One time, the Exalted One resided in Anathapindika’s monastery located in Jeta’s Grove, near Savatthi. As the night progressed, a celestial being of extraordinary radiance appeared before the Exalted One and paid his respects while standing at his side. Addressing him in verse, the celestial being spoke to the Exalted One.
The Maṅgala Sutta was delivered by Gautama Buddha that discusses the topic of “blessings” (mangala), which can also refer to good omens, auspicious signs, or good fortune. In this discourse, the Buddha identifies wholesome pursuits and attainments that are considered blessings, presented in a progressive manner from the mundane to the ultimate spiritual goal. This sutta is regarded as part of “Maha Pirith” in Sri Lanka.
The Maṅgala Sutta is included in the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Pali Canon in two places: the Khuddakapāṭha and the Sutta Nipāta, where it is referred to as the Mahāmangala Sutta. It is also traditionally included in books of protection (paritta) and can be found in the Kangyur of the Tibetan Canon.
1. Bahū devā manussā ca – Maṅgalāni acintayuṁ
Ākaṅkhamānā sotthānaṁ – Brūhi maṅgalamuttamaṁ
Many deities and humans longing for happiness have pondered on the questions of blessings. Pray, tell me what are the highest blessings?
2. Asevanā ca bālānaṁ – Paṅḍitānañ ca sevanā
Pūjā ca pūjanīyānaṁ – Etaṁ maṅgalamuttamaṁ
Not to associate with the foolish but to associate with the wise and to honor those worthy of honor these are the highest blessings.
3. Patirūpadesavāso ca – Pubbe ca katapuññatā
Attasammāpaṇīdhi ca – Etaṁ maṅgalamuttamaṁ
To reside in a suitable locality to have performed meritorious actions in the past, and to set oneself in the right direction these are the highest blessings.
4. Bāhusaccañca sippañca – Vinayo ca susikkhito
Subhāsitā ca yā vācā – Etaṁ maṅgalamuttamaṁ
Vast learning, skill in handicraft, well grounded in discipline and pleasant speech these are the highest blessings.
5. Mātāpitū upaṭṭhānaṁ – Puttadārassa saṅgaho
Anākulā ca kammantā – Etaṁ maṅgalamuttamaṁ
To support one’s father and mother, to cherish one’s wife and children, and to be engaged in peaceful occupations these are the highest blessings.
6. Dānañca dhammacariyā ca – Ñātakānañ ca saṅgaho
Anavajjāni kammāni – Etaṁ maṅgalamuttamaṁ
Generosity, righteous conduct, giving assistance to relatives, and doing blameless deeds these are the highest blessings.
7. Ārati virati pāpā – Majjapānā ca saññamo
Appamādo ca dhammesu – Etaṁ maṅgalamuttamaṁ
To cease and abstain from evil, to abstain from intoxicating drinks, and to be diligent in practising the Dhamma these are the highest blessings.
8. Gāravo ca nivāto ca – Santuṭṭhī ca kataññutā
Kālena dhammasavanaṁ – Etaṁ maṅgalamuttamaṁ
Paying reverence to those who are worthy of reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude, and the timely hearing of the Dhamma these are the highest blessings.
9. Khantī ca sovacassatā – Samaṇānañca dassanaṁ
Kālena dhammasākacchā – Etaṁ maṅgalamuttamaṁ
Patience, obedience, meeting monks and timely discussions on the Dhamma these are the highest blessings.
10. Tapo ca brahmacariyañca – Ariyasaccānadassanaṁ
Nibbāṇasacchikiriyā ca – Etaṁ maṅgalamuttamaṁ
Self-control, chastity, understanding the Noble Truths, and the realization of Nibbāna these are the highest blessings.
11. Phuṭṭhassa lokadhammehi – Cittaṁ yassa na kampati
Asokaṁ virajaṁ khemaṁ – Etaṁ maṅgalamuttamaṁ
The mind that is not touched by the ups and downs of life; the mind that is free from sorrow, stainless and secure these are the highest blessings.
12. Etādisāni katvāna – Sabbatthamaparājitā
Sabbattha sotthiṁ gacchanti taṁ – Tesaṁ maṅgalamuttaman’ti.
Those who have achieved these blessings are victorious everywhere, and they succeed in all their goals. For them, these are the highest blessings.