The Discourse on Blessings (Maṅgala Sutta)

 The Discourse on Blessings

(Maṅgala Sutta)

Thus have I heard.

On one occasion, the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jetavana, the monastery offered by Anāthapiṇḍika.

Then, in the last watch of the night, a certain deva of surpassing beauty, illuminating the whole of Jetavana with radiant light, approached the Blessed One. Having paid homage to Him, the deva stood respectfully to one side.

Standing to one side, the deva addressed the Blessed One in verse:

Many devas and human beings
Long for blessings and true happiness.
They have reflected deeply on what brings well-being.
Please tell us, Blessed One:
What is the highest blessing?

The Blessed One replied:

Not associating with the foolish,
But keeping company with the wise;
Honoring those worthy of honor—
This is the highest blessing.

Living in a suitable place,
Having accumulated wholesome merit in the past,
And directing oneself along the right path—
This is the highest blessing.

Broad learning and useful skills,
Well-trained in moral discipline,
And speaking words that are truthful and gentle—
This is the highest blessing.

Caring for one's mother and father,
Supporting one's spouse and children,
And engaging in honest, peaceful work—
This is the highest blessing.

Practicing generosity, living righteously,
Supporting relatives and those in need,
And performing blameless actions—
This is the highest blessing.

Refraining from and abandoning evil,
Abstaining from intoxicants and addiction,
And being diligent in wholesome qualities—
This is the highest blessing.

Respectfulness and humility,
Contentment and gratitude,
Listening to the True Dhamma at the proper time—
This is the highest blessing.

Patience and willingness to accept guidance,
Meeting with contemplatives,
And discussing the Dhamma at the proper time—
This is the highest blessing.

Diligent practice and the holy life,
Seeing clearly the Four Noble Truths,
And directly realizing Nibbāna—
This is the highest blessing.

A mind unshaken
By the changing conditions of the world,
Free from sorrow, stainless, and secure—
This is the highest blessing.

Those who live in this way
Cannot be defeated anywhere.
Wherever they go, they dwell in safety and well-being.
This is the highest blessing.