What is a blessings thread?

A blessing thread, or pirit nul (පිරිත් නූල්) is a string that has been chanted over by the monks or nuns.

Where do blessing threads come from?

When the Buddha was alive he mentioned that there were several of his sermons that were so powerful that the mere reciting of them could bring protection to our lives. To this end, monks will often engage a spool of thread while they are chanting these discourses. Afterwards they will offer pieces of this thread to those who like. The threads can serve as a reminder of the protective power of the Buddha’s teachings as well as a carrier of this protection.

How to get one

You are more than welcome to ask any of our monks for a protection thread. If you have friends or family at home that you think would also like one, fell free to ask for some to take with you.

Sometimes the monks will tie the threads on your wrist, and other times they will simply give it to you directly. If they do this, it is good to accept it with both hands.

Monks may chant a set of verses while they hand it to you. These are the words and the meaning…

Sabbe Buddhā balappattā—paccekānañca yaṁ balaṁ
Arahantānaṁ ca tejena—rakkhaṁ bandhāmi sabbaso
By the power of all Buddhas,
by the power of all Pacceka Buddhas,
and through the virtues of the Arahants,
I bind protection always.

Some people are concerned that there is some negativity associated with the thread falling off. This is not the case. It simply means it is time to go back to a monastery and get another.

These threads are always given away at no charge.