Mangala Sutta

May You Be Well And Happy

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Summary

Below is Buddha’s discourse on the subject of ‘mangala’ (blessings), called ‘Mangala Sutta’. The Buddha describes in this sutta ‘blessings’ that are wholesome personal pursuits or attainments, identified in a progressive manner from the mundane to the ultimate spiritual goal.

Content

Mangala Sutta

(In Pali)
EVAM ME SUTAM:
EKAM SAMAYAM BHAGAVA
SAVATTHIYAM VIHARATI JETAVANE
ANANTHA-PINDIKASSAA ARAME
ATHA KHO ANNATARA DEVATA
ABHIKKANTAYA RATTIYA ABHIKKANTA VANNA
KEVALA KAPPAM JETAVANAM OBHASETVA
YENA BHAGAVA TENUPASSAM-KAMI
UPASAM KAMITVA BHAGAVANTAM
ABHIVADETVA EKAMANTAM ATTHASI
EKAMANTAM THITA KHO SA DEVATA
BHAGAVANTAM GATHAYA AJJHABHASI

(In English)

“Thus have I heard:
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at the monastery of Anathapindika in Jeta’s Grove near Savatthi. When the night was far spent, a certain deity whose surpassing splendour illuminated the entire Jeta Grove, came to presence of the Blessed One, and, drawing near, respectfully saluted and stood at one side.

Standing thus, He addressed the Blessed One in verse:

1.
BAHU DEVA MANUSSA CA
MANGALANI ACINTAYUM
AKANKHA-MANA SOTTHANAM
BRUHI MANGALA MUTTAMAM

Many deities and men, yearning after good, have pondered on Blessings.
Pray, tell me the Highest Blessing

2.
ASEVANA CA BALANAM
PANDITIANAN CA SEVANA
PUJA CA PUJA-NIYANAM
ETAM MANGALA MUTTAMAM

Not to follow or associate with fools, to associate with the wise, and honour those who are worthy of honour. This is the Highest Blessing.

3.
PATIRUPA-DESA VILSO CA
PUBBE CA KATA-PUNNATA
ATTA SAMMA PANIDHI CA
ETAM MANGALA MUTTAMAM

To reside in a suitable locality, to have done meritorious actions in the past, and to have set oneself on the right course (towards emancipation). This is the Highest Blessing.

4.
BAHU SACCANCA SIPPANCA
VINAGO CA SUSIKKHITO
SUBHASITA CA YA VACA
ETAM MANGALA MUTTAMAM

Vast learning, perfect handicraft, a highly trained discipline and pleasant speech. This is the Highest Blessing.

5.
MATA PITU UPATTHANAM
PUTTA DARASSA SANGAHO
ANAKULA CA KAMMANTA
ETAM MANGALA MUTTAMAM

The support of father and mother, the cherishing of wife and children and peaceful occupations. This is the Highest Blessing.

6.
DANAM CA DHAMMA-CARIYA CA
NATAKANANCA SANGAHO
ANAVAJJANI KAMMANI
ETAM MANGALA MUTTAMAM

Liberality, righteous conduct, the helping of relatives and blameless actions. This is the Highest Blessing.

7.
ARATI VIRATI PAPA
MAJJA-PANA CA SANNAMO
APPA-MADO CA DHAMMESU
ETAM MANGALA MUTTAMAM

To cease and abstain from evil, forbearance with respect to intoxicants and steadfastness in virtue. This is the Highest Blessing.

8.
GARAVO CA NIVATO CA
SANTUTTHI CA KATANNUTA
KALENA DHAMMA SAVANAM
ETAM MANGALA MUTTAMAM

Reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude and opportune hearing of the Dhamma. This is the Highest Blessing.

9.
KHANTI CA SOVACASSATA,
SAMANA NANCA DASSANAM
KALENA DHAMMA SAKACCHA
ETAM MANGALA MUTTAMAM

Patience, obedience, sight of the Samanas (holy men) and religious discussions at due season. This is the Highest Blessing.

10.
TAPO CA BRAHMA CARIYACA
ARIYA SACCANA DASSANAM
NIBBANA SACCHI KIRIYACA
ETAM MANGALA MUTTAMAM

Self-control, pure life, perception of the Noble Truths and the realization of Nibbana. This is the Highest Blessing.

11.
PUTTHASSA IOKA DHAMMEHI
CITTAM YASSA NA KAMPATI
ASOKAM VIRAJAM KHEMAM
ETAM MANGALA MUTTAMAM

He whose mind does not flutter, by contact with worldly contingencies, sorrow less, stainless and secure. This is the Highest Blessing.

12.
ETA-DISANI KATVANA
SABBATTHA MAPARAJITA
SABBATTHA SOTTHIM GACCHANTI
TAM TESAM MANGALA-MUTTAMAMTI

To them, fulfilling matters such as these, everywhere invincible, in every way moving happily. These are the Highest Blessings.

References

  1. “Handbook Of Buddhists” by Ven K. Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Thera. Buddhist Missionary Series No. 5, 3rd Edition. Page 44 – 49