MAHĀ MAṄGALA SUTTA
The Great Discourse on Blessings
Sutta Nipāta II.4 (also Kuddakapāṭha 5) – translated by John Kelly
Thus I have heard. At one time the Blessed One was living at Sāvatthi, at Anāthapiṇḍika’s Park in Jeta’s Grove. Then, late in the night, a certain deity of astounding beauty, lighting up the whole of Jeta’s Grove, approached the Blessed One. Having drawn near, she greeted him and stood at one side. Standing there this deity addressed the Blessed One in verse:
Many deities and humans,
Longing for well-being,
Have pondered upon blessings.
Tell us what the greatest blessing is.
(The Blessed One replies)
Not associating with fools,
Associating with the wise,
Honoring those worthy of honor;
This is the greatest blessing.
Residing in a suitable location,
Good deeds performed in the past,
Setting oneself in the right direction;
This is the greatest blessing.
Great learning and craft,
Well-trained in discipline,
With every utterance well-spoken;
This is the greatest blessing.
The support of mother and father,
The welfare of spouse and children,
Engaging in unconflicting livelihood;
This is the greatest blessing.
Selfless giving, and living by the Dhamma,
Looking after relatives and friends,
And blameless actions;
This is the greatest blessing.
Ceasing and restraining from evil,
Abstinence from intoxicants,
Diligence concerning all phenomena;
This is the greatest blessing.
Reverence and humility,
Contentment and gratitude,
Timely hearing of the Dhamma;
This is the greatest blessing.
Patience and obedience,
The seeing of recluses,
Timely discussion of the Dhamma;
This is the greatest blessing.
Austerity and chastity,
Insight into the Noble Truths,
The realization of Nibbāna;
This is the greatest blessing.
With a mind unshaken,
When touched by worldly conditions,
Sorrowless, stainless, and secure;
This is the greatest blessing.
Those who have fulfilled all these
Are everywhere invincible,
And they find well-being everywhere;
This, to them, is the greatest blessing.
Comments