Pahung Mahaka Chant (Pahung Mahaka) Also called the Auspicious Victory Mantra, this chant is widely popular because it is believed that reciting it enhances blessings and smooths life’s path. At the same time, it cultivates mindfulness and concentration in daily life.
The chant’s origin traces back to Phra Tham Singhaburacharn, known as Luang Pho Charan Thitthammo, of Wat Amphawan in Singburi Province. He dreamed of Somdet Phra Phonarat of Wat Pa Kaew in Ayutthaya, now Wat Yai Chaimongkhon in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Somdet Phra Phonarat composed this mantra for King Naresuan the Great to chant for blessings before battle. In the vision, Somdet Phra Phonarat instructed Luang Pho Charan to seek out this chant to spread it.
Later, Luang Pho Charan traveled to Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, where the Fine Arts Department was restoring the large pagoda with a hollow base. He went inside and discovered golden palm leaf manuscripts inscribed with the Pahung chant from his vision, which he then shared widely under the name " Pahung Mahaka Chant" or the "Auspicious Victory Mantra," as it begins the Buddha’s Victory Mantra.
According to the chanting method taught by Luang Pho Charan Thitthammo of Wat Amphawan, the sequence is as follows:
Recite Namo three times.
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā sambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā sambuddhassa
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā sambuddhassa
Recite the Triple Gem refuge verse.
Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dutiyaṃ pi buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dutiyaṃ pi dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dutiyaṃ pi saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Tatiyaṃ pi buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Tatiyaṃ pi dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Tatiyaṃ pi saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Recite the Itipiso verse.
Itipiso bhagavā arahaṃ sammāsambuddho vijjā-carana-sampanno sukatto lokavidū
Anuttaro purisa-damma-sārathi satthā devamanussānaṃ buddho bhagavāti
Svākkhāto bhagavatā dhammo sandiṭṭhiko akāliko ehipassiko opanayiko paccattaṃ veditabbo viññūhi
Supatipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho ussukko patipanno bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho
Yadidaṃ cattāro purisayugāni aṭṭha purisa-puggalā esa bhagavato sāvakasaṅgho
Āhuneyyo pāhuneyyo takkineyo añjalikaraṇīyo anuttaraṃ puññakkhettaṃ lokassāti
Pahung Mahaka Chant (Buddha’s Auspicious Victory Mantra)
1. Pahung, the thousand-weaponed army, attacking the demon in the city of Kri-Mekha,
Using the method of giving as a weapon, the sage conquers the demon. May you have auspicious victory.
2. The solitary demon defeated by the army of light, the Yaksha with the cruel weapon,
Using patience as a weapon, the sage conquers the demon. May you have auspicious victory.
3. The Nāga king, fierce and violent, with the spinning wheel of the Tooth Relic,
Using loving-kindness as a weapon, the sage conquers the demon. May you have auspicious victory.
4. The fierce and violent armed robbers, with the sword of death,
Using the mind of a noble woman as a weapon, the sage conquers the demon. May you have auspicious victory.
5. The sharp and fierce accusations, like the sharpest blade,
Using the method of calmness like the moon, the sage conquers the demon. May you have auspicious victory.
6. The truth abandoned, the mind filled with falsehood and ignorance,
Using the lamp of wisdom as a weapon, the sage conquers the demon. May you have auspicious victory.
7. The numerous deceitful and mighty sons of the elder monks, who are hostile,
Using the power of the Buddha’s method, the sage conquers the demon. May you have auspicious victory.
8. The views held by the sons of the heretics, with pure Brahman teachings and intellectual devices,
Using the method of knowledge as a weapon, the sage conquers the demon. May you have auspicious victory.
These eight verses of the Buddha’s Victory Mantra are recited daily to eliminate obstacles and bring blessings.
They bring diverse benefits, leading to liberation and happiness for the wise.
Meaning of the Pahung Mahaka chant
The Pahung chant contains eight verses, each describing a different victory of the Buddha:
Verse 1: Victory over many enemies.
Verse 2: Victory over hostile minds.
Verse 3: Victory over wild animals and opponents.
Verse 4: Victory over robbers.
Verse 5: Victory over slander and defamation.
Verse 6: Victory over argument and debate.
Verse 7: Victory over cunning and deceit.
Verse 8: Victory over human views and opinions.
Victory Protection Chant (Mahakaruniko)
Mahakaruniko Natho, for the benefit of all beings,
Having achieved all perfections and supreme enlightenment, by this truthful declaration,
May you have auspicious victory.
May the root of enlightenment of the Sakyans be fulfilled,
Fully developed, such is the benefit and auspicious victory.
Unconquerable banner, the great earth’s protector, in all respects,
The foremost among Buddhas rejoices.
Well spoken, well established, well heard, well understood, well practiced, and well attained by the Brahma beings,
In all walking, bodily actions, and speech, with mindful actions, having done the circumambulation, may blessings be obtained.
May all auspiciousness be fulfilled; may all deities protect you; may the Buddha's blessings bring you well-being.
May all auspiciousness be fulfilled; may all deities protect you; may the Dhamma's blessings bring you well-being.
May all auspiciousness be fulfilled; may all deities protect you; may the Sangha's blessings bring you well-being.
Itipiso chant (recite by age plus one time)
Itipiso bhagavā arahā sammāsambuddho vijjā cāraṇa sampanno sukato lokavidū
Anuttaro purisa dhamma sārathi satthā devamanussānaṃ buddho bhagavāti
Extend loving-kindness and dedicate merit
May all beings who share suffering through birth, aging, sickness, and death,
Be free from enmity and be happy.
May they not harm one another and be happy.
May they be free from suffering of body and mind and be happy.
May they take care of themselves with happiness and be free from all dangers.
Shortened Pahung Mahaka Chant
The shortened or core Pahung chant is derived from the Auspicious Victory Mantra, consisting of the first syllables of each verse: "Pā Mā Nā U Ka Sa Na Tu." This brief version combines the opening words of each verse.
How many times should the Pahung Mahaka chant be recited for best effect?
There is no fixed number of recitations for the Pahung Mahaka chant. Commonly, it is recited 3, 9, or 108 times, believed to enhance blessings. According to Luang Pho Charan Thitthammo’s method, one full recitation of the Pahung Mahaka is followed by reciting the Itipiso chant as many times as one’s age plus one.
The Pahung Mahaka chant or the Pahung chant can be recited at any time based on the reciter’s convenience and comfort. For those short on time, the abbreviated version of the Pahung Mahaka chant is acceptable, as it is believed that even chanting the eight short syllables can bring blessings.
