Mangala Sutta - The Great Discourse On Blessings
This is the great happiness
Mangala sutta, the sutra on happiness
Thus have I heard. On one occasion, the Buddha was dwelling at Anathapindika's park, in Jeta's Grove, near Savatthi. When the night was far spent, a deva whose brilliant splendor illuminated the entire Jetas Grove, came to the presence of the Buddha, drawing near, respectfully bowed down low before the Blessed One, and stood at one side. Standing thus, he addressed the Buddha in verse:
"Many devas and men,
Have pondered on blessings,
Yearning after good,
To live a peaceful life.
Please, teach us the supreme blessing!"
[The Buddha taught:]
1. "Not to associate with the foolish,
But to seek company of the wise;
And to honor those worthy of honor
This is the supreme blessing.
2. To reside in a suitable environment,
To do meritorious actions
And to set oneself on the right course
This is the supreme blessing.
3. To have vast learning and skill in crafts,
To be well-trained in discipline,
And to deliver well-spoken words
This is the supreme blessing.
4. To support mother and father,
To cherish spouse and children,
And to be engaged in ethical livelihood
This is the supreme blessing.
5. To be generous in giving
And righteous in conduct,
To care for one's relatives,
And to be blameless in action
This is the supreme blessing.
6. To refrain from evil,
To abstain from intoxicants,
And to be steadfast in virtue
This is the supreme blessing.
7. To be respectful and humble,
To be content and grateful,
And to timely listen to the Dharma
This is the supreme blessing.
8. To be patient and amenable,
To associate with Buddhist monks,
And to have timely Dharma discussions
This is the supreme blessing.
9. To long for wisdom,
To seek the cause of suffering
How to end suffering
To understand the Four Noble Truths
This is the supreme blessing.
10. A mind unshaken
By the worldly conditions,
From sorrow freed,
Defilements cleansed, fear liberated
This is the supreme blessing.”
[The Buddha taught further:]
“Those who thus abide,
Ever remain invincible,
Have peace wherever they go
And always live in happiness.”
After hearing that,
The deva paid homage to the Buddha
And followed the teachings with joy.
