(Maha Mangala Sutta) (1)
Thus have
I heard:
On one occasion
the Blessed One was living near Savatthi at Jetavana at Anathapindika's
monastery. Now when the night was far advanced, a certain deity,
whose surpassing radiance illuminated the whole of Jetavana,
approached the Blessed One, respectfully saluted him, and stood
beside him. Standing thus, he addressed the Blessed One in verse:
1. 'Many
deities and men longing for happiness have pondered on (the
question of) blessings. Pray tell me what the highest blessings
are.
2. Not to
associate with the foolish, but to associate with the wise,
and to honour those worthy of honour - this is the highest blessing.
3. To reside
in a suitable locality, to have performed meritorious actions
in the past, and to set oneself in the right direction - this
is the highest blessing.
4. Vast
learning, skill in handicrafts, well grounded in discipline,
and pleasant speech - this is the highest blessing.
5. To support
one's father and mother; to cherish one's wife and children,
and to be engaged in peaceful occupations - this is the highest
blessing.
6. Liberality,
righteous conduct, rendering assistance to relatives, and performance
of blameless deeds - this is the highest blessing.
7. To cease
and abstain from evil, to abstain from intoxicating drinks,
and diligent in performing righteous acts - this is the highest
blessing.
8. Reverence,
humility, contentment, gratitude, and the timely hearing of
the Dhamma, the teaching of the Buddha, - this is the highest
blessing.
9. Patience,
obedience, meeting the Samanas (holy men), and timely discussions
on the Dhamma - this is the highest blessing.
10. Self-control,
chastity, comprehension of the Noble Truths, and the realization
of Nibbana - this is the highest blessing.
11. The
mind that is not touched by the vicissitudes of life (2),
the mind that is free from sorrow, stainless, and secure - this
is the highest blessing.
12. Those
who have fulfilled the conditions (for such blessings) are victorious
everywhere, and attain happiness everywhere - To them these
are the highest blessings.'
NOTES:
1. Khp.
2; Sn. 46 under the title Mangala sutta; cf. Mahamangala
Jataka No. 452.
2. The vicissitudes are eight in number: gain and loss, good-repute
and ill-repute, praise and blame, joy and sorrow. This stanza
is a reference to the state of mind of an Arahant, the Consummate
One.