Dhamma Wheel Buddhist Forum

I have noticed that Ajahn Brahm and Ajahn Munindo recite/chant the following lines before commencing with some of their talks:

Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma-sambuddhasa (3 times)
Buddham Dhammam Sangham Namo Swami (once)

I am quite familiar with the first part ("Namo Tassa ..."), but have not come across the last line ("Buddham Dhammam Sangham Namo Swami") before. What does it mean? It seems to me that it is an alternative to the familiar refuge prayer "Buddham Saranam Gacchami,..." but I'm not sure. Any responses will be appreciated.

Maybe they are actually saying "...saranam gacchami" but it is heard as "...namo swami" due to audio quality, mumbled pronunciation, or some other variable? Are there source files with this phrasing which can be produced?

Hello refugiee,

I think the word is ''namami'' and means 'I bend low' - ''I bow''.

with metta
Chris

Refugee wrote:I have noticed that Ajahn Brahm and Ajahn Munindo recite/chant the following lines before commencing with some of their talks:

Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma-sambuddhasa (3 times)
Buddham Dhammam Sangham Namo Swami (once)

I am quite familiar with the first part ("Namo Tassa ..."), but have not come across the last line ("Buddham Dhammam Sangham Namo Swami") before. What does it mean? It seems to me that it is an alternative to the familiar refuge prayer "Buddham Saranam Gacchami,..." but I'm not sure. Any responses will be appreciated.

It's "Buddham Dhammam Sangham Namasami"

Namasami means bow, as in I bow to the Buddha.

Goofaholix wrote:

Refugee wrote:I have noticed that Ajahn Brahm and Ajahn Munindo recite/chant the following lines before commencing with some of their talks:

Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma-sambuddhasa (3 times)
Buddham Dhammam Sangham Namo Swami (once)

I am quite familiar with the first part ("Namo Tassa ..."), but have not come across the last line ("Buddham Dhammam Sangham Namo Swami") before. What does it mean? It seems to me that it is an alternative to the familiar refuge prayer "Buddham Saranam Gacchami,..." but I'm not sure. Any responses will be appreciated.

It's "Buddham Dhammam Sangham Namasami"

Namasami means bow, as in I bow to the Buddha.

I think it's actually transliterated as "namassami"

Thank you all for your kind responses. I listened carefully to the audio again and "Buddham Dhammam Sangham Namassami" is what it sounds like. I take it that the english translation would be "To the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha I bow (or prostrate)".
again for clearing this up for me.