The Highest Blessings - Mangala Suttra

The Highest Blessings – Mangala Sutta

Thus I have heard that the Blessed One
Was staying at Savatthi,
Residing at the Jeta’s Grove
In Anathapika’s Park.

Then in the dark of the night, a radiant deva
Illuminated all Jeta’s Grove.
She bowed down low before the Blessed One
Then standing to one side she said:

‘Devas are concerned with happiness
And ever long for peace.
The same is true for humankind.
What then are the highest blessings?’

‘Avoiding those of foolish ways,
Associating with the wise,
And honouring those worthy of honour.
These are the highest blessings.’

‘Living in places of suitable kinds,
With the fruits of past good deeds
And guided by the rightful way.
These are the highest blessings.’

‘Accomplished in learning and craftsman’s skills,
With discipline highly trained,
And speech that is true and pleasant to hear.
These are the highest blessings.’

Providing for mother and fathers support
And cherishing family,
And ways of work that harm no being,
These are the highest blessings.’

‘Generosity and a righteous life,
Offering help to relatives and kin,
And acting in ways that leave no blame.
These are the highest blessings.’

‘Steadfast in restraint, and shunning evil ways,
Avoiding intoxicants that dull the mind,
And heedfulness in all things that arise.
These are the highest blessings.’

‘Respectfulness and being of humble ways,
Contentment and gratitude,
And hearing the Dhamma frequently taught.
These are the highest blessings.’

Patients and willingness to accept one’s faults,
Seeing venerated seekers of truth,
And sharing often the words of the Dhamma.
These are the highest blessings.’

‘Ardent, committed to the Holy Life,
Seeing for oneself the Noble Truths
And the realisation of Nibbana.
These are the highest blessings.’

‘Although in contact with the world,
Unshaken the mind remains
Beyond all sorrow, spotless, secure.
These are the highest blessings.’

‘Those who live by following this path
Know victory wherever they go,
And every place for them is safe.
These are the highest blessings.’

 

Taken from the Book of Chanting  at Cittaveka Buddhist Monastery.


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