Maha-mangala Sutta: Blessings

[Unveiled Artist]

Thus have I heard:

On one occasion the Blessed One was living near Savatthi at Jetavana at Anathapindika's monastery. Now when the night was far advanced, a certain deity, whose surpassing radiance illuminated the whole of Jetavana, approached the Blessed One, respectfully saluted him, and stood beside him. Standing thus, he addressed the Blessed One in verse:

1. "Many deities and men longing for happiness have pondered on (the question of) blessings. Pray tell me what the highest blessings are.

2. "Not to associate with the foolish, but to associate with the wise, and to honor those worthy of honor — this is the highest blessing.

3. "To reside in a suitable locality, to have performed meritorious actions in the past, and to set oneself in the right direction — this is the highest blessing.

4. "Vast learning, skill in handicrafts, well grounded in discipline, and pleasant speech — this is the highest blessing.

5. "To support one's father and mother; to cherish one's wife and children, and to be engaged in peaceful occupations — this is the highest blessing.

6. "Liberality, righteous conduct, rendering assistance to relatives, and performance of blameless deeds — this is the highest blessing.

7. "To cease and abstain from evil, to abstain from intoxicating drinks, and diligent in performing righteous acts — this is the highest blessing.

8. "Reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude, and the timely hearing of the Dhamma, the teaching of the Buddha — this is the highest blessing.

9. "Patience, obedience, meeting the Samanas (holy men), and timely discussions on the Dhamma — this is the highest blessing.

10. "Self-control, chastity, comprehension of the Noble Truths, and the realization of Nibbana — this is the highest blessing.

11. "The mind that is not touched by the vicissitudes of life,[1] the mind that is free from sorrow, stainless, and secure — this is the highest blessing.

12. "Those who have fulfilled the conditions (for such blessings) are victorious everywhere, and attain happiness everywhere — To them these are the highest blessings."
Maha-mangala Sutta: Blessings

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Do you live by the Dharma?

If so, do you apply The Dharma teachings to your life?

 

[Regiomontanus]

Hello. Much wisdom there! And I think many of the points most people would be able to agree with, regardless of their worldview. Quite a universal message. Number 6 alone, if everyone followed it, would yield a much better world.

Peace

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Hello. Much wisdom there! And I think many of the points most people would be able to agree with, regardless of their worldview. Quite a universal message. Number 6 alone, if everyone followed it, would yield a much better world.

Peace

True. A lot of it, in and of themselves, can be applied to anyone. From a B-Dharmic point of view, these things would help not to have a future rebirth. Take away all attachments, type of thing.

While there are many attachments in life, a lot of it isnt negative in and of itself. However, The Dharma does teach not to attach even to some of the positive things. What are your thoughts on that?

 

[Regiomontanus]

Hello. I certainly think that excessive attachment to anything is unhealthy in many ways. While I knew of it technically in specific cases/details in from my scientific studies (just about every branch of science only makes sense through an evolutionary perspective), embracing the full reality of impermanence had a huge impact on my life when I started my spiritual journey (rather late in life). This was primarily through the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.

But I think some attachents are good. For example, being devoted to the education and upbringing of my children and grandchildren and working for social justice, and environmental conservation, if those count as attachments.

Peace

 

[Samana Johann]

Some good explainings (althought for western/modern not all accessible): Mangala Suta Uannana - Ven. K. Gunaratana Thera (e-book)

Essay, more in direction of Abhidhamma: The Greatest Blessings, by Nina van Gorkom, online, e-book

Maṅgala Sutta - chanted by the Sangha of Wat Metta (Pali, englisch)

And Life's Highest Blessings: The Maha Mangala Sutta, translation and Commentary by Dr. R.L. Soni, revised by Bhikkhu Khantipalo, with many cultural and other explainings

The Discourse is a charter in outline of family responsibility, social obligations, moral purification and spiritual cultivation. Within the compass of a dozen stanzas are included profound counsels and golden rules, which admirably point out the way life's journey should go if it is to reach the haven of perfect harmony, love, peace and security. Beginning with emphasis on the need for a suitable environment, the Discourse lays appropriate stress on personal discipline, righteous conduct and adequate discharge of duties to one's near and dear ones. Then the higher virtues of humility, gratitude, patience and chastity are introduced. And step by step are reached serenity, perception of truth and Enlightenment.

Much joy with the growing by giving into the highest blessings.