Tipitaka >> Sutta Pitaka >> Digha Nikaya >> 3.9Atanatiya Sutta(DN32)
Note : 'c' in Pali words is pronounced as 'ch' as in 'China'.
Pali Versions : Pali-English Version and Pali-Devanagari Version
Atanatiya Sutta[]
Introduction:
Tantra, magic spells etc are generally not mentioned in the Theravada Buddhism. However, as a matter of having protection from evil spiritual entities, Buddha has certainly prescribed this sutta to be committed to memory & to be recited on occasion. As an outline, in this sutta, four kings of the four directions(east, south, west & north) appear before Buddha from their invisible non-human realms, first they pay homage to Buddhas, then they are introduced and are described one by one. Then a warning is also given to the malevolent spiritual entities, if they make trouble for Buddha's followers as Buddha is respected in all spiritual realms as the highest. And also, if anyone of these non-humans does not agree, then names of the chief commanders are given in this sutta, in order to summon them to take care of the situation.
There is a mention of 4 types of spiritual beings in this sutta i.e Yakkhas, Gandhabbas, Kumbhandas & Nagas and their ruling kings. These are considered as the guardians of heaven of Sakka(Indra) often referred to as heaven of 33 in Buddhist texts, actually 33 crore gods, existing high above in the sky, invisible due to of other dimensions, probably in unknown dark matter(there are many types of heavens considered in Buddhism). In his past life, long time ago, when Buddha was the king of this heaven, the asuras(demons) attacked it & almost captured it, they were defeated by the righteousness of Sakka(now Buddha). Then king of heaven Sakka(Now Buddha) asked these 4 kings (and also garulas/garudas) at that time to guard the heaven in 5 directions so as to keep watch on asuras' future infiltration. They consented and it is known that they will remain guardians within the life period of this material universe i.e. for the period of present kappa/kalpa. When Sakka(Buddha)'s life period was over & some other Sakka took over & Buddha was reborn in many forms & after many rebirths he became Lord Buddha, then these 4 king guardians of heaven came down to Earth and offered their services to protect monks & told Buddha this Atanatiya Sutta to be conveyed to monks for thir protection.
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From : Kulāvaka-Jātaka
the 'Palace of Victory,' some thousand leagues( x 4.23 km) high, so-called because it arose in the hour of victory. Then, to prevent the Asuras from coming back again, Sakka(Indra) had guards set in five places, concerning which it has been said:-
- Impregnable both cities stand! between,
- In fivetimes guard, watch Nagas, Garulas,
- Kumbhandas, Goblins, and the Four Great Kings!
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Anyone can recite the Atanatiya recitation and take benefit from it in order to get rid of evil spirits. Here two version are provided. The older one is in old English. The newer one is in modern English with corrections & also compared with the original in Pali . Pali version is also provided. At end , the recitation version is provided by a benevolent user Sampuna and is recommended for use of practice & protection.
Atanatiya Sutta : Newer version[]
275. Thus have I heard:
On one occasion the Lord Buddha was dwelling on the Gijjhakoota parvat (Vulture's Peak) near Rajagaha (Rajgiri).
Then four great kings(of 4 directions) having placed a guard over the four directions, with a large army of Yakkhas, with a large army of Gandhabbas,with a large army of Kumbhandas,with a large army of Nagas;
Having placed troops; having placed a barricade of soldiers on four sides, came to the presence of the Lord Buddha, when the night was far advanced, illuminating the entire Gijjhakoota parvat(Vulture's Peak) with their surpassing radiance, saluted the Lord Buddha and sat on one side. From among the (attendant) Yakkhas, some saluted the Lord Buddha, and sat on one side; some exchanged greetings with the Lord Buddha conversing in a friendly and courteous manner, and sat on one side; some saluted him with clasped hands, and sat on one side; some announced their name and lineage, and sat on one side; some sat on one side in silence.
276. Then the great King Vessavana (Sans. Vaisravana), who was seated on one side, said to the Lord Buddha: "Venerable Lord (bhante), there are eminent Yakkhas who are not pleased with the Lord Buddha, there are also eminent Yakkhas pleased with the Lord Buddha. There are Yakkhas of middle rank who are not pleased with the Lord Buddha, and there are those who are pleased with the Lord Buddha. There are Yakkhas of inferior rank who are not pleased with the Lord Buddha, and there are those who are pleased with the Lord Buddha. The Yakkhas, Lord (bhante), as a rule, are not pleased with the Lord Buddha. What is the reason for this?"
"Well, the Lord Buddha teaches the Dhamma to establish abstention from killing, from stealing, from sexual misconduct, from false speech, and from liquor that causes intoxication and negligence. To them such teaching is unpleasant and unpalatable."
"Surely bhante, there are disciples of the Lord Buddha. They frequent the remote recesses of forest and woodland wilderness where there is no sound, no tumult, where breezes are void of human contact, and suitable for man's seclusion and quiet contemplation. There are eminent Yakkhas who haunt these forests, who have no faith in the word of the Lord Buddha.
"Bhante, may the Lord Buddha learn the Atanata protection so that the displeased Yakkhas may be pleased, so that the monks and nuns, laymen and laywomen, may be at ease, guarded, protected and unharmed."
The Lord Buddha gave consent by his silence. Then the great King Vessavana, knowing that the Lord Buddha had consented, recited the Atanatiya protection:
277. 1. "Homage to Vipassi Buddha, possessed of the divine eye (of wisdom) and splendor. Homage to Sikhi Buddha compassionate towards all beings.
2. "Homage to Vessabhu Buddha, free from all defilements and possessed of ascetic energy. Homage to Kakusanda Buddha, the conqueror of (the five-fold) army of Mara(the deathlord).
3. "Homage to Konagamana Buddha, who has shed all defilements, and had lived the holy celibate life. Homage to Kassapa Buddha, who is fully freed from all defilements.
4. "Homage to Angirasa (Gotama Buddha), the son of the Sakyas, who is full of radiance, and who proclaimed the Dhamma that dispels all suffering.
5. "Those in the world, who have extinguished (the flames of passion), and have perceived through insight meditation (Vipassana), things as they really are, they never slander anyone; they are mighty men who are free from fear.
6. "Gotama the Buddha, dear to gods and men, endowed with knowledge and virtue, mighty and fearless, all do homage to him (homage be to him).
278. 7-8. "When the resplendent sun — offspring of Aditi — with its full orb, arises, then the night ceases, and it is called the day. The direction from which the sun rises (is the East). There exists the ocean deep and vast.
9. "This — a spreading sheet of water — they know as the ocean. Where there is East (to the East of Mount Meru/Kailash) they say that direction is East.
10. "Custodian of this direction is a great king named Dhatarattha who has a retinue of attendants, and is sovereign lord of the Gandhabbas.
11. "Attended by Ghandhabbas he enjoys their song and dance. Many are his (Datharatta's) sons, all of one name, so have I heard.
12-13. "Eighty and ten and one are they, Inda their name, and mighty are they. They too, seeing the Buddha — Kinsman of the sun, mighty and fearless — salute him from afar: "Homage to you, who is unique among mankind; glory to you, the noblest among men."
14-15. "As by your omniscience, you have looked on (mankind with a knowing eye), even the non-humans pay reverence to you. This we have often heard. We, therefore, request them (non-humans) to pay homage to Gotama, the Conqueror (the Buddha). They too say: 'We reverence Gotama, the Conqueror, we reverence Gotama who is endowed with knowledge and virtue.'"
279. 16-18. "The direction to where the petas (pretas), backbiters, murderers, the fierce brigands, and the deceitful thieves go, is the direction (to the south of Mount Meru/Kailash), and is called the direction of the South. The custodian of this direction is a great king named Virulha who has a retinue of attendants, and is the sovereign lord of Kumbhandas. Attended by the Kumbhandas he enjoys their song and dance.
19. "Many are his (Virulha's) sons, all of one name, so have I heard. Eighty and ten and one are they, Inda their names, and mighty are they.
20. "They too, seeing the Buddha — Kinsman of the sun, mighty and fearless — salute him from afar: 'Homage to you, who is unique among mankind; glory to you, the highest among men.'
21-22. "As by your omniscience, you have looked on (mankind with a knowing eye), even the non-humans pay reverence to you. This we have often heard. We, therefore, request them (non-humans) to pay homage to Gotama, the Conqueror (the Buddha). They too say: 'We reverence, Gotama, the Conqueror, we reverence Gotama who is endowed with knowledge and virtue.'
280. 23-24. "When the resplendent sun — offspring of Aditi — with its full orb, sets, then the day ceases, and it is called night. The direction where the sun sets (is the West). There exists the ocean deep and vast.
25. "This — a spreading sheet of water — they know as the ocean. Where there is West (to the West of Mount Meru/Kailash) they say that direction is West.
26. "Custodians of this direction is a great king named Virupakkha who has a retinue of attendants, and is sovereign lord of the Nagas.
27. "Attended by Nagas he enjoys their song and dance. Many are his (Virupakkha's) sons, all of one name, so have I heard.
28-29. "Eighty and ten and one are they, Inda their name, and mighty are they. They too, seeing the Buddha — Kinsman of the sun, mighty and fearless — salute him from afar: 'Homage to you, who is unique among mankind; glory to you, the noblest among men.'
30-31. "As by your omniscience, you have looked on (mankind with a knowing eye), even the non-humans pay reverence to you. This we have often heard. We, therefore, request them (non-humans) to pay homage to Gotama, the Conqueror (the Buddha). They too say: 'We reverence, Gotama, the Conqueror, we reverence Gotama who is endowed with knowledge and virtue.'
281.
32. "Where lies delightful Uttarakuru (the Northern continent), where towers beautiful Mount Meru(Kailash), there are born men who are selfless and unattached.
33. "They neither sow the seed nor use the plow. Spontaneously grown corn is there for them to enjoy.
34. "The rice, purged of the red powder and of husk, clean and sweet-scented, is boiled in golden vessels; it is this that they eat.
35. "They (yakkhas/non-humans) make of cows a single-seated mount and ride about from place to place. "They make use of other animals a single-seated mount and ride about from place to place.
36. "They make use of women as vehicles, and travel from place to place in them. "They make use of men as vehicles, and travel from place to place in them.
37. "They make use of girls as vehicles, and travel from place to place in them. "They make use of boys as vehicles, and travel from place to place in them.
38. "Mounting on these vehicles they (the Yakkhas of King Vessavana) travel in every direction.
39. "This king who has a retinue of attendants, is possessed of elephants and horses on which he rides. He also has celestial chariots, palaces, and palanquins. He has cities well built in the celestial regions.
"Their names are Atanata, Kusinata, Parakusinata, Natasuriya, Parakusitanata. To the North, the city of Kapivanta, to the South Janogha, and cities named Navanavati, Ambara-ambaravati and the Alakamanda named capital city. Happy one (addressing the Buddha), this Kuvera (another name for Vessavana) has a kingdom named Visna, therefore, the great king Kuvera is called Vessavana. There are Yakkhas (of this king) who hold investigations and make them known. They are Tatola, Tattala, Tatotala, Ojasi, Tejasi, Tatojasi, Suro, Raja (Sura-raja) Arittho, Nemi (Arittha-nemi). There (in Visana kingdom) lies the lake Dharani where the rain-clouds pour to. And there is also the hall named Bhagalavati where the Yakkhas assemble.
40. "There (round about the hall) are trees bearing perpetual fruit. (On these trees) there are multitudes of birds. There also is heard the cry of peacocks and herons(konch/kronch), and the melodious song of kokilas (the Indian cuckoo).
41. "There (near the lake) the cry of the birds, who call 'Live ye! Live ye!' (jivamjivaka) is heard. The bird Otthavacittaka ('O lift your hearts!'), the jungle fowls(kukkuta), the crabs and the Pokkharasataka birds roam the woods.
42. "There the cry of the parot, the myna-birds and the dandamanavaka birds is heard. And Kuvera's lotus-lake ever lies in her beauty in all seasons.
43-44. "That direction (to the North of Mount Meru) is called by people the quarter of the North. The custodian of this quarter is a great king named Kuvera who has a retinue of attendants, and is sovereign lord of the Yakkhas. Attended by the Yakkhas he enjoys their songs and dance.
45. "Many are his (Kuvera's) sons, all of one name, so have I heard. Eighty and ten and one are they, Inda their names, and mighty are they.
46. "They too, seeing the Buddha, kinsman of the sun, mighty and fearless, salute him from afar: 'Homage to you, who is unique among mankind! Glory to you, the noblest among men.'
47-48. "As by your pure omniscience you have looked on (mankind); even the non-humans pay reverence to you, this we have heard. We, therefore, request the Yakkhas to pay homage to Gotama, the Conqueror (the Buddha). They, too, say, 'We reverence Gotama, the Conqueror, we reverence Gotama who is endowed with knowledge and virtue.'
"Happy One, this is the Atanata protection whereby both the monks and nuns, laymen and laywomen may live at ease, guarded, protected, and unharmed.
282. "If any monk or nun, layman or laywoman learns by heart this Atanata protection, and be word-perfect in repeating it, and if any non-human male Yakkha or female Yakkhini, Yakkha youth or maiden Yakkha, Yakkha Minister or any Yakkha, or Yakkha attendant; male or female Gandhabba, youth Gandhabba or maiden Gandhabba, Gandhabba Minister or any Gandhabba, or Gandhabba attendant; male or female Kumbhanda , youth Kumbhanda or maiden Kumbhanda, Kumbhanda Minister or any Kumbhanda, or Kumbhanda attendant; male or female Naga , youth Naga or maiden Naga, Naga Minister or any Naga, or Naga attendant; were to walk with him or her, or stand or sit or lie down with him or her with malevolent intent, such a non-human, Happy One(Lord Buddha), will not obtain hospitality from any town or township, will not obtain a place to dwell, nor could live in the Kingdom of Alakamanda. He will not be able to attend the meetings of the Yakkhas. Further he would not be accepted or given in marriage, he would be reproached (by casting remarks on his deformed teeth or eyes or any part of the body), and the non-humans would put an empty bowl over his head and split it (head) in seven pieces.
"Happy One(Lord Buddha), there are non-humans who are fierce, violent, given to retaliation; those non-humans heed neither the (four) great kings, nor their ministers nor their attendants. They are called rebels against the (four) great kings. Even as in the kingdom of Magadha, the thieves heed neither the king of Magadha, nor the ministers, nor their attendants, and are called rebels against the king of Magadha, so there are non-humans who are fierce, violent, given to retaliation; those non-humans heed neither the (four) great kings, nor their ministers nor their attendants. They are called rebels against the (four) great kings.
"Happy One (Lord Buddha), if any non-human male Yakkha or female Yakkhini, Yakkha youth or maiden Yakkha, Yakkha Minister or any Yakkha, or Yakkha attendant; male or female Gandhabba, youth Gandhabba or maiden Gandhabba, Gandhabba Minister or any Gandhabba, or Gandhabba attendant; male or female Kumbhanda , youth Kumbhanda or maiden Kumbhanda, Kumbhanda Minister or any Kumbhanda, or Kumbhanda attendant; male or female Naga , youth Naga or maiden Naga, Naga Minister or any Naga, or Naga attendant; were to walk with him or her, or stand or sit or lie down with him or her with malevolent intent, then that person should inform, cry aloud and shout to those Yakkhas, to the mighty Yakkhas, their commanders and chief commanders saying: 'This Yakkha is seizing me, takes possession of me, is harassing me, assailing me, is harming me, harming me intensely and would not let me go!'
283. "Who are the Yakkhas, mighty Yakkhas and commanders, and chief commanders (to whom such appeal should be made)?
49. Inda, Soma, and Varuna, Bharadvaja, Pajapati, Candana, Kamasettha too, Kinnughandu, Nigahandu,
50. Panada, Opamanna too, Devasuta and Matali, Cittasena and Gandhabba, Nala, Raja, Janesabha,
51. Satagira, Hemavata, Punnaka, Karatiya, Gula, Sivaka, Mucalinda too, Vessamitta, Yugandhara,
52. Gopala, Suppagedha too, Hiri, Netti, and Mandiya, Pancalacanda, Alavaka, Pajjunna, Sumana, Sumukha, Dadamukkha, With these Serisakka.
"These are the Yakkhas, mighty Yakkhas, the commanders, the chief commanders to whom (the molested one) should inform, cry aloud and shout saying: 'This Yakkha is seizing me, takes possession of me, is harassing me, assailing me, is harming me, and harming me intensely, and this Yakkha would not let me go!'
"This, Happy One, is the Atanata protection whereby monks and nuns, laymen and laywomen may live at ease, guarded, protected, and unharmed.
"Happy One, we now take our leave of you; for we have many duties to attend to (so said the four Great Kings)."
"Great Kings, it is time for your departure" (accepted the Buddha).
The four great kings arose from their seats, and saluting the Lord Buddha, circled round him on his right side, and there and then vanished. From among the (attendant) Yakkhas some arose from their seats, and saluted the Lord Buddha, circled round him on his right side, and there and then vanished; some exchanged greetings with the Lord Buddha conversing in a friendly and courteous manner, and there and then vanished; some saluted the Lord Buddha with clasped hands, and there and then vanished; some announced their name and lineage, and there and then vanished; some in silence there and then vanished.
When the night had passed the Lord Buddha addressed the monks: (The Buddha related to the monks word for word what has been said by the great King Vessavana) "Learn by heart, monks, the Atanata protection, constantly make use of it, bear it in mind. This Atanata protection, monks, pertains to your welfare, and by virtue of it, monks and nuns, laymen and laywomen may live at ease, guarded, protected, and unharmed."
This the Lord Buddha said. Those monks glad at self, rejoiced at the words of the Lord Buddha.
Atanatiya Sutta : Older version[]
Thus have I heard:
On one occasion the Blessed One was living on the Vulture's Peak near Rajagaha (Rajagir).
Then four great kings having placed a guard over the four quarters, with a large army of Yakkhas, of Gandhabbas, of Kumbhandas, of Nagas; having placed troops; having placed a barricade of soldiers on four sides, came to the presence of the Blessed One, when the night was far advanced, illuminating the entire Vulture's Peak with their surpassing radiance, saluted the Blessed One and sat on one side. From among the (attendant) Yakkhas, some saluted the Blessed One, and sat on one side; some exchanged greetings with the Blessed One conversing in a friendly and courteous manner, and sat on one side; some saluted him with clasped hands, and sat on one side; some announced their name and lineage, and sat on one side; some sat on one side in silence.
Then the great King Vessavana (Skt. Vaisravana), who was seated on one side, said to the Blessed One:
"Venerable Sir (bhante), there are eminent Yakkhas who are not pleased with the Blessed One, there are also eminent Yakkhas pleased with the Blessed One. There are Yakkhas of middle rank who are not pleased with the Blessed One, and there are those who are pleased with the Blessed One. There are Yakkhas of inferior rank who are not pleased with the Blessed One, and there are those who are pleased with the Blessed One. The Yakkhas, bhante, as a rule, are not pleased with the Blessed One. What is the reason for this?"
"Well, the Blessed One teaches the Dhamma to establish abstention from killing, from stealing, from sexual misconduct, from false speech, and from liquor that causes intoxication and negligence. To them such teaching is unpleasant and unpalatable."
"Surely bhante, there are disciples of the Blessed One. They frequent the remote recesses of forest and woodland wilderness where there is no sound, no tumult, where breezes are void of human contact, and suitable for man's seclusion and quiet contemplation. There are eminent Yakkhas who haunt these forests, who have no faith in the word of the Blessed One.
"Bhante, may the Blessed One learn the Atanata protection so that the displeased Yakkhas may be pleased, so that the monks and nuns, laymen and laywomen, may be at ease, guarded, protected and unharmed."
The Blessed One gave consent by his silence. Then the great King Vessavana, knowing that the Blessed One had consented, recited the Atanatiya protection:
1. "Homage to Vipassi (the Buddha) possessed of the eye (of wisdom) and splendor. Homage to Sikhi (the Buddha) compassionate towards all beings.
2. "Homage to Vessabhu (the Buddha) free from all defilements and possessed of ascetic energy. Homage to Kakusanda (the Buddha), the conqueror of (the five-fold) host of Mara.
3. "Homage to Konagamana (the Buddha) who has shed all defilements, and had lived the holy life. Homage to Kassapa (the Buddha) who is fully freed from all defilements.
4. "Homage to Angirasa (the Buddha Gotama), the son of the Sakyas, who is full of radiance, and who proclaimed the Dhamma that dispels all suffering.
5. "Those in the world, who have extinguished (the flames of passion), and have perceived through insight (meditation), things as they really are, they never slander anyone; they are mighty men who are free from fear.
6. "Gotama (the Buddha) dear to gods and men, endowed with knowledge and virtue, mighty and fearless, all do homage to him (homage be to him).
7-8. "When the resplendent sun — offspring of Aditi — with its full orb, arises, then the night ceases, and it is called the day. The direction from which the sun rises (is the East). There exists the ocean deep and vast.
9. "This — a spreading sheet of water — they know as the ocean. Where there is East (to the East of Mount Meru) they say that quarter is East.
10. "Custodian of this quarter is a great king named Dhatarattha who has a retinue of attendants, and is sovereign lord of the Gandhabbas.
11. "Attended by Ghandhabbas he enjoys their song and dance. Many are his (Datharatta's) sons, all of one name, so have I heard.
12-13. "Eighty and ten and one are they, Inda their name, and mighty are they. They too, beholding the Buddha — Kinsman of the sun, mighty and fearless — salute him from afar: "Homage to thee, who art unique among mankind; glory to thee, the noblest among men."
14-15. "As by thy omniscience, thou hast looked on (mankind with a knowing eye), even the non-humans pay reverence to thee. This we have often heard. We, therefore, request the Yakkhas to pay homage to Gotama, the Conqueror (the Buddha). They too say: 'We reverence Gotama, the Conqueror, we reverence Gotama who is endowed with knowledge and virtue.'"
16-18. "The direction from where the petas (corpses), backbiters, murderers, the fierce brigands, and the deceitful are removed, is the direction (to the right of Mount Meru), and is called the quarter of the South. The custodian of this quarter is a great king named Virulha who has a retinue of attendants, and is the sovereign lord of Kumbhandas. Attended by the Kumbhandas he enjoys their song and dance.
19. "Many are his (Virulha's) sons, all of one name, so have I heard. Eighty and ten and one are they, Inda their names, and mighty are they.
20. "They too, beholding the Buddha — Kinsman of the sun, mighty and fearless — salute him from afar: 'Homage to thee, who art unique among mankind; glory to thee, the highest among men.'
21-22. "As by thy omniscience, thou hast looked on (mankind with a knowing eye), even the non-humans pay reverence to thee. This we have often heard. We, therefore, request the Yakkhas to pay homage to Gotama, the Conqueror (the Buddha). They too say: 'We reverence, Gotama, the Conqueror, we reverence Gotama who is endowed with knowledge and virtue.'
23-24. "When the resplendent sun — offspring of Aditi — with its full orb, sets, then the day ceases, and it is called night. The direction where the sun sets (is the West). There exists the ocean deep and vast.
25. "This — a spreading sheet of water — they know as the ocean. Where there is West (to the West of Mount Meru) they say that quarter is West.
26. "Custodians of this quarter is a great king named Virupakkha who has a retinue of attendants, and is sovereign lord of the Nagas.
27. "Attended by Nagas he enjoys their song and dance. Many are his (Virupakkha's) sons, all of one name, so have I heard.
28-29. "Eighty and ten and one are they, Inda their name, and mighty are they. They too, beholding the Buddha — Kinsman of the sun, mighty and fearless — salute him from afar: 'Homage to thee, who art unique among mankind; glory to thee, the noblest among men.'
30-31. "As by thy omniscience, thou hast looked on (mankind with a knowing eye), even the non-humans pay reverence to thee. This we have often heard. We, therefore, request the Yakkhas to pay homage to Gotama, the Conqueror (the Buddha). They too say: 'We reverence, Gotama, the Conqueror, we reverence Gotama who is endowed with knowledge and virtue.'
32. "Where lies delightful Uttarakuru (the Northern continent), where towers beautiful Mount Meru, there are born men who are selfless and unattached.
33. "They neither sow the seed nor use8 the plow. Spontaneously grown corn is there for them to enjoy.
34. "The rice, purged of the red powder and of husk, clean and sweet-scented, is boiled in golden vessels; it is this that they partake of.
35. "They make of cows a single-seated mount (like mounting on horseback)9 and ride about from place to place.
36-37. "They make use of women and men, girls and boys as vehicles, and travel from place to place in them.
38. "Mounting on vehicles (on elephants and horses) they (the Yakkhas of King Vessavana) travel in every direction.
39. "This king who has a retinue of attendants, is possessed of elephants and horses on which he rides. He also has celestial chariots, palaces, and palanquins. He has cities well built in the celestial regions.
"Their names are Atanata, Kusinata, Parakusinata, Natapuriya, Parakusitanata. To the North, the city of Kapilavata, to the South10 Janogha, and cities named Navanavati, Ambara-ambaravati and the kingdom of Alakamanda. Happy one (addressing the Buddha), this Kuvera (another name for Vessavana) has a kingdom named Visna, therefore, the great king Kuvera is called Vessavana. There are Yakkhas (of this king) who hold investigations and make them known. They are Tatola, Tattala, Tatotala, Ojasi, Tejasi, Tatojasi, Suro, Raja (Sura-raja) Arittho, Nemi (Arittha-nemi). There (in Visana kingdom) lies the lake Dharani whence rain-clouds (drawing water) pour them forth. And there is also the hall named Bhagalavati where the Yakkhas assemble.
40. "There (round about the hall) are trees bearing perpetual fruit. (On these trees) there are multitudes of birds. There also is heard the cry of peacocks and herons, and the melodious song of kokilas (the Indian cuckoo).
41. "There (near the lake) the cry of the birds, who call 'Live ye! Live ye!' (jivamjivaka) is heard. The bird Otthavacittaka ('O lift your hearts!'), the jungle fowls, the crabs and the Pokkharasataka birds roam the woods.
42. "There the cry of the parot, the myna-birds and the dandamanavaka birds is heard. And Kuvera's lotus-lake ever lies in her beauty in all seasons.
43-44. "That direction (to the North of Mount Meru) is called by people the quarter of the North. The custodian of this quarter is a great king named Kuvera who has a retinue of attendants, and is sovereign lord of the Yakkhas. Attended by the Yakkhas he enjoys their songs and dance.
45. "Many are his (Kuvera's) sons, all of one name, so have I heard. Eighty and ten and one are they, Inda their names, and mighty are they.
46. "They too, beholding the Buddha, kinsman of the sun, mighty and fearless, salute him from afar: 'Homage to thee, who art unique among mankind! Glory to thee, the noblest among men.'
47-48. "As by thy pure omniscience thou hast looked on (mankind); even the non-humans pay reverence to thee, this we have heard. We, therefore, request the Yakkhas to pay homage to Gotama, the Conqueror (the Buddha). They, too, say, 'We reverence Gotama, the Conqueror, we reverence Gotama who is endowed with knowledge and virtue.'
"Happy One, this is the Atanata protection whereby both the monks and nuns, laymen and laywomen may live at ease, guarded, protected, and unharmed.
"If any monk or nun, layman or laywoman learns by heart this Atanata protection, and be word-perfect in repeating it, and if any non-human male or female Yakkha, youth or maiden Yakkha, Yakkha Minister or any Yakkha, or Yakkha attendant; male or female Gandhabba... (as before); male or female Kumbhanda... male or female Naga... were to walk with him or her, or stand or sit or lie down with him or her with malevolent intent, such a non-human, Happy One, will not obtain hospitality from any town or township, will not obtain a place to dwell, nor could live in the Kingdom of Alakamanda. He will not be able to attend the meetings of the Yakkhas. Further he would not be accepted or given in marriage, he would be reproached (by casting remarks on his deformed teeth or eyes or any part of the body), and the non-humans would put an empty bowl over his head and split it (head) in seven pieces.
"Happy One, there are non-humans who are fierce, violent, given to retaliation; those non-humans heed neither the (four) great kings, nor their ministers nor their attendants. They are called rebels against the (four) great kings. Even as in the kingdom of Magadha, the thieves heed neither the king of Magadha, nor the ministers, nor their attendants, and are called rebels against the king of Magadha, so there are non-humans who are fierce... (as before). They are called rebels against the (four) great kings.
"Happy One, if any non-human — male or female Yakkha, youth or maiden Yakkha, yakkha minister or any Yakkha, or Yakkha attendant; male or female Gandhabba... (as before); male or female Kumbhanda... male or female Naga... were to walk with a monk or nun, or a layman or laywoman, or stand, or sit, or lie down with him or her with malevolent intent, then should (the molested one) inform, cry aloud and shout to those Yakkhas, to the mighty Yakkhas, their commanders and chief commanders saying: 'This Yakkha is seizing me, takes possession of me, is harassing me, assailing me, is harming me, harming me intensely and would not let me go!'
"Who are the Yakkhas, mighty Yakkhas and commanders, and chief commanders (to whom such appeal should be made)?
49. Inda, Soma, and Varuna, Bharadvaja, Pajapati, Candana, Kamasettha too, Kinnughandu, Nigahandu,
50. Panada, Opamanna too, Devasata and Matali, Cittasena and Gandhabba, Nala, Raja, Janesabha,
51. Satagira, Hemavata, Punnaka, Karatiya, Gula, Sivaka, Mucalinda too, Vessamitta, Yugandhara,
52. Gopala, Suppagedha too, Hiri, Netti, and Mandiya, Pañcalacanda, Alavaka, Pajjunna, Sumana, Sumukha, Dadamukkha, With these Serisakka. "These are the Yakkhas, mighty Yakkhas, the commanders, the chief commanders to whom (the molested one) should inform, cry aloud and shout saying: 'This Yakkha is seizing me, takes possession of me, is harassing me, assailing me, is harming me, and harming me intensely, and this Yakkha would not let me go!'
"This, Happy One, is the Atanata protection whereby monks and nuns, laymen and laywomen may live at ease, guarded, protected, and unharmed.
"Happy One, we now take our leave of you; for we have many duties to attend to (so said the four Great Kings)."
"Great Kings, it is time for your departure" (replied the Buddha).
The four great kings arose from their seats, and saluting the Blessed One, circled round him on his right side, and there and then vanished. From among the (attendant) Yakkhas some arose from their seats, and saluted the Blessed One, circled round him on his right side, and there and then vanished; some exchanged greetings with the Blessed One conversing in a friendly and courteous manner, and there and then vanished; some saluted the Blessed One with clasped hands, and there and then vanished; some announced their name and lineage, and there and then vanished; some in silence there and then vanished.
When the night had passed the Blessed One addressed the monks: (The Buddha related to the monks word for word what has been said by the great King Vessavana) "Learn by heart, monks, the Atanata protection, constantly make use of it, bear it in mind. This Atanata protection, monks, pertains to your welfare, and by virtue of it, monks and nuns, laymen and laywomen may live at ease, guarded, protected, and unharmed."
This the Blessed One said. Those monks glad at heart rejoiced at the words of the Blessed One.
Atanatiya Sutta : In original Pali language From tipitaka.org[]
275. Evaṃ me sutaṃ – ekaṃ samayaṃ bhagavā rājagahe viharati gijjhakūṭe pabbate. Atha kho cattāro mahārājā [mahārājāno (ka.)] mahatiyā ca yakkhasenāya mahatiyā ca gandhabbasenāya mahatiyā ca kumbhaṇḍasenāya mahatiyā ca nāgasenāya catuddisaṃ rakkhaṃ ṭhapetvā catuddisaṃ gumbaṃ ṭhapetvā catuddisaṃ ovaraṇaṃ ṭhapetvā abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṃ gijjhakūṭaṃ pabbataṃ obhāsetvā [gijjhakūṭaṃ obhāsetvā (sī. syā. pī.)] yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṃsu; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṃ abhivādetvā ekamantaṃ nisīdiṃsu. Tepi kho yakkhā appekacce bhagavantaṃ abhivādetvā ekamantaṃ nisīdiṃsu, appekacce bhagavatā saddhiṃ sammodiṃsu, sammodanīyaṃ kathaṃ sāraṇīyaṃ vītisāretvā ekamantaṃ nisīdiṃsu, appekacce yena bhagavā tenañjaliṃ paṇāmetvā ekamantaṃ nisīdiṃsu, appekacce nāmagottaṃ sāvetvā ekamantaṃ nisīdiṃsu, appekacce tuṇhībhūtā ekamantaṃ nisīdiṃsu.
276. Ekamantaṃ nisinno kho vessavaṇo mahārājā bhagavantaṃ etadavoca – ‘‘santi hi, bhante, uḷārā yakkhā bhagavato appasannā. Santi hi, bhante, uḷārā yakkhā bhagavato pasannā. Santi hi , bhante, majjhimā yakkhā bhagavato appasannā. Santi hi, bhante, majjhimā yakkhā bhagavato pasannā. Santi hi, bhante, nīcā yakkhā bhagavato appasannā. Santi hi, bhante, nīcā yakkhā bhagavato pasannā. Yebhuyyena kho pana, bhante, yakkhā appasannāyeva bhagavato. Taṃ kissa hetu? Bhagavā hi, bhante, pāṇātipātā veramaṇiyā dhammaṃ deseti, adinnādānā veramaṇiyā dhammaṃ deseti, kāmesumicchācārā veramaṇiyā dhammaṃ deseti, musāvādā veramaṇiyā dhammaṃ deseti, surāmerayamajjappamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇiyā dhammaṃ deseti. Yebhuyyena kho pana, bhante, yakkhā appaṭiviratāyeva pāṇātipātā, appaṭiviratā adinnādānā, appaṭiviratā kāmesumicchācārā, appaṭiviratā musāvādā, appaṭiviratā surāmerayamajjappamādaṭṭhānā . Tesaṃ taṃ hoti appiyaṃ amanāpaṃ. Santi hi, bhante, bhagavato sāvakā araññavanapatthāni pantāni senāsanāni paṭisevanti appasaddāni appanigghosāni vijanavātāni manussarāhasseyyakāni [manussarāhaseyyakāni (sī. syā. pī.)]paṭisallānasāruppāni. Tattha santi uḷārā yakkhā nivāsino, ye imasmiṃ bhagavato pāvacane appasannā. Tesaṃ pasādāya uggaṇhātu, bhante, bhagavā āṭānāṭiyaṃ rakkhaṃ bhikkhūnaṃ bhikkhunīnaṃ upāsakānaṃ upāsikānaṃ guttiyā rakkhāya avihiṃsāya phāsuvihārāyā’’ti. Adhivāsesi bhagavā tuṇhībhāvena.
Atha kho vessavaṇo mahārājā bhagavato adhivāsanaṃ viditvā tāyaṃ velāyaṃ imaṃ āṭānāṭiyaṃ rakkhaṃ abhāsi –
277. ‘‘Vipassissa ca [ime cakārā porāṇapotthakesu natthi] namatthu, cakkhumantassa sirīmato.
Sikhissapi ca [ime cakārā porāṇapotthakesu natthi] namatthu, sabbabhūtānukampino.
‘‘Vessabhussa ca [ime cakārā porāṇapotthakesu natthi] namatthu, nhātakassa tapassino;
Namatthu kakusandhassa, mārasenāpamaddino.
‘‘Koṇāgamanassa namatthu, brāhmaṇassa vusīmato;
Kassapassa ca [ime cakārā porāṇapotthakesu natthi] namatthu, vippamuttassa sabbadhi.
‘‘Aṅgīrasassa namatthu, sakyaputtassa sirīmato;
Yo imaṃ dhammaṃ desesi [dhammamadesesi (sī. syā. pī.), dhammaṃ deseti (?)], sabbadukkhāpanūdanaṃ.
‘‘Ye cāpi nibbutā loke, yathābhūtaṃ vipassisuṃ;
Te janā apisuṇātha [apisuṇā (sī. syā. pī.)], mahantā vītasāradā.
‘‘Hitaṃ devamanussānaṃ, yaṃ namassanti gotamaṃ;
Vijjācaraṇasampannaṃ, mahantaṃ vītasāradaṃ.
278. ‘‘Yato uggacchati sūriyo [suriyo (sī. syā. pī.)], ādicco maṇḍalī mahā.
Yassa cuggacchamānassa, saṃvarīpi nirujjhati;
Yassa cuggate sūriye, ‘divaso’ti pavuccati.
‘‘Rahadopi tattha gambhīro, samuddo saritodako;
Evaṃ taṃ tattha jānanti, ‘samuddo saritodako’.
‘‘Ito ‘sā purimā disā’, iti naṃ ācikkhatī jano;
Yaṃ disaṃ abhipāleti, mahārājā yasassi so.
‘‘Gandhabbānaṃ adhipati [ādhipati (sī. syā. pī.) evamuparipi], ‘dhataraṭṭho’ti nāmaso;
Ramatī naccagītehi, gandhabbehi purakkhato.
‘‘Puttāpi tassa bahavo, ekanāmāti me sutaṃ;
Asīti dasa eko ca, indanāmā mahabbalā.
Te cāpi buddhaṃ disvāna, buddhaṃ ādiccabandhunaṃ;
Dūratova namassanti, mahantaṃ vītasāradaṃ.
‘‘Namo te purisājañña, namo te purisuttama;
Kusalena samekkhasi, amanussāpi taṃ vandanti;
Sutaṃ netaṃ abhiṇhaso, tasmā evaṃ vademase.
‘‘‘Jinaṃ vandatha gotamaṃ, jinaṃ vandāma gotamaṃ;
Vijjācaraṇasampannaṃ, buddhaṃ vandāma gotamaṃ’.
279. ‘‘Yena petā pavuccanti, pisuṇā piṭṭhimaṃsikā.
Pāṇātipātino luddā [luddhā (pī. ka.)], corā nekatikā janā.
‘‘Ito ‘sā dakkhiṇā disā’, iti naṃ ācikkhatī jano;
Yaṃ disaṃ abhipāleti, mahārājā yasassi so.
‘‘Kumbhaṇḍānaṃ adhipati, ‘virūḷho’ iti nāmaso;
Ramatī naccagītehi, kumbhaṇḍehi purakkhato.
‘‘Puttāpi tassa bahavo, ekanāmāti me sutaṃ;
Asīti dasa eko ca, indanāmā mahabbalā.
Te cāpi buddhaṃ disvāna, buddhaṃ ādiccabandhunaṃ;
Dūratova namassanti, mahantaṃ vītasāradaṃ.
‘‘Namo te purisājañña, namo te purisuttama;
Kusalena samekkhasi, amanussāpi taṃ vandanti;
Sutaṃ netaṃ abhiṇhaso, tasmā evaṃ vademase.
‘‘‘Jinaṃ vandatha gotamaṃ, jinaṃ vandāma gotamaṃ;
Vijjācaraṇasampannaṃ, buddhaṃ vandāma gotamaṃ’.
280. ‘‘Yattha coggacchati sūriyo, ādicco maṇḍalī mahā.
Yassa coggacchamānassa, divasopi nirujjhati;
Yassa coggate sūriye, ‘saṃvarī’ti pavuccati.
‘‘Rahadopi tattha gambhīro, samuddo saritodako;
Evaṃ taṃ tattha jānanti, ‘samuddo saritodako’.
‘‘Ito ‘sā pacchimā disā’, iti naṃ ācikkhatī jano;
Yaṃ disaṃ abhipāleti, mahārājā yasassi so.
‘‘Nāgānañca adhipati, ‘virūpakkho’ti nāmaso;
Ramatī naccagītehi, nāgeheva purakkhato.
‘‘Puttāpi tassa bahavo, ekanāmāti me sutaṃ;
Asīti dasa eko ca, indanāmā mahabbalā.
Te cāpi buddhaṃ disvāna, buddhaṃ ādiccabandhunaṃ;
Dūratova namassanti, mahantaṃ vītasāradaṃ.
‘‘Namo te purisājañña, namo te purisuttama;
Kusalena samekkhasi, amanussāpi taṃ vandanti;
Sutaṃ netaṃ abhiṇhaso, tasmā evaṃ vademase.
‘‘‘Jinaṃ vandatha gotamaṃ, jinaṃ vandāma gotamaṃ;
Vijjācaraṇasampannaṃ, buddhaṃ vandāma gotamaṃ’.
281. ‘‘Yena uttarakuruvho [uttarakurū rammā (sī. syā. pī.)], mahāneru sudassano.
Manussā tattha jāyanti, amamā apariggahā.
‘‘Na te bījaṃ pavapanti, napi nīyanti naṅgalā;
Akaṭṭhapākimaṃ sāliṃ, paribhuñjanti mānusā.
‘‘Akaṇaṃ athusaṃ suddhaṃ, sugandhaṃ taṇḍulapphalaṃ;
Tuṇḍikīre pacitvāna, tato bhuñjanti bhojanaṃ.
‘‘Gāviṃ ekakhuraṃ katvā, anuyanti disodisaṃ;
Pasuṃ ekakhuraṃ katvā, anuyanti disodisaṃ.
‘‘Itthiṃ vā vāhanaṃ [itthī-vāhanaṃ (sī. pī.), itthīṃ vāhanaṃ (syā.)] katvā, anuyanti disodisaṃ;
Purisaṃ vāhanaṃ katvā, anuyanti disodisaṃ.
‘‘Kumāriṃ vāhanaṃ katvā, anuyanti disodisaṃ;
Kumāraṃ vāhanaṃ katvā, anuyanti disodisaṃ.
‘‘Te yāne abhiruhitvā,
Sabbā disā anupariyāyanti [anupariyanti (syā.)];
Pacārā tassa rājino.
‘‘Hatthiyānaṃ assayānaṃ, dibbaṃ yānaṃ upaṭṭhitaṃ;
Pāsādā sivikā ceva, mahārājassa yasassino.
‘‘Tassa ca nagarā ahu,
Antalikkhe sumāpitā;
Āṭānāṭā kusināṭā parakusināṭā,
Nāṭasuriyā [nāṭapuriyā (sī. pī.), nāṭapariyā (syā.)] parakusiṭanāṭā.
‘‘Uttarena kasivanto [kapivanto (sī. syā. pī)],
Janoghamaparena ca;
Navanavutiyo ambaraambaravatiyo,
Āḷakamandā nāma rājadhānī.
‘‘Kuverassa kho pana, mārisa, mahārājassa visāṇā nāma rājadhānī;
Tasmā kuvero mahārājā, ‘vessavaṇo’ti pavuccati.
‘‘Paccesanto pakāsenti, tatolā tattalā tatotalā;
Ojasi tejasi tatojasī, sūro rājā ariṭṭho nemi.
‘‘Rahadopi tattha dharaṇī nāma, yato meghā pavassanti;
Vassā yato patāyanti, sabhāpi tattha sālavatī [bhagalavatī (sī. syā. pī.)] nāma.
‘‘Yattha yakkhā payirupāsanti, tattha niccaphalā rukkhā;
Nānā dijagaṇā yutā, mayūrakoñcābhirudā;
Kokilādīhi vagguhi.
‘‘Jīvañjīvakasaddettha, atho oṭṭhavacittakā;
Kukkuṭakā [kukutthakā (sī. pī.)] kuḷīrakā, vane pokkharasātakā.
‘‘Sukasāḷikasaddettha, daṇḍamāṇavakāni ca;
Sobhati sabbakālaṃ sā, kuveranaḷinī sadā.
‘‘Ito ‘sā uttarā disā’, iti naṃ ācikkhatī jano;
Yaṃ disaṃ abhipāleti, mahārājā yasassi so.
‘‘Yakkhānañca adhipati, ‘kuvero’ iti nāmaso;
Ramatī naccagītehi, yakkheheva purakkhato.
‘‘Puttāpi tassa bahavo, ekanāmāti me sutaṃ;
Asīti dasa eko ca, indanāmā mahabbalā.
‘‘Te cāpi buddhaṃ disvāna, buddhaṃ ādiccabandhunaṃ;
Dūratova namassanti, mahantaṃ vītasāradaṃ.
‘‘Namo te purisājañña, namo te purisuttama;
Kusalena samekkhasi, amanussāpi taṃ vandanti;
Sutaṃ netaṃ abhiṇhaso, tasmā evaṃ vademase.
‘‘‘Jinaṃ vandatha gotamaṃ, jinaṃ vandāma gotamaṃ;
Vijjācaraṇasampannaṃ, buddhaṃ vandāma gotama’’’nti.
‘‘Ayaṃ kho sā, mārisa, āṭānāṭiyā rakkhā bhikkhūnaṃ bhikkhunīnaṃ upāsakānaṃ upāsikānaṃ guttiyā rakkhāya avihiṃsāya phāsuvihārāya.
282. ‘‘Yassa kassaci, mārisa, bhikkhussa vā bhikkhuniyā vā upāsakassa vā upāsikāya vā ayaṃ āṭānāṭiyā rakkhā suggahitā bhavissati samattā pariyāputā [pariyāpuṭā (ka.)]. Taṃ ce amanusso yakkho vā yakkhinī vā yakkhapotako vā yakkhapotikā vā yakkhamahāmatto vā yakkhapārisajjo vā yakkhapacāro vā, gandhabbo vā gandhabbī vā gandhabbapotako vā gandhabbapotikā vā gandhabbamahāmatto vā gandhabbapārisajjo vā gandhabbapacāro vā, kumbhaṇḍo vā kumbhaṇḍī vā kumbhaṇḍapotako vā kumbhaṇḍapotikā vā kumbhaṇḍamahāmatto vā kumbhaṇḍapārisajjo vā kumbhaṇḍapacāro vā, nāgo vā nāgī vā nāgapotako vā nāgapotikā vā nāgamahāmatto vā nāgapārisajjo vā nāgapacāro vā, paduṭṭhacitto bhikkhuṃ vā bhikkhuniṃ vā upāsakaṃ vā upāsikaṃ vā gacchantaṃ vā anugaccheyya, ṭhitaṃ vā upatiṭṭheyya, nisinnaṃ vā upanisīdeyya, nipannaṃ vā upanipajjeyya. Na me so, mārisa, amanusso labheyya gāmesu vā nigamesu vā sakkāraṃ vā garukāraṃ vā. Na me so, mārisa, amanusso labheyya āḷakamandāya nāma rājadhāniyā vatthuṃ vā vāsaṃ vā. Na me so, mārisa, amanusso labheyya yakkhānaṃ samitiṃ gantuṃ. Apissu naṃ, mārisa, amanussā anāvayhampi naṃ kareyyuṃ avivayhaṃ. Apissu naṃ, mārisa, amanussā attāhipi paripuṇṇāhi paribhāsāhi paribhāseyyuṃ. Apissu naṃ, mārisa, amanussā rittaṃpissa pattaṃ sīse nikkujjeyyuṃ. Apissu naṃ, mārisa, amanussā sattadhāpissa muddhaṃ phāleyyuṃ.
‘‘Santi hi, mārisa, amanussā caṇḍā ruddhā [ruddā (sī. pī.)] rabhasā, te neva mahārājānaṃ ādiyanti, na mahārājānaṃ purisakānaṃ ādiyanti, na mahārājānaṃ purisakānaṃ purisakānaṃ ādiyanti. Te kho te, mārisa, amanussā mahārājānaṃ avaruddhā nāma vuccanti. Seyyathāpi, mārisa, rañño māgadhassa vijite mahācorā. Te neva rañño māgadhassa ādiyanti, na rañño māgadhassa purisakānaṃ ādiyanti, na rañño māgadhassa purisakānaṃ purisakānaṃ ādiyanti. Te kho te, mārisa, mahācorā rañño māgadhassa avaruddhā nāma vuccanti. Evameva kho, mārisa, santi amanussā caṇḍā ruddhā rabhasā, te neva mahārājānaṃ ādiyanti, na mahārājānaṃ purisakānaṃ ādiyanti, na mahārājānaṃ purisakānaṃ purisakānaṃ ādiyanti. Te kho te, mārisa, amanussā mahārājānaṃ avaruddhā nāma vuccanti. Yo hi koci, mārisa, amanusso yakkho vā yakkhinī vā…pe… gandhabbo vā gandhabbī vā … kumbhaṇḍo vā kumbhaṇḍī vā… nāgo vā nāgī vā nāgapotako vā nāgapotikā vā nāgamahāmatto vā nāgapārisajjo vā nāgapacāro vā paduṭṭhacitto bhikkhuṃ vā bhikkhuniṃ vā upāsakaṃ vā upāsikaṃ vā gacchantaṃ vā anugaccheyya, ṭhitaṃ vā upatiṭṭheyya, nisinnaṃ vā upanisīdeyya, nipannaṃ vā upanipajjeyya. Imesaṃ yakkhānaṃ mahāyakkhānaṃ senāpatīnaṃ mahāsenāpatīnaṃ ujjhāpetabbaṃ vikkanditabbaṃ viravitabbaṃ – ‘ayaṃ yakkho gaṇhāti, ayaṃ yakkho āvisati, ayaṃ yakkho heṭheti, ayaṃ yakkho viheṭheti, ayaṃ yakkho hiṃsati, ayaṃ yakkho vihiṃsati, ayaṃ yakkho na muñcatī’ti.
283. ‘‘Katamesaṃ yakkhānaṃ mahāyakkhānaṃ senāpatīnaṃ mahāsenāpatīnaṃ?
‘‘Indo somo varuṇo ca, bhāradvājo pajāpati;
Candano kāmaseṭṭho ca, kinnughaṇḍu nighaṇḍu ca.
‘‘Panādo opamañño ca, devasūto ca mātali;
Cittaseno ca gandhabbo, naḷo rājā janesabho [janosabho (syā.)].
‘‘Sātāgiro hemavato, puṇṇako karatiyo guḷo;
Sivako mucalindo ca, vessāmitto yugandharo.
‘‘Gopālo supparodho ca [suppagedho ca (sī. syā. pī.)], hiri netti [hirī nettī (sī. pī.)] ca mandiyo;
Pañcālacaṇḍo āḷavako, pajjunno sumano sumukho;
Dadhimukho maṇi māṇivaro [maṇi mānicaro (syā. pī.)] dīgho, atho serīsako saha.
‘‘Imesaṃ yakkhānaṃ mahāyakkhānaṃ senāpatīnaṃ mahāsenāpatīnaṃ ujjhāpetabbaṃ vikkanditabbaṃ viravitabbaṃ – ‘ayaṃ yakkho gaṇhāti, ayaṃ yakkho āvisati, ayaṃ yakkho heṭheti, ayaṃ yakkho viheṭheti, ayaṃ yakkho hiṃsati, ayaṃ yakkho vihiṃsati, ayaṃ yakkho na muñcatī’ti.
‘‘Ayaṃ kho sā, mārisa, āṭānāṭiyā rakkhā bhikkhūnaṃ bhikkhunīnaṃ upāsakānaṃ upāsikānaṃ guttiyā rakkhāya avihiṃsāya phāsuvihārāya. Handa ca dāni mayaṃ, mārisa, gacchāma bahukiccā mayaṃ bahukaraṇīyā’’ti. ‘‘Yassadāni tumhe mahārājāno kālaṃ maññathā’’ti.
284. Atha kho cattāro mahārājā uṭṭhāyāsanā bhagavantaṃ abhivādetvā padakkhiṇaṃ katvā tatthevantaradhāyiṃsu. Tepi kho yakkhā uṭṭhāyāsanā appekacce bhagavantaṃ abhivādetvā padakkhiṇaṃ katvā tatthevantaradhāyiṃsu. Appekacce bhagavatā saddhiṃ sammodiṃsu, sammodanīyaṃ kathaṃ sāraṇīyaṃ vītisāretvā tatthevantaradhāyiṃsu . Appekacce yena bhagavā tenañjaliṃ paṇāmetvā tatthevantaradhāyiṃsu. Appekacce nāmagottaṃ sāvetvā tatthevantaradhāyiṃsu. Appekacce tuṇhībhūtā tatthevantaradhāyiṃsūti.
Atanatiya Sutta : Chanting version from Burmese Edition of Paritta Pali[]
(This was provided by a benevolent user Sampuna)
Appasannehi nathassa,
sasane sadhusammate;
amanussehi candehi,
sada kibbisakaribhi.
Demons (in-human beings) and others who have no faith in the well-esteemed Dispensation of the Buddha always commit evil.
Parisanam catassannam,
ahimsaya ca guttiya;
yam desesi mahaviro,
parittam tam bhanama he.
The Great Courageous One preached this sutta so that it would protect them from dangers and no harm would fall on the four social classes of people. Oh, noble ones! Let us recite the sutta.
Vipassissa ca namatthu,
cakkhumantassa sirimato;
sikkhissapi ca namatthu,
sabbabhuta-nukampino.
Homage to the Vipassi Buddha, possessed of the eye of wisdom and glory; homage to Sikhi Buddha, the great compassionate towards all beings.
Vessabhussa ca namatthu,
nhatakassa tapassino;
namatthu kakusandhassa,
marasena-pamaddinno.
Homage to Vessabhu Buddha who has washed away all the defilements and who possesses good ascetic practices. Homage to Kakusandha Buddha who defeated the army of Mara (evil one).
Konagamanassa namatthu,
brahmanassa vusimato;
kassapassa ca namatthu,
vippamuttassa sabbadhi.
Homage to Konagamana Buddha who had eradicated all evil and lived the noble life. Homage to Kassapa Buddha who was freed from all defilements.
Angirasassa namatthu,
sakyaputtassa sirimato;
yo imam dhammam desesi,
sabbadukkha-panudanam.
Gotama the Buddha preached this Dhamma which removed all suffering. Homage to this son of Sakyas (Gotama Buddha) from whose body issued rays of light and who was glorious.
Ye capi nibbuta loke,
yathabhutam vipassisum;
te jana apisunatha,
mahanta vitasarada.
In this world, those who have extinguished all the flames of passions and have thoroughly seen things as they really are - these persons being Arahants never slander. They are great and free from fear.
Hitam deva manussanam,
yam namassanti gotamam;
vijjacaranasampannam,
mahantam vitasaradam.
They pay homage to Gotama Buddha who works for the benefit of gods and men, who is endowed with wisdom and good conduct, who is great and free from fear.
Ete canne ca sambuddha,
Aneka satakotiyo;
sabbe buddha samasama,
sabbe buddha mahiddhika.
Those seven Buddhas and the other hundreds of crores of Buddha- all these Buddhas are equal only to the Former Ones, all these Buddhas have great power.
Sabbe dasa balupeta,
vesarajjeh-upagata;
sabbe te patijananti,
asabham thana muttamam.
All these Buddhas are endowed with ten kinds of strength and wisdom of fearlessness. All these Buddhas proclaim that they possess the state of Omniscience.
Sihanadam nadante-te,
parisasu visarada;
brahma cakkam pavattenti,
loke appativattiyam.
These Buddhas, being fearless among the eight kinds of audience, roar the lion’s roar, and they set in motion the Wheel of Dhamma in the world without turning back.
Upeta buddha dhammehi,
attharasahi nayaka;
battimsa lakkhanupeta,
sita nubyanjana dhara.
These leaders of the world are endowed with eighteen special qualities of virtues in the Buddhas. They possess thirty-two major marks and eighty minor marks of ‘a great man’.
Byama ppabhaya suppabha,
sabbe te muni kunjara;
buddha sabbannuno ete,
sabbe khinasava jina.
All these Supreme Sages shine with surrounding halos; all these Buddhas are Omniscient. All these Buddhas have extinguished the defilements and they are conquerors.
Mahapabha mahateja,
mahapanna mahabbala;
mahakarunika dhira,
sabbesanam sukhavaha.
These Buddhas possess a radiant light, great power, great wisdom and great strength, great compassion and steadfast concentration. They fulfill the happiness of all beings.
Dipa natha patittha ca,
tana lena ca paninam;
gati bandhu mahessasa,
sarana ca hitesino.
They are the islands for beings, the lords, the supporting ground, the protectors, the shelters, the havens, the friends, the glorious saviours, the refuges, and they seek the welfare of all beings.
Sadevakassa lokassa,
sabbe ete parayana;
tesa'ham sirasa pade,
vandami purisuttame.
All these Buddhas are the gracious refuges for the world of gods and men. I respectfully bow my head at the feet of these Supreme Ones.
Vacasa manasa ceva,
vandam-ete tathagate;
sayane asane thane,
gamane capi sabbada.
I pay homage to these Accomplished Ones by words and by thoughts, whenever I am lying down or sitting or standing or walking.
Sada sukkhena rakkhantu,
buddha santikara tuvam;
tehi tvam rakkhito santo,
mutto sabbabhayehi ca.
May the Buddhas who are peacemakers protect you always so that you are happy. Being protected by them, may you be free from all dangers.
Sabbaroga vinimutto,
sabbasantapa vajjito;
sabbaveram-atikkanto,
nibbuto ca tuvam bhava.
May you be free from all diseases, may you be free from worry and anxiety. May you overcome all enemies and may you be peaceful.
Tesam saccena silena,
khanti metta balena ca;
tepi amhe-nurakkhantu,
arogena sukhena ca.
By the power of their truthfulness, virtue, patience and loving-kindness, may those Buddhas protect us so that we are free from all diseases and be happy.
Puratthimasmim disabhage,
santi bhuta mahiddhika;
tepi amhe-nurakkhantu,
arogena sukhena ca.
There are in the eastern direction divine beings called Gandhabbas who have great power. May they also protect us so that we are free from all diseases and be happy.
Dakkhinasamim disabhage,
santi deva mahiddhika;
tepi amhe-nurakkhantu,
arogena sukhena ca.
There are in the southern direction divine beings called Kumbhandas who have great power. May they also protect us so that we are free from all diseases and be happy.
Pacchimasmim disabhage,
santi naga mahiddhika;
tepi amhe-nurakkhantu,
arogena sukhena ca.
There are in the western direction Nagas (divine dragons) who have great power. May they also protect us so that we are free from all diseases and be happy.
Uttarasmim disabhage,
santi yakkha mahiddhika;
tepi amhe-nurakkhantu,
arogena sukkhena ca.
There are in the northern direction divine beings called Yakkhas who have great power. May they also protect us so that we are free from all diseases and be happy.
Puratthimena dhatarattho,
dakkhinena virulhako;
pacchimena virupakkho,
kuvero uttaram disam.
There is Dhatarattha in the east, Virulhaka in the south, Virupakkha in the west, and Kuvera in the north.
Cattaro te maharaja,
lokapala yasassino;
tepi amhe-nurakkhantu,
arogena sukhena ca.
These four divine Kings are the guardians of the world with the large retinues. May they also protect us so that we are free from all diseases and to be happy.
Akasattha ca bhumattha,
deva naga mahiddhika;
tepi amhe-nurakkhantu,
arogena sukhena ca.
There are mighty deities and dragons, residing in the sky and on the earth. May they also protect us so that we are free from all diseases and be happy.
Iddhimanto ca ye deva,
vasanta idha sasane;
tepi amhe-nurakkhantu,
arogena sukhena ca.
There are deities of great power who live within the range of the Buddha’s Dispensation. May they also protect us so that we are free from all diseases and be happy.
Sabbitiyo vivajjantu,
soko rogo vinassatu;
ma te bhavantv-antaraya,
sukhi dighayuko bhava.
May all calamities be away from you. May sorrow and disease be destroyed. May you never face any dangers. May you have happiness and a long life.
Abhivadana silissa,
niccam vuddhapacayino;
cattaro dhamma vaddhanti,
ayu vanno sukham balam.
For those, who are endowed with a pious culture and are always respecting the elders, these four gifted things grow: longevity, beauty, happiness and strength.
Atanatiya Suttam Nitthitam.
Here ends the Discourse on the Protection at the Divine City of Atanata.