18/07/2025
What is “Sukhī Hotu!"
"Sukhī Hotu!" – The Buddhist Benediction of Well-Being
Linguistic Breakdown
Sukhī (सुखी / සුඛී) = "One who is happy/blissful" (from sukha, meaning "happiness" or "ease"); Hotu (होतु / හොතු) = "May it be" (optative mood, expressing a wish). Literal Translation: "May you be happy!"
Cultural Context
This phrase is widely used in Theravāda Buddhist communities (e.g., Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia) as:
A monastic blessing in response to lay devotion (vandana)
A mutual well-wishing among practitioners
Example Exchange:
Layperson: "Vandāmi, Bhante!" ("I pay respect, Venerable Sir!")
Monastic: "Sukhī hotu!" ("May you be happy!")
Deeper Meaning in Buddhist Practice
The phrase embodies core Buddhist values:
Metta (Loving-Kindness): A selfless wish for others' well-being (Karaniya Metta Sutta, Sn 1.8)
Kamma (Action): Happiness arises from wholesome deeds (AN 2.4)
Anicca (Impermanence): True sukha comes from inner peace, not external conditions (Dhammapada 203)
Related Phrases
Pāli/Sanskrit/Meaning/Usage
Sabbe sattā sukhi hontu "May all beings be happy" Closing of metta meditation
Arogya sukhaṃ labhatha "May you gain health and happiness" Blessing for health
Bhavatu sabba maṅgalaṃ "May all blessings occur" General auspicious wish
Modern Applications
Mindfulness Practice: Recite "Sukhī hotu" to cultivate goodwill.
Daily Life: Use as a secular greeting (like "Be well!").
Interfaith Dialogue: A non-sectarian expression of compassion.
"Just as a mother protects her only child,
So with a boundless heart, cherish all beings.
Radiate kindness over the entire world."
— Karaniya Metta Sutta
May you be happy, peaceful, and free. Sukhī hotu!
🙏🙏🙏