Introduction
The Daanabalena (also written as Danabalena) stotra, in Sanskrit दानबलेन स्तोत्र, holds a special place in Bajracharya Buddhism, particularly invoked during prayers to Kwapa Dya, a principal deity in Mahavihar. This stotra is chanted as a devotional act, embodying deep reverence and spiritual connection. It is believed to enhance the spiritual potency of the prayers, drawing the faithful closer to the divine essence of Kwapa Dya. The chanting of the Daanabalena stotra is a sacred practice, reflecting the rich spiritual heritage and profound devotion characteristic of Bajracharya Buddhist traditions.
Daanabalena stotra focuses on Six Perfections or Paramitas (पारमिता) of Buddhism: 1. दान – Generosity, 2. शील – Morality, 3. क्षान्ति – Patience, 4. वीर्य – Diligence, 5. ध्यान – Meditation and 6. प्रज्ञा – Wisdom
दानबलेन स्तोत्र (in Sanskrit)
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दानबलेन समुद्गतं बुध्द
दानबलाधिगता नरसिहः ।
दानबलस्य च श्रूयन्ति शब्दः
कारूणिकस्य पुरे प्रविशन्तः ।।
शीलबलेन समुद्गतं बुध्द
शीलबलाधिगता नरसिहः ।
शीलबलस्य च श्रूयन्ति शब्दः
कारूणिकस्य पुरे प्रविशन्तः ।।
क्षान्तिबलेन समुद्गतं बुध्द
क्षान्तिबलाधिगता नरसिहः ।
क्षान्तिबलस्य च श्रूयन्ति शब्दः
कारूणिकस्य पुरे प्रविशन्तः ।।
वीर्यबलेन समुद्गतं बुध्द
वीर्यबलाधिगता नरसिहः ।
वीर्यबलस्य च श्रूयन्ति शब्दः
कारूणिकस्य पुरे प्रविशन्तः ।।
ध्यानबलेन समुद्गतं बुध्द
ध्यानबलाधिगता नरसिहः ।
ध्यानबलस्य च श्रूयन्ति शब्दः
कारूणिकस्य पुरे प्रविशन्तः ।।
प्रज्ञाबलेन समुद्गतं बुध्द
प्रज्ञाबलाधिगता नरसिहः ।
प्रज्ञाबलस्य च श्रूयन्ति शब्दः
कारूणिकस्य पुरे प्रविशन्तः ।।
Daanabalena Strota (in English)
Daanabalena samudgatam buddha
Daanabalaadhigataa narasimhaḥ.
Daanabalasya cha shruuyanti shabdah
Kaaruṇikasya pure pravishantaḥ.
Shilabalena samudgatam buddha
Shilabalaadhigataa narasimhaḥ.
Shilabalasya cha shruuyanti shabdah
Kaaruṇikasya pure pravishantaḥ.
Kshaantibalena samudgatam buddha
Kshaantibalaadhigataa narasimhaḥ.
Kshaantibalasya cha shruuyanti shabdah
Kaaruṇikasya pure pravishantaḥ.
Veeryabalena samudgatam buddha
Veeryabalaadhigataa narasimhaḥ.
Veeryabalasya cha shruuyanti shabdah
Kaaruṇikasya pure pravishantaḥ.
Dhyaanabalena samudgatam buddha
Dhyaanabalaadhigataa narasimhaḥ.
Dhyaanabalasya cha shruuyanti shabdah
Kaaruṇikasya pure pravishantaḥ.
Prajñaabalena samudgatam buddha
Prajñaabalaadhigataa narasimhaḥ.
Prajñaabalasya cha shruuyanti shabdah
Kaaruṇikasya pure pravishantaḥ.
Meaning
Generosity (दान – Dāna)
With the power of generosity, the Buddha arises;
the lion among men attains the strength of giving.
The sounds of this power of generosity
echo as he enters the compassionate city.
Morality (शील – Śīla)
With the power of morality, the Buddha arises;
the lion among men attains the strength of virtue.
The sounds of this power of morality
echo as he enters the compassionate city.
Patience (क्षान्ति – Kṣānti)
With the power of patience, the Buddha arises;
the lion among men attains the strength of forbearance.
The sounds of this power of patience
echo as he enters the compassionate city.
Diligence (वीर्य – Vīrya)
With the power of diligence, the Buddha arises;
the lion among men attains the strength of effort.
The sounds of this power of diligence
echo as he enters the compassionate city.
Meditation (ध्यान – Dhyāna)
With the power of meditation, the Buddha arises;
the lion among men attains the strength of focus.
The sounds of this power of meditation
echo as he enters the compassionate city.
Wisdom (प्रज्ञा – Prajñā)
With the power of wisdom, the Buddha arises;
the lion among men attains the strength of insight.
The sounds of this power of wisdom
echo as he enters the compassionate city.
Summary of Daanabalena
Daanabalena Stotra emphasizes the various strengths and virtues that led to the enlightenment and rise of the Buddha, depicted as the “lion among men”. Each paragraph highlights a specific attribute:
- Generosity (दान – Dāna): The Buddha rises empowered by generosity, symbolizing the noble strength of selfless giving, which reverberates as he enters a place of compassion.
- Morality (शील – Śīla): With the power of morality, the Buddha stands as a lion among men, signifying the inner strength derived from virtuous conduct, celebrated as he steps into a compassionate realm.
- Patience (क्षान्ति – Kṣānti): Patience elevates the Buddha, reflecting resilience and inner peace, with its strength echoing as he approaches the city of compassion.
- Diligence (वीर्य – Vīrya): Diligence energizes the Buddha, embodying unwavering effort and determination, a power that announces his entrance into the compassionate city.
- Meditation (ध्यान – Dhyāna): Through meditation, the Buddha gains the strength of focus and calm, which radiates as he enters the compassionate domain.
- Wisdom (प्रज्ञा – Prajñā): Wisdom elevates the Buddha to new heights, representing insight and clarity; its presence is felt as he steps into the compassionate city.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these stanzas beautifully illustrate how each of the Six Perfections, or Pāramitās—Generosity, Morality, Patience, Diligence, Meditation, and Wisdom—imbues the Buddha with unique strengths essential to his enlightened path. Each virtue contributes a distinct power, symbolized by the Buddha’s approach to a city of compassion, a metaphor for his commitment to the welfare of all beings. Together, these qualities form the foundation of the Bodhisattva’s journey, emphasizing that true strength in Buddhism arises from virtues cultivated not for personal gain but for the benefit of all sentient beings. This harmonious blend of selflessness, discipline, resilience, focus, and insight illuminates the path to enlightenment and the Buddha’s role as a compassionate guide.
Video
References
- Daanabalena Song, Ani Choying Dolma, Stotra Muna Album, Bajracharya Kalyan Kosha