Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Maṅgala Sutta / The Discourse on Blessings

eva me suta
Thus I have heard:

eka samaya bhagavā sāvatthiya viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at the monastery of Anathapindika in Jeta's Grove, near Savatthi.

atha kho aññatarā devatā abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappa jetavana obhāsetvā
When the night was far spent, a certain deity whose surpassing splendour illuminated the entire Jeta Grove,

yena bhagavā tenupasakami upasakamitvā bhagavanta abhivādetvā ekamanta aṭṭhāsi
came to the presence of the Blessed One and drawing near, respectfully saluted and stood at one side.

ekamanta hitā kho sā devatā bhagavanta gāthāya ajjhabhāsi
Standing thus, the deity addressed the Blessed One in verse:

bahu devā manussā ca magalāni acintayu
āka
khamānā sotthāna brūhi magala muttama
Many deities and men longing for happiness have pondered on blessings. Pray tell me what the highest blessings are.
 
asevanā ca bālāna paṇḍitānañca sevanā
pūjā ca pūjanīyāna
eta magalamuttama 
Not to associate with the foolish, but to associate with the wise, and to honor those worthy of honor, this is the highest blessing.

patirūpadesavāso ca pubbe ca katapuññatā
attasammāpa
idhi ca eta magalamuttama
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.

bāhusaccañca sippañca vinayo ca susikkhito
subhāsitā ca yā vācā eta
magalamuttama 
Vast learning, skill in handicrafts, well grounded in discipline, and pleasant speech, this is the highest blessing.

mātāpitū upa
ṭṭhāna puttadārassa sagaho
anākulā ca kammantā eta
magalamuttama
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.
  
dānañca dhammacariyā ca ñātakānañca sagaho
anavajjāni kammāni eta
magalamuttama
Liberality, righteous conduct, rendering assistance to relatives, and performance of blameless deeds, this is the highest blessing.

ārati virati pāpā majjapānā ca saññamo
appamādo ca dhammesu eta
magalamuttama
To cease and abstain from evil, to abstain from intoxicating drinks, and diligent in performing righteous acts, this is the highest blessing.

gāravo ca nivāto ca santuṭṭhi ca kataññutā
kālena dhammasava
a eta magalamuttama
Reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude, and the timely hearing of the Dhamma, the teaching of the Buddha, this is the highest blessing.
 
khantī ca sovacassatā sama
ānañca dassana
kālena dhammasākacchā eta
magalamuttama
Patience, obedience, meeting the Samanas (holy men), and timely discussions on the Dhamma, this is the highest blessing.

tapo ca brahmacariyañca ariyasaccānadassana

nibbānasacchikiriyā ca eta
magalamuttama
Self-control, chastity, comprehension of the Noble Truths, and the realization of Nibbana, this is the highest blessing.

phuṭṭhassa lokadhammehi citta yassa na kampati
asoka
viraja khema eta magalamuttama 
The mind that is not touched by the vicissitudes of life, the mind that is free from sorrow, stainless, and secure, this is the highest blessing.

etādisāni katvāna sabbattha maparājitā
sabbattha sotthi
gacchanti ta tesa magalamuttamanti
Those who have fulfilled the conditions are victorious everywhere, and attain happiness everywhere, to them these are the highest blessings.

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