Chanting Dedication of Offerings

[Rudite Salina]

Dear Ajahn,

We render with offerings our rightful homage.

Could you please explain what is meant here by offerings.

Thank you.
With metta,
Rudite

[Ajahn Brahmali]

Dear Rudite,

Here is my translation of the Pali:

"With much esteem we honour [the Blessed One, together with the Dhamma and the Sangha]."

"Offerings" and "much esteem" are both translations of imehi sakkārehi ... āropitehi, literally "with these elevated honours". The word "offering" is not a very literal translation and it doesn't even fit the context very well. I believe this translation goes back several decades and it should probably be changed. What one is doing is paying one's respects, not actually offering anything. Perhaps we need to upgrade our chanting book!

I hope this helps.

With metta.

[Rudite Salina]

Dear Ajahn,

Thank you very much.

With metta,
Rudite