MAHA-PIRIT (ALL-NIGHT CHANTING):
In Sinhalese Theravada temples, a special occasion is held annually for the chanting of parittas which is believed to have the power of warding off illness and dangers. This is usually held on the Saturday nearest to the National Day of Malaysia on 31st. August, invoking the blessings of the Triple Gem on the King and nation. For the devotees, it is of especial significance because to them, by listening mindfully to the recital of the parittas by the monks, no malignant beings will be able to harm them and they can thus enjoy good health, happiness and prosperity. At the commencement of this All-night chanting in the evening, monks from the Mahayana and Vajirayana schools are also invited to chant short prayers to bless the whole congregation. Devotees bring their Buddha images, talismans and other objects to be blessed. The paritta-chanting proper then commences with Sinhalese monks taking turns to complete the chanting by dawn the next morning. Malaysian Buddhists of Chinese descent of all Buddhist traditions attend in great numbers to participate in this annual blessing of paritta-chanting, many keeping awake till the following morning. Bottles of water brought by the devotees to be blessed during the chanting are consumed for their welfare and protection. Although the drinking of the blessed water and the wearing of yellow threads around the wrists after the all-night chanting are merely external means of aiding them to increase their faith and confidence in the power of the suttas, it should be reinforced by a determination to enhance their inner spiritual development and become better Buddhists.
