Cattāri Brahmavihārā

This short aspiration is designed for daily use by lay Buddhists who wish to train according to Theravāda teachings. It helps strengthen commitment to the Three Refuges, Five Precepts, wholesome conduct, generosity, and the cultivation of right view, while aspiring for future conditions that support the pursuit of Nibbāna.

The text is given with intercalated English translation line-by-line for ease of reflection and recitation.

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Daily Aspiration (Adhiṭṭhāna)

Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
I go for refuge to the Buddha.

Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
I go for refuge to the Dhamma.

Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
I go for refuge to the Saṅgha.

Ti-saraṇena saha pañca sīlāni samādiyāmi:
Together with the Three Refuges, I undertake the Five Precepts:

Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the training to refrain from killing living beings.

Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the training to refrain from taking what is not given.

Kāmesu micchācārā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the training to refrain from sexual misconduct.

Musāvādā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the training to refrain from false speech.

Surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the training to refrain from intoxicants causing heedlessness.

Dānaṃ dadāmi, mettāṃ bhāvemi,
I give with a generous heart and cultivate loving-kindness.

Sammādiṭṭhiṃ sevāmi, kalyāṇamitte passāmi.
I uphold right view and associate with noble friends.

Kusalaṃ karomi, akusalaṃ pahāya,
I perform wholesome deeds, abandoning the unwholesome.

Sīlaṃ rakkhāmi, cittaṃ bhāvemi,
I guard my virtue and train my mind.

Sabbhañ ca pāpaṃ viramāmi.
I refrain from all evil.

Sabbadā puññaṃ pasādemi,
May I always rejoice in merit.

Yathā manussesu vā devesu vā jāyeyyaṃ,
So that I may be reborn among humans or devas,

Kalyāṇamittehi saddhiṃ Dhammaṃ suṇeyyaṃ,
Where I may hear the Dhamma in the company of noble friends,

Saṃvegaṃ labheyyaṃ,
Awaken a sense of urgency,

Nibbānaṃ pattukāmo bhaveyyaṃ.
And aspire to attain Nibbāna.

Etena sacca-vajjena, sotthī me hotu sabbadā.
By the truth of this, may I always be safe and well.