“By this truth may there be happiness” ~ Buddha
The gift of Sajja is beyond giving. The taste of Sajja is beyond sweetness; The joy of Sajja is beyond joy. The end of addiction is the end of sorrow. (Dhammapada 354 - alternative version)
To undertake the Sajja (Sacca-kiriya), recite each line to yourself [or repeat each line after the leader]:
I ask for forgiveness from others for whatever harmful things I have done:
the mistakes, failures and wrong-doings
that I have intentionally or unintentionally done with body, word and heart.
I ask for and extend forgiveness to myself for whatever harmful things I have done to myself: the mistakes, failures and wrong-doings
that I have intentionally or unintentionally done with body, word and heart.
As far as I am ready and able; I forgive others for whatever harmful things they have done: the mistakes, failures and wrong-doings
committed intentionally or unintentionally with body, word and heart.
In this place of mindfulness, with the natural Elements [and those present] as my witnesses, I knowingly and openly commit to the following Sajja:
[insert your ‘Sajja’ (Sacca-kiriya) here… for example]
I will not take alcohol or other drugs that lead to carelessness for…
[ the rest of my life ] [ one year ] [ one week ] [ one day ]
I will practice these Sajja-s one breath at a time; one step at a time; one day at a time.
May the merit and benefits from the fulfilment of these Sajja-s relieve the suffering of any beings currently experiencing Hell realm mind-states and conditions; and may the merit and benefits be shared around the whole Universe.
In the realm of the Human beings; may the merit and benefits from the fulfilment of this Sajja be shared with my family, with my benefactors and with my friends; and may it relieve the suffering of all the people that I have ever hurt or harmed.
May I and all beings – be free from the pain and sorrow of cravings.
May I and all beings – be filled with loving-kindness.
May I and all beings – be safe from inner and outer dangers.
May I and all beings – be well in body and mind.
May I and all beings – be peaceful and live with ease in the world.
May I and all beings – be happy and free from all distress.
—oooOooo— bow three times —oooOooo—
[If witnesses are present: They respond: — Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu!]
Related Resources:
Podcast Link : ‘Sajja’- A Practice for Transformation a talk by Vince Cullen
Webpage: Truth ‘Sajja’ – the First Step on the Path
Webpage: Full ‘Sajja’ (Sacca-kiriya)
Webpage : Personal ‘Sajja’ (Sacca-kiriya)
Webpage : Sajja and Sila : Foundations of Awakening
Webpage : Notes on ‘Sajja’ : As practiced at Thamkrabok Monastery
Audio Link : Truthfulness and Resolve a talk by Andrea Fella (53-minutes)
Topics for contemplation & investigation : Truth (Sajja)
The following online talks are based on the Foundations of Waking Up:
- Truth, Karma and Commitment to Awakening (Sajja / Sacca)
- Generosity in Thoughts, Words and Actions (Dana)
- Living in Harmony: Ethics-Harmlessness-Blamelessness (Sila)
- Self-love, Self-compassion, Self-appreciation & Self-balance (Bramha-Viharas)
- Transgression & Forgiveness (Khama)
- Mindfulness & Meditation (Sati & Bhavana)
- Fellowship & Good Friends (Kalyana-Mitatta)
- OK – Where Do I Go Now? (Tales from the bumpy road… a summary of the journey so far)