Mangala Sutta

THE HIGHEST BLESSINGS

(Mangala Sutta)

(Thus have I heard that the Blessed One) Was staying at Sāvatthī,

Residing at the Jeta’s Grove

In Anāthapiṇḍaka’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 for 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 honoring those worthy of honor. 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 father’s 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 of humble ways, Contentment and gratitude,

And hearing the Dhamma frequently taught. These are the highest blessings.”

“Patience and willingness to accept one’s faults, Seeing venerated seekers of the truth,

And sharing often the words of Dhamma. These are the highest blessings.”

“Ardent, committed to the Holy Life, Seeing for oneself the Noble Truths, And the realization of Nibbana. These are the highest blessings.”

“Although involved in worldly tasks, Unshaken the mind remains,

And beyond all sorrow, spotless, secure. These are the highest blessings.”

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

The above Sutta, very well known among the Abhayagiri community, is a personal favorite of one of the lay community and was read at her brother's "Celebration of Life" ceremony this past August.