ධම්මපදට්ඨකථා (Dhammapada Commentary — Sri Lankan Palm-Leaf MS)

Handwritten Sinhala script. The text is in the Pali language. This is a Buddhist prayer manuscript (ola leaf) containing the standard Vandana (Itipiso gatha) and the beginning of the Maha Mangala Sutta. The ink is somewhat faded on the right side of the leaves.

A high-angle view of two long, rectangular palm-leaf (ola) manuscript folios. Each folio features six lines of dense, rounded Sinhala script. Two circular binding holes are located approximately one-quarter and three-quarters of the way across the length of each leaf. The top leaf begins with a traditional decorative auspicious flourish (Siddham symbol). The leaves show characteristic aging and slight darkening along the edges.

A traditional Sinhala 'Siddham' or 'Svasti' symbol, a decorative spiral marking the auspicious beginning of a sacred text.

Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One. Such is the Blessed One: worthy, perfectly enlightened, accomplished in knowledge and conduct, fortunate, knower of worlds, the incomparable guide of men to be tamed, the teacher of gods and humans, the Buddha, the Blessed One.
The Dhamma is well-expounded by the Blessed One, visible here and now, immediate, inviting inspection, leading inwards, to be realized individually by the wise. The Order of the Blessed One's disciples has practiced well. The Order of the Blessed One's disciples has practiced uprightly. The Order of the Blessed One's disciples has practiced methodically.
The Order of the Blessed One's disciples has practiced in the correct manner; that is, the four pairs of persons, the eight types of individuals. This is the Order of the Blessed One's disciples: worthy of gifts, worthy of hospitality, worthy of offerings, worthy of reverential salutation, an incomparable field of merit for the world.
Recollecting the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha in this way, O bhikkhus, there will be no fear, no trembling, and no hair-standing. By the power of this incomparable merit, may all misfortune be averted. May one be released from all faults, devoid of all diseases,
released from all misfortune, and may all safety be mine. May all blessings be acknowledged. By the power of all the gods, may you always be safe. May all blessings come to be; may all gods protect you. By the power of all the Buddhas, may you always be safe.
May all blessings come to be; may all gods protect you. By the power of all the Dhammas, may you always be safe. May all blessings come to be; may all gods protect you. By the power of all the Sanghas, may you always be safe. For the warding off of the evil influence of constellations, yakkhas, and ghosts.

Thus have I heard. At one time the Blessed One was staying at Savatthi in Jeta's Grove, Anathapindika's monastery. Then, as the night was advancing, a certain deity, illuminating the entire Jeta's Grove with an excellent radiance, approached the Blessed One.
Having approached and paid homage to the Blessed One, he stood to one side. Standing to one side, that deity addressed the Blessed One with a verse: "Many deities and humans have pondered on blessings, longing for safety. Tell us the supreme blessing."
"Not associating with fools, associating with the wise, and honoring those worthy of honor: this is the supreme blessing. Residing in a suitable location, having performed meritorious deeds in the past, and setting oneself on the right path: this is the supreme blessing.
Extensive learning, technical skill, a well-trained discipline, and pleasant speech: this is the supreme blessing. Supporting one's mother and father, cherishing one's wife and children, and engaging in peaceful occupations: this is the supreme blessing. Giving, living by the Dhamma,
cherishing one's relatives, and performing blameless actions: this is the supreme blessing. Ceasing and abstaining from evil, avoiding intoxicants, and diligence in the Dhamma: this is the supreme blessing. Respect, humility, contentment, and gratitude;
listening to the Dhamma at the proper time: this is the supreme blessing."