Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c27.1002

v2.c27.1002

Paritta, Parittā.—A collection of texts taken from the Khuddakapāṭha, the Aṅguttara Nikāya, the Majjhima Nikāya and the Sutta Nipāta, and recited on special occasions to ward off illness and danger. The word "*paritta*" means protection. The Milindapañha¹ gives a list of the chief Parittas: Ratana Sutta, Khandha-paritta, Mora-paritta, Dhajagga-paritta, Āṭānāṭiya-paritta and Aṅgulimāla.² To these are generally added, in the extant collection of Parittas, the Maṅgala Sutta and the Metta Sutta. The word paritta first occurs in the Culla Vagga³ in connection with the Khandha-paritta, which was allowed by the Buddha as a watch, a guard, a protection for oneself, for the use of the Order. The occasion of the delivery of this general injunction was the death of a monk from snake-bite. The Milindapañha states (see above) that the recital of the Paritta had the Buddha's express sanction.