The Tipiþaka, the Buddhist canon, is replete with references to the factors of enlightenment—
bojjhaòga—expounded by the Enlightened One on different occasions. In the Book of the
Kindred Sayings, V (Saíyutta Nikáya Mahá Vagga) we find a special section under the title
Bojjhaòga Saíyutta wherein the Buddha discourses on the bojjhaògas in diverse ways. In this
section are three discourses or sermons that have been recited by Buddhists since the time of
the Buddha as a protection (paritta or pirit) against pain, disease and adversity.