Dhajagga Sutta:

The Triple Gem will protect everybody

By Premasara EPASINGHE

To ward off evil and bring prosperity, many Buddhists recite Pirith, stanzas of protection normally recited in temples, houses or on ceremonial occasions.

When Pirith is recited in Pali, listeners do not understand the words uttered, but the rhythmic melodious flow of the verses act as “music” and a soothing balm to your body and mind.

There are mainly 29 suttas, starting from Saranagamana and ending with Atanatiya Sutta. The suttas are found in Chatubhanavara – Pali, and extracted from Khuddhaka, Anguttara, Samyutta, Majjima and Digha Nikayas.

Today, we discuss Dhajagga Paritta, which is extracted from Samyutta Nikaya.

The others that belong to Samyutta Nikaya are Canda, Suriya, Mahakassapathera Bojjanga, Mahamoggallanthera Bojjanga and Mahacundatthera Suttas.

The Dhajagga Piritha centres round a story relating to a war between Suras (gods) and the Asuras (Demons). The Suras look up to the banners (Dhajagga) of various gods.

They thought, if you worship the banners of Sakka and other gods they will be protected.

The Buddha stated that the banners of the Triple Gem Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha are supreme and superior to gods and demons.

He advised people to recite them for their protection.

Dhajagga Sutta derides the belief in the power of devas. In the Sutta, the Enlightened One, emphasises that the highest refuges are the Triple Gem.

It may be a revolutionary step of the Buddha to look down upon the old beliefs and to establish the greatness of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, the Triple Gem. It is a satire on the old beliefs.

The Dhajagga Sutta, the protection through the top of a standard Dhajagga was recited by the Blessed One, when he was sojourning in Jetavana, Savatti in Anathapindika's Park. The Buddha spoke thus:

The Buddha explained to the Bhikkhus the war between the Devas and Asuras. Sakka is the chief of gods. Sakka mentioned that when Devas in the battle field face fear they should look for the top of Sakka's stand and or the Gods flags.

The Sakka of Javatimsa heaven, said if you fear and the hairs of the body stand, look for the top of the standards of Pajapati's Flag, Varuna's flag or Isana King Deva's flag.

Pajapatissa Devarajassa Dhajjagam Ullokeyatha – Varunassa Devarajassa, Dhajjagam Ullokeyatha – Isanassa Devarajassa dhajjagam Ullokeyatha

The Buddha said merely looking at the flags or standard of Sakka, Pajapati, Varuna or Isana may not help to eliminate the fear.

Why? Sakka, the chief of Devas and other gods are not free from Raga (Passion), doso (Anger) and Moha (Delusion).

The Blessed One said in this Dhajjaga Sutta, to remember the Exalted One, who is worthy, fully enlightened, pleasant, possessed knowledge and conduct, knower of the world, unsurpassed teacher of Devas – (Samma Sambuddho, Vijjacarana Sampanno, Sugato, Lokavidu, Anuttaro, Purisadammasarathi, Sattha Devamanussanam, Buddho Bhagavati).

If you forget me, then remember the Dhamma which is visible, open to all and should be understood by the wise (dhammo, Sandithiko, Akaliko, Ehipassiko, Opanayiko, Pacchattam Veditabbo, Vinnuhi ti).

The Buddha told the Bhikkhus “If you cannot remember the dhamma, then you should remember the order of the bhikkhus. They have followed the straight path (Ujupatipanno), four pairs of men, eight individual human characters (Caturari Purishayugani, Attha Purisapugghala).

They are wothy of sacrifice, hospitality, offerings worthy of being worshipped with palms joined together. It is the unsurpassed field of merit of the world. (Ahuneyyo, Pahuneyyo, Dakkhineyyo, Anjalikaraniyo, Anuttaram Punnakkhettam Lokassathi) the Blessed One further said when you remember the multitude of disciples (Sangaratna), your will overcome fear.

Then Buddha said, “The welfarer is fully enlightened, free from passion, (Vitarago) free from anger (Vitadoso), free from delusion (vitamoho), not afraid not tremulous, free from fear and does not run away (Abhiru, Acchambi, Anuttaras, Apalay,” ti)

He delivered the Pathmakabhanavaram, the four verses reminding the Bhikkhus when they are meditating in the forest or under a shedy tree, to remember the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Those who remember the Triple Gem will not fear anything.