Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley

Chanting

We end our meditation period with two brief chants in Pali, the language in which the Buddha taught. The first chant expresses respect for the Buddha; the second chant, known as the ‘three refuges,’ expresses a commitment to awakening. Together they serve as reminders of our intention to awaken to the way things are by applying the Buddha’s teachings in our lives and by associating with others who share this intention. Please join us if you feel comfortable doing so, or continue to meditate or simply listen.

Pali	English
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammasambuddhassa (Repeat three times)	Homage to the Blessed, Noble, and Perfectly Enlightened One
Buddham Saranam Gacchami Dhammam Saranam Gacchami Sangham Saranam Gacchami	I take refuge in the Buddha I take refuge in the Dharma I take refuge in the Sangha
Dutiyampi Buddham Saranam Gacchami Dutiyampi Dhammam Saranam Gacchami Dutiyampi Sangham Saranam Gacchami	For the second time, I take refuge ...
Tatiyampi Buddham Saranam Gacchami Tatiyampi Dhammam Saranam Gacchami Tatiyampi Sangham Saranam Gacchami	For the third time, I take refuge ...
Useful terms to know: Buddha refers both to the historical being who lived and taught 2500 years ago and to our true nature of wisdom and compassion. The word literally means "one who is awake." Dharma or dhamma refers both to the way things are (ultimate truth) and the Buddha's teachings that reveal this truth. Sangha means 'community.' It traditionally refers to the community of monks and nuns, but we extend the definition to include all those who share our meditation practice.