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.
दानबलेन स्तोत्र (in Sanskrit)
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 Stotra translation in English
By the power of charity, O Buddha, the lion among men is attained by the power of charity ।
And the sound of charity and strength is heard as they enter the city of the compassionate ।।
The Buddha, who has arisen by the strength of virtue, is the lion of men, having attained to the strength of virtue ।
And the sound of virtue and strength is heard as they enter the city of the compassionate ।।
The Buddha, by the power of forbearance, has arisen, and the lion among men has attained by the power of forbearance ।
And the sound of the strength of patience is heard as they enter the city of the compassionate ।।
The Buddha arose by the strength of prowess, and the lion among men was attained by the strength of prowess ।
They hear the sound of might and strength as they enter the city of the compassionate ।।
The Buddha, by the power of meditation, has arisen, and the lion among men has attained the power of meditation ।
And the sound of the meditative force is heard as they enter the city of the compassionate ।।
The Buddha, by the power of wisdom, has arisen, and the lion among men has attained by the power of wisdom ।
And the sound of wisdom and strength is heard as they enter the city of the compassionate ।।
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:
- Charity: It begins by acknowledging that the Buddha attained his status through the power of charity, with its influence being recognized as they enter a city characterized by compassion.
- Virtue: The Buddha’s birth from the strength of virtue is noted, reinforcing his status as the lion of men. The impact of virtue, coupled with strength, is heard upon entering the compassionate city.
- Forbearance: The Buddha’s attainment through the strength of forbearance (patience) is celebrated, marking his distinguished position and the reverberation of this quality in the compassionate city.
- Prowess: The Buddha’s rise through the strength of prowess is acknowledged, with the resulting might and strength being recognized in the city of Karunika.
- Meditation: The Buddha’s attainment and rise through the power of meditation is noted. The sound of meditative force is heard as they enter the compassionate city.
- Wisdom: Finally, the Buddha’s emergence through the power of wisdom is highlighted, with the combined sound of wisdom and strength being acknowledged in the compassionate city.
In summary, the Buddha’s enlightenment and esteemed status as the lion among men are attributed to his mastery of charity, virtue, patience, prowess, meditation, and wisdom. These qualities resonate as he enters the city of the compassionate, underlining the profound impact of these virtues.