help you. You can also ask a monk, a teacher or a friend who knows the chant well.
- Study the background and context of the chant. You can read the Mahaparinibbana Sutta and other related scriptures to learn more about the Buddha's life, death and relics. You can also research the history and culture of Buddhism in different countries and regions.
- Practice the chant regularly and reflect on its message. You can recite the chant as a meditation or as a devotion. You can also contemplate on its meaning and application in your life. You can also share your insights and experiences with others who practice the chant.
Conclusion
Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya is a Buddhist chant that praises the Buddha and his relics. It is composed of 28 verses that describe the qualities and powers of the relics as gems. It is attributed to Ven. Maha Kassapa Thera, who received the relics after the Buddha's parinibbana. It is widely practiced by Buddhists in Sri Lanka and other countries for protection, prosperity and merit. It can be learned and understood by anyone who is interested in Buddhism and its teachings.
Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya is a chant that connects us to the Buddha and his legacy. It reminds us of his enlightenment, his teachings and his compassion. It inspires us to follow his path, to practice his dhamma and to realize his nibbana. It is a chant that expresses our gratitude, reverence and devotion to the Buddha and his relics.
Conclusion
Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya is a Buddhist chant that praises the Buddha and his relics. It is composed of 28 verses that describe the qualities and powers of the relics as gems. It is attributed to Ven. Maha Kassapa Thera, who received the relics after the Buddha's parinibbana. It is widely practiced by Buddhists in Sri Lanka and other countries for protection, prosperity and merit. It can be learned and understood by anyone who is interested in Buddhism and its teachings.
Rathnamali Gatha Rathnaya is a chant that connects us to the Buddha and his legacy. It reminds us of his enlightenment, his teachings and his compassion. It inspires us to follow his path, to practice his dhamma and to realize his nibbana. It is a chant that expresses our gratitude, reverence and devotion to the Buddha and his relics.
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