7: Mahāmaṅgalasuttaṁ
The Discourse on the Great Blessings
Introductory Verses
Yaṁ maṅgalaṁ dvādasasu cintayiṁsu sadevakā,
What a blessing is was thought about by gods and men for twelve (years),
sotthānaṁ nādhigacchanti; aṭṭhatiṁsañ-ca maṅgalaṁ
but they did not attain (true) safety; the thirty-eight blessings
desitaṁ devadevena sabbapāpavināsanaṁ.
which were preached by the god of gods make all that is bad perish.
Sabbalokahitatthāya parittaṁ taṁ bhaṇāmahe. CBhp:
For the whole world’s benefit and welfare we will recite that safeguard.
The Safeguard
Evaṁ me sutaṁ:
Thus I have heard:
ekaṁ samayaṁ Bhagavā Sāvatthiyaṁ viharati
at one time the Fortunate One was dwelling near Sāvatthī
Jetavane Anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme.
at Anāthapiṇḍika’s grounds in Jeta’s Wood.
Atha kho aññatarā devatā abhikkantāya rattiyā,
Then a certain god, towards the end of the night,
abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṁ Jetavanaṁ obhāsetvā,
whose surpassing beauty lit up the whole of Jeta’s Wood,
yena Bhagavā tenupasaṅkami,
approached the Fortunate One,
upasaṅkamitvā Bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā, ekam-antaṁ aṭṭhāsi.
and after approaching and worshipping the Fortunate One, he stood on one side.
Ekam-antaṁ ṭhitā kho sā devatā Bhagavantaṁ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:
While standing on one side that god addressed the Fortunate One with a verse:
“Bahū devā manussā ca maṅgalāni acintayuṁ
“Many are the gods and the men who have thought about the blessings
ākaṅkhamānā sotthānaṁ: brūhi maṅgalam-uttamaṁ.” [01]
hoping for safety: now please say what is the supreme blessing.”
“Asevanā ca bālānaṁ, paṇḍitānañ-ca sevanā,
“Not associating with fools, but associating with the wise,
pūjā ca pūjanīyānaṁ: etaṁ maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. [02]
honouring those worthy of honour: this is the supreme blessing.
Paṭirūpadesavāso ca, pubbe ca katapuññatā,
Living in a suitable place, formerly having done good deeds,
attasammāpaṇidhi ca: etaṁ maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. [03]
aspiring in a right way oneself: this is the supreme blessing.
Bāhusaccañ-ca sippañ-ca, vinayo ca susikkhito,
Having great learning and craft, and being disciplined and well trained,
subhāsitā ca yā vācā: etaṁ maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. [04]
and whatever words are well spoken: this is the supreme blessing.
Mātāpitu-upaṭṭhānaṁ, puttadārassa saṅgaho,
Attendance on one’s mother and father, looking after one’s wife and children,
anākulā ca kammantā: etaṁ maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. [05]
with works that are not agitating: this is the supreme blessing.
Dānañ-ca Dhammacariyā ca, ñātakānañ-ca saṅgaho,
Giving, and living by the Dhamma, and looking after one’s relatives,
anavajjāni kammāni: etaṁ maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. [06]
(performing) actions that are blameless: this is the supreme blessing.
Ārati virati pāpā, majjapānā ca saññamo,
Abstinence, avoidance of bad deeds, restraint from intoxicating drink,
appamādo ca dhammesu: etaṁ maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. [07]
being heedful regarding (all) things: this is the supreme blessing.
Gāravo ca nivāto ca, santuṭṭhī ca kataññutā,
Having respect, being humble, being satisfied and grateful,
kālena Dhammasavaṇaṁ: etaṁ maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. [08]
listening to Dhamma at the right time: this is the supreme blessing.
Khantī ca sovacassatā, samaṇānañ-ca dassanaṁ,
Being patient and easily spoken to, seeing ascetics,
kālena Dhammasākacchā: etaṁ maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. [09]
discussing Dhamma at the right time: this is the supreme blessing.
Tapo ca brahmacariyañ-ca, ariyasaccānadassanaṁ,
Austere, living spiritually, insight into the noble truths,
nibbānasacchikiriyā ca: etaṁ maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. [10]
the experience of Nibbāna: this is the supreme blessing.
Phuṭṭhassa lokadhammehi, cittaṁ yassa na kampati,
He whose mind does not waver, when it is touched by things of this world,
asokaṁ virajaṁ khemaṁ: etaṁ maṅgalam-uttamaṁ. [11]
(being) griefless, dustless, and secure: this is the supreme blessing.
Etādisāni katvāna, sabbattha-m-aparājitā,
Having done as here directed, they are undefeated everywhere,
sabbattha sotthiṁ gacchanti: taṁ tesaṁ maṅgalam-uttaman”-ti. [12]
they go everywhere in safety: for them this is the supreme blessing.”