The Bojjhangas (Part 1)

Last Saturday as usual I went back to my parents’ home. My mum told me that there was a package for me. I looked at it and it was a huge packet. Inside the package, there were 18 books! – on Buddhism. My mum told me that an elderly Chinese man sent them to me. I know that man as Mr. T (He had given me 10 books earlier- of which I had not the time to read yet). I called Mr. T and thanked him for the books. He told me to read all the books he had given me and digest the teachings and I could discuss any matters that merit discussion with him during the weekends. I started reading the first book – The Bojjhangas.

This teaching of the Buddha is said to be the medicine that makes ALL diseases disappear. Disease can be physical, mental or spiritual and this teaching of the Blessed One cures ALL diseases– if we care to practice it daily, faithfully.

The Bojjhangas (English version) is as follows:-

On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Rajagaha in Bamboo Grove, the Squirrel Santuary. Now on that occasion the Blessed One was sick, afflicted, gravely ill. Then the Venerable Mahacunda approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, and sat down on one side. The Blessed One then said to the Venerable Mahacunda: “Recite the factors of enlightenment Cunda”

“These seven factors of enlightenment venerable sir, have been rightly expounded by the Blessed One: when developed and cultivated, they lead to direct knowledge, to enlightenment, to Nibbana. What seven?

The enlightenment factor of mindfulness has been rightly expounded by the Blessed One: when developed and cultivated, it leads to direct knowledge, to enlightenment, to Nibbana.

The enlightenment factor of investigation has been rightly expounded by the Blessed One: when developed and cultivated, it leads to direct knowledge, to enlightenment, to Nibbana.

The enlightenment factor of energy has been rightly expounded by the Blessed One: when developed and cultivated, it leads to direct knowledge, to enlightenment, to Nibbana.

The enlightenment factor of rapture has been rightly expounded by the Blessed One: when developed and cultivated, it leads to direct knowledge, to enlightenment, to Nibbana.

The enlightenment factor of tranquility has been rightly expounded by the Blessed One: when developed and cultivated, it leads to direct knowledge, to enlightenment, to Nibbana.

The enlightenment factor of concentration has been rightly expounded by the Blessed One: when developed and cultivated, it leads to direct knowledge, to enlightenment, to Nibbana.

The enlightenment factor of equanimity has been rightly expounded by the Blessed One: when developed and cultivated, it leads to direct knowledge, to enlightenment, to Nibbana.

These seven factors of enlightenment venerable sir, have been rightfully expounded by the Blessed One, when developed and cultivated they lead to direct knowledge, to enlightenment, to Nibbana.

[“Surely Cunda, they are factors of enlightenment! Surely, Cunda, they are factors of enlightenment! This is what the Venerable Mahacunda said. The Teacher approved. And the Blessed One recovered from that illness. In such a way the Blessed One was cured of his illness.

The Bojjhanga Sutta (English Version)

Having known by way of experience the seven kinds of Dhamma called factors of enlightenment which destroy ALL sufferings of beings who wander through this samsara (round of rebirths) and which defeat the army of Mara, the Evil One, these excellent persons were liberated from the three kinds of existence. They have reached Nibbana where there is no rebirth, ageing, death and danger.

Oh good people! Let us recite this Bojjhanga Sutta which is endowed with the aforementioned attributes, which gives not a few benefits and which is like medicine and a mantra.

These seven factors of enlightenment, namely mindfulness, investigation of dhammas, effort (or energy), rapture, tranquility, concentration, and equanimity, which are all well-expounded by the All Seeing Sage, promote, when practiced repeatedly, penetration of the truth, cessation of suffering and knowledge of the path. By this utterance of truth, may there always be happiness for you.

Once the Lord saw Moggalana and Kassapa being unwell and suffering, he preached the seven factors of enlightenment.

They having rejoiced at the discourse, immediately were freed from the disease. By this utterance of truth, may there always be happiness to you.

Once when the King of the Dhamma was oppressed by disease, he had the Venerable Cunda recite the discourse respectfully, and having rejoiced at the discourse was immediately cured of the disease. By this utterance of truth, may there always be happiness to you.

The diseases of the three Great Sages that were eradicated reached the stage of never occurring again like the mental defilements eradicated by the path. By this utterance of truth, may there always be happiness for you.