📖 Sutras, mantras & prayers
Common sutras, mantras, rituals and prayers for visits to pagodas, temples and communal houses — with Hán-Việt, meaning and English rendering, sources cited.
Sutras, mantras & rituals (17)
Great Compassion Mantra
Chú Đại Bi
The Great Compassion Mantra originates from the Thousand-Hand, Thousand-Eye Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva Sūtra. Reciting this mantra brings protection, removes karmic obstacles, and increases merit and wisdom. It is commonly chanted daily, in sets of 3, 7, 21, or 108 times, especially on Avalokiteśvara's days (19/2, 19/6, 19/9 lunar calendar) at temples or at home.
Heart Sūtra
Bát Nhã Tâm Kinh
The Heart Sūtra is one of the most important Mahāyāna Buddhist scriptures, often recited in temples or at home to contemplate the wisdom of Prajñā, realizing the emptiness of all phenomena. Reciting this sūtra helps overcome suffering and attain peace and liberation.
Amitābha Sūtra
Kinh A Di Đà
The Amitābha Sūtra is a key Mahāyāna Buddhist scripture, often recited on lunar holidays or during ceremonies for peace and rebirth. The sūtra describes the Pure Land of Amitābha Buddha and encourages all to recite his name to be reborn there.
Universal Gate Chapter (Lotus Sūtra ch. 25)
Kinh Phổ Môn
The Universal Gate Chapter is the 25th chapter of the Lotus Sūtra, describing the compassionate vows and miraculous powers of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva. It is often recited on full moon and first days, or when seeking peace and relief from suffering, at temples or home altars dedicated to Avalokiteśvara. The sūtra teaches about compassion, the Bodhisattva’s manifestations, and the power to save all beings from distress.
Medicine Buddha Sūtra (Twelve Great Vows)
Kinh Dược Sư (12 đại nguyện)
The Medicine Buddha Sūtra is recited for healing, peace, and longevity, especially on Medicine Buddha’s day (the 30th day of the 9th lunar month) or when praying for health and safety. This excerpt presents the Twelve Great Vows of Medicine Buddha, expressing his compassion to relieve suffering.
Kṣitigarbha Sūtra (excerpt)
Kinh Địa Tạng (trích)
The Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva Sūtra is a key scripture on filial piety, saving parents, ancestors, and beings in suffering. It is often recited during the Ullambana Festival, on the 30th day of the 7th lunar month (Kṣitigarbha's day), or when praying for the deceased. The Buddha's teachings in this sūtra inspire compassion, filial gratitude, and the vow to help all beings.
Ullambana Sūtra
Kinh Vu Lan Bồn
The Ullambana Sūtra is recited during the Vu Lan festival to honor and repay the deep gratitude owed to parents and ancestors. The sūtra tells of Maudgalyāyana saving his mother from the realm of hungry ghosts by following the Buddha’s instructions to make offerings to the Saṅgha on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. It encourages filial piety and remembrance of one’s ancestors.
Sūtra on the Profound Kindness of Parents
Kinh Báo Ân Cha Mẹ
The Sūtra on the Profound Kindness of Parents is the Buddha’s teaching on the immense gratitude owed to our parents, especially highlighting the ten great kindnesses of a mother. This sūtra is often recited during the Ullambana (Vu Lan) season or on occasions of filial remembrance, guiding children to understand and practice filial piety.
Metta Sutta (Discourse on Loving-kindness)
Kinh Từ Bi
The Metta Sutta (Karaṇīya Mettā Sutta) is a famous discourse from the Sutta Nipāta, teaching the cultivation of boundless loving-kindness towards all beings. It is often recited in the morning or evening to nurture goodwill, dispel enmity, and wish for safety for oneself and all creatures.
Maṅgala Sutta (Discourse on Blessings)
Kinh Phước Đức
The Maṅgala Sutta (Discourse on Blessings) is a renowned sutta from the Sutta Nipāta, often recited during New Year, Tết, or peace-seeking ceremonies. The Buddha lists 38 supreme blessings, guiding practitioners toward happiness, peace, and spiritual progress.
Repentance to the Buddhas' Names (abridged)
Sám Hối Hồng Danh (rút gọn)
The Abridged Repentance to the Buddhas' Names is a common Mahayana Buddhist ritual, recited on the 14th and 30th (or 29th) nights of the lunar month. This ceremony expresses repentance, homage to the Buddhas, the vow to practice, and dedication of merit. The abridged version includes a verse of praise, refuge, aspiration, 20 representative Buddha names, confession, and dedication.
Six-Syllable Mantra (Oṁ Maṇi Padme Hūṁ)
Thần chú Lục Tự Đại Minh
The Six-Syllable Mantra is the mantra of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, often recited to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and liberation from suffering. Practitioners commonly use a mala (prayer beads) and chant this mantra repeatedly to accumulate merit and purify the mind.
Rebirth in Pure Land Dhāraṇī
Chú Vãng Sanh
The Rebirth in Pure Land Dhāraṇī is a key mantra in Pure Land practice, often recited during funerals, memorial services, or when remembering the deceased. Practitioners may also chant this daily to pray for themselves and all beings to be reborn in the Western Pure Land.
The Ten Short Mantras
Thập Chú
The Ten Short Mantras (Thập Chú) are recited at the beginning of the early morning service in Vietnamese Mahāyāna temples. Each mantra has its own purpose, such as removing obstacles, increasing merit, ensuring safety, and supporting spiritual practice. Chanting these mantras brings peace and auspicious energy to start the day.
Morning Service (abridged, ~15 min)
Công phu sáng (rút gọn)
The Morning Service is a daily Buddhist liturgy recited at temples or at home, helping to purify body and mind, take refuge in the Triple Gem, and cultivate compassion and wisdom. This abridged version is suitable for all practitioners and takes about 15 minutes.
Evening Pure Land Service (abridged, ~20 min)
Công phu tối — Tịnh độ (rút gọn)
The abridged Evening Pure Land Service is a nightly liturgy for lay Buddhists or temple use, fostering calm, repentance, and aspiration for rebirth in the Pure Land. It includes incense offering, praise, prostration, sūtra recitation, Buddha-name chanting, repentance, aspiration, Triple Refuge, and dedication. Suitable for evening practice at the Three Jewels altar.
Home Blessing Ceremony
Nghi thức cầu an tại gia
The Home Blessing Ceremony is a traditional ritual to pray for peace, health, and harmony for the family. It is usually performed at the beginning of the year, on the first or fifteenth day of the lunar month, or whenever the family wishes to increase blessings and dispel misfortune. This simple ceremony can be done at home, bringing family members together and focusing the mind on goodness.
Prayers (18)
Prayer to the Three Jewels at the Pagoda
Văn khấn Tam Bảo khi đi chùa
This prayer to the Three Jewels is recited when visiting the pagoda, in front of the main altar. It expresses respect and devotion to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, seeking blessings, peace, and guidance. Recite with sincerity and a pure mind while offering incense.
Prayer at the Đức Ông (Anāthapiṇḍika) Altar
Văn khấn ban Đức Ông
This prayer is recited at the altar of Đức Ông (Anāthapiṇḍika) in Vietnamese temples. Đức Ông is the Dharma Protector who safeguards the Three Jewels and blesses devotees with peace and good fortune. This prayer expresses respect and requests his protection and blessings.
Prayer at the Đức Thánh Hiền (Ānanda) Altar
Văn khấn ban Đức Thánh Hiền
This prayer to Đức Thánh Hiền (Venerable Ānanda) is recited at his altar in Buddhist temples, expressing respect and seeking blessings for wisdom, learning, and virtue. It is commonly chanted on lunar holidays or when praying for academic success and moral guidance.
Prayer to Avalokiteśvara (Quan Âm)
Văn khấn ban Quan Âm
This prayer to Avalokiteśvara (Quan Âm) is recited at her altar on the 1st or 15th day of the lunar month, or when seeking blessings and peace. It expresses devotion and asks for the Bodhisattva’s protection, compassion, and fulfillment of wishes.
Prayer to the Mother Goddesses (Tứ Phủ)
Văn khấn ban Mẫu / Tứ phủ
The Prayer to the Mother Goddesses (Tứ Phủ) is a traditional supplication recited at shrines and temples dedicated to the Four Palaces Mother Goddesses in Vietnamese folk religion. It is commonly offered on festival days, the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, or when seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, and health. This prayer expresses deep respect and gratitude, asking the Goddesses for protection and favor.
Prayer to the Village Tutelary Deity (Đình)
Văn khấn Thành Hoàng tại đình
This traditional prayer is recited at the village communal house (đình) to honor the Village Tutelary Deity (Thành Hoàng), seeking blessings and protection for the family and community. It is commonly used during festivals, at the start of the year, or on important occasions.
Prayer at a Shrine to Local Spirits
Văn khấn tại miếu / Thổ thần
This is a traditional prayer recited at shrines or altars dedicated to local earth spirits (Thổ thần), seeking peace, blessings, and protection for the family and work. It is commonly used on festival days, the first and fifteenth of the lunar month, or when asking for the spirits’ support.
New-moon & Full-moon Prayer to Household Deities
Văn khấn mùng 1 & rằm — Thần linh tại gia
This prayer is recited on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month to honor the Household Deities: Thổ Công (God of the Land), Thần linh (Household Spirits), and Táo Quân (Kitchen Gods). It expresses respect and asks for peace and blessings for the family. It is usually offered at the household altar in the morning.
New-moon & Full-moon Prayer to Ancestors
Văn khấn mùng 1 & rằm — Gia tiên
The new-moon and full-moon ancestor prayer is a traditional ritual to honor and remember one's ancestors, seeking their blessings and protection for the family. This prayer is usually recited at home, in front of the ancestral altar, on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month.
Prayer to the Earth God and Kitchen Gods
Văn khấn Thổ Công – Táo Quân
The Prayer to the Earth God and Kitchen Gods is a traditional offering to the deities who oversee the land and hearth of each household. It is recited on regular days, festive occasions, or when important family matters arise, seeking blessings, peace, and prosperity.
Kitchen Gods' Farewell Prayer (23rd of the 12th lunar month)
Văn khấn Ông Táo 23 tháng Chạp
The Kitchen Gods' Farewell Prayer is a traditional offering recited on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, when families bid farewell to the Kitchen Gods as they ascend to Heaven to report on the household's affairs. This prayer is usually read at the Kitchen Gods' altar in the kitchen.
New Year's Eve Prayer (outdoors & indoors)
Văn khấn Giao thừa (ngoài trời & trong nhà)
The New Year's Eve Prayer has two parts: outdoors to bid farewell to the old Guardian Spirit, welcome the new one, and pray for national peace and prosperity; indoors to honor the Household Deity and ancestors, wishing for a peaceful and happy new year. Recite at midnight, the transition between the old and new year.
First Full Moon Prayer (Tết Nguyên Tiêu)
Văn khấn Rằm tháng Giêng (Tết Nguyên Tiêu)
The First Full Moon Prayer (Tết Nguyên Tiêu) is a traditional prayer recited on the first full moon of the lunar year. This prayer is offered to the Triple Gem, Buddhas, local deities, and ancestors, wishing for peace, luck, and fulfillment in the new year. It is usually recited at temples, Buddha altars, and family ancestor altars.
Vu Lan / Ghost Festival Prayer (15th of the 7th month)
Văn khấn Vu Lan – Rằm tháng Bảy
The Vu Lan (Ghost Festival) Prayer is a traditional text recited on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month to honor ancestors and pray for wandering spirits. It has two parts: the first for ancestors at the family altar, the second for hungry ghosts outdoors. Recite sincerely and respectfully.
Prayer for Peace of the Living and Liberation of the Departed
Văn khấn cầu an – cầu siêu
The Prayer for Peace of the Living and Liberation of the Departed is a traditional supplication to seek blessings and safety for the living, and liberation for the deceased. It is recited at temples or at home, before the Triple Gem altar, on special occasions, full moon days, or important family events.
Prayer for Love and Marriage
Văn khấn cầu duyên
The Prayer for Love and Marriage is a traditional Vietnamese prayer, often recited at Hà Pagoda, Mother Goddess temples, or the Avalokiteśvara altar to seek blessings for a harmonious love life and to find a suitable life partner. This prayer expresses sincere wishes for happiness and fulfillment in love and family.
Prayer for Career and Examination Success
Văn khấn cầu công danh, thi cử
This prayer is recited at the Temple of Literature, the altar of Sage Saints, or before the Triple Gem to seek blessings for academic and examination success. It is commonly used before important exams, asking for divine support for oneself or one's children to achieve academic excellence.
Year-end Thanksgiving Prayer
Văn khấn tạ lễ cuối năm
The Year-end Thanksgiving Prayer is a traditional Vietnamese supplication recited at the end of the lunar year, expressing gratitude to the Triple Gem, Earth God, Ancestors, and deities for their protection and blessings throughout the year. It is usually performed at the family altar in the final days of the lunar year.