Illustrations by Tan Chee Han

Blissful every day, blessings everywhere.

What is the the highest blessing? Is a “blessing” given by a divine being or a state of well-being?

The Buddha uttered the Maha Mangala Sutta to explain the attainment of real blessings.

Tune in to our online Dhamma talk by Bhante Dr. Dhammapāla titled “To Associate with the Wise is indeed a Blessing” here:
https://facebook.com/sabs.org.my/videos/450932523182942

—

DISCOURSE ON GREAT BLESSINGS
MAHᾹ MAṄGALA SUTTA

Thus I have heard:
On one occasion the Blessed One,
was dwelling at the monastery of Anāthapiṇdika in Jeta’s Grove
near Sāvatthi.

Evaṃ me sutaṃ:
Ekaṃ samayaṃ bhagavā
Sāvatthiyaṃ viharati Jetavane
Anāthapiṇdikassa ārāme

—

When the night was far spent,
a certain deity whose surpassing splendor illuminated
the entire Jeta Grove,
came to the presence of the Blessed One,
and drawing near, respectfully saluted and stood at one side.

Atha kho Aññatarā devatā
Abhikkantāya rattiyā
Abhikkanta vaṇṇā
Kevala kappaṃ jetavanaṃ obhāsetvā
Yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami
Upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṃ
Abhivādetvā ekamantaṃ aṭṭhāsi.

—

Standing thus, he addressed the Blessed One in verse:

Ekamantaṃ ṭhitā kho sā devatā
Bhagavantaṃ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:

—

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

Bahū devā manussā ca
Maṅgalāni acintayuṃ
Ᾱkaṅkhamānā sotthānaṃ
Brūhi maṅgalamuttamaṃ

—

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

Asevanā ca bālānaṃ
Paṇḍitānañca sevanā
Pūjā ca pūjanīyānaṃ
Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

—

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 Supreme Blessing.

Patirūpa desa vāso ca
Pubbe ca kata puññatā
Atta sammā paṇidhi ca
Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

—

Vast-learning, skillful in handicraft,
highly trained in discipline
and to have pleasant speech;
this is the Supreme Blessing.

Bāhu saccañca sippañca
Vinayo ca susikkhito
Subhāsitā ca yā vācā
Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

—

To support father and mother,
to cherish wife and children
and to be engaged in peaceful occupation;
this is the Supreme Blessing.

Mātā pitū upaṭṭhānaṃ
Putta dārassa saṅgaho
Anākulā ca kammantā
Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

—

To be generous in giving, righteous in conduct,
to help one’s relatives
and blameless actions;
this is the Supreme Blessing.

Dānañca dhammacariyā ca
Ñātakānañca saṅgaho
Anavajjāni kammāni
Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

—

To cease and abstain from evil,
To refrain from intoxicants
and steadfast in virtue;
this is the Supreme Blessing.

Ᾱrati virati pāpā
Majjapānā ca saññamo
Appamādo ca dhammesu
Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

—

Reverence, humility,
contentment, gratitude
and the opportune hearing of the Dhamma;
this is the Supreme Blessing.

Gāravo ca nivāto ca
Santuṭṭhīca kataññutā
Kālena dhamma savaṇaṃ
Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

—

Patience, obedience,
sight of the Holy men
and discussions of the Dhamma in due season.
This is the Supreme Blessing.

Khantī ca sovacassatā
Samaṇānañ ca dassanaṃ
Kālena dhamma sākacchā
Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

—

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

Tapo ca brahma cariyañca
Ariya saccāna dassanaṃ
Nibbāṇa sacchi kiriyā ca
Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

—

He whose mind does not flutter,
even though in contact with worldly contingencies,
sorrowless, stainless, and secure.
This is the Supreme Blessing.

Phuṭṭhassa loka dhammehi
Cittaṃ yassa na kampati
Asokaṃ virajaṃ khemaṃ
Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

—

To them, fulfilling matters such as these,
everywhere invincible
in every way moving happily.
This is the Supreme Blessing.

Etādisāni katvāna
Sabbatthamaparājitā
Sabbattha sotthiṃ gacchanti taṃ
Tesaṃ maṅgalamuttaman’ti