Mangala Sutta
Discourse on Blessings
Yam mangalam dvadasahi,
Cintayimsu sadevaka;
Sotthanam nadhigacchanti
Atthattimsanca mangalam
The meaning of "Blessings" was
speculated by gods and men for twelve years;
However, they could not acquire the actual meaning of it.
So the discourse on thirty-eight "Blessings" was taught.
Desitam devadevena,
Sabba papa vinasanam;
Sabbaloka hitatthaya,
Mangalam tam bhanama he.
The Sutta which can eradicate all evils,
was expounded by the Supreme Deity (Buddha).
For the benefit and welfare of the world
Let us recite this sutta on 'Blessing'.
Evam me sutam:
Ekam samayam bhagava
Svatthiyam viharati Jetavane
Anatha-pindikassa arame
Atha kho annatara devata
Abhikkantaya rattiya abhikkanta vanna
Kevala kappam Jetavanam Obhasetva
Yena bhagava tenupasankami
Upasan-kamitva bhagavantam
Abhivadetva ekamantam atthasi
Ekamantam thita kho sa devata
Bhagavantam gathaya ajjhabhasi: -
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 the presence of the Blessed One,
and, drawing near, respectfully saluted
and stood at one side.
Standing thus, He addressed the Blessed
One in verse: -
Bahu deva manussaca,
Mangalani acintayum;
Akankha-mana sotthanam.
Bruhi mangala muttamam
Many gods and men
Ponder on the meaning of Blessings
in order to acquire virtue.
Please tell me, what is the meaning of Blessing.
Asevana ca balanam,
Panditanam ca sevana;
Puja ca puja neyyanam
Etam mangala muttaman
Not to associate with fools,
be in the company of the wise.
Honour those worthy of honour.
This is the highest blessing.
Patirupa desa vaso ca,
Pubbe ca kata-punnata;
Atta samma panidhi ca,
Etam mangala muttamam.
To live in a suitable place,
to have done meritorious deeds in the past
and to set oneself in the right course,
This is the highest blessing.
Bahu-saccanca sippanca,
Vinayo ca susikkhito,
Subhasita ca, yavaca
Etam mangala muttamam.
Vast learning, perfect handicraft,
highly trained in-moral discipline,
and always having pleasant speech,
This is the highest blessing.
Mata-pitu upatthanam,
Putta-darassa sangaho;
Anakula ca kammanta,
Etam mangala muttamam.
To support one's father and mother,
To cherish one's wife and children,
and having peaceful occupation,
This is the highest blessing.
Danam ca dhamma-cariya ca.
Natakananca sangaho;
Anavajjani kammani
Etam mangala muttamam
Generosity and righteous conduct,
helping one's relatives,
and doing blameless actions,
This is the highest blessing.
Arati virati papa.
Majja-pana ca samyamo
Appa-mado ca-dhammesu,
Etam mangala muttamam.
To cease and abstain from evil,
avoid all intoxicants,
and be steadfast in virtues,
This is the highest blessing.
Garavo ca nivato ca.
Santutthi ca katannuta;
Kalena dhamma savanam.
Etam mangala muttamam.
Showing reverence and humility,
contentment and gratitude,
and hearing the Dhamma from time to time,
This is the highest blessing.
Khanti ca sovacassata
Samana nanca dassanam.
Kalena dhamma sakaccha;
Etam mangala muttamam.
Patience and obedience,
Visiting holy men often,
Discussing Dhamma from time to time,
This is the highest blessing.
Tapo ca brahma cariyanca
Ariya saccana dassanam;
Nibbana sacchi kiriyaca,
Etam mangala muttamam.
Self control and holy life,
understanding the Noble Truths
and the realization of Nibbana,
This is the highest blessing.
Phutthassa lokadhammehi,
Cittam yassa na kampati;
Asokam virajam khemam.
Etam mangala muttamam.
He whose mind remains unmoved,
when touched by the problems of the world,
sorrowless, stainless and secure,
This is the highest blessing.
Etadisani katvana,
Sabbatha maparajita;
Sabbattha sotthim gacchanti,
Tam tesam mangala-muttamam.
To them fulfilling matters such as these,
everywhere invincible,
in every way moving happily,
These are the highest blessings.