Mangala Sutta

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The Mangala Sutta is the fifth discourse of the Buddha on the subject of 'Blessings' recorded in the Khuddakapatha of the Khuddaka Nikaya.

It was preached at Jetavana Temple in answer to a question asked by a deva as to which things in this world could truly be considered blessings (mangalāni). The sutta describes thirty-eight blessings in ten sections,[1] as shown in the table below:

Gp.1 Not associating with fools Associating with the wise Expressing respect to those worthy of respect
Gp.2 Living in an amenable location Having meritorious deeds in one's past Setting oneself up properly in life
Gp.3 Learnedness Artfulness Self-discipline Artful speech
Gp.4 Filial piety Cherishing one's children Cherishing one's spouse Not leaving work undone
Gp.5 Generosity Dhamma practice Caring for extended family Blameless work
Gp.6 Avoiding unwholesomeness Not drinking intoxicants Non-recklessness in the Dhamma
Gp.7 Respect Humility Contentment Gratitude Listening regularly to Dhamma teachings
Gp.8 Patience Openness to Criticism Sight of a True Monk Regular discussion of the Dhamma
Gp.9 Practising Austerities Practising the Brahma-faring Seeing the Four Noble Truths Attainment of Nirvana
Gp.10 Mind free of Worldly Vicissitudes Sorrowlessness Free of Subtle Defilements Blissful Mind

The Commentary [2] explains that at the time the sutta was preached there was great discussion over the whole of Jambudvipa regarding the definition of blessings. The devas heard the discussion and argued among themselves till the matter spread to the highest Brahmā world. Then it was that Sakka suggested that a deva should visit the Buddha and ask him about it.

In the Sutta Nipāta[3] the sutta is called 'Mahāmangala'. It is one of the suttas at the preaching of which countless devas were present and countless beings realized the Truth.[4]

The sutta is often recited, and forms one of the commonest pieces of chanting used for the Paritta. To have it written down in a book is considered an act of great merit.[5]

King Dutthagamani once attempted to preach the Mangala Sutta at the Lohapasada, but he was too nervous to proceed.[6]

The preaching of the Mangala Sutta was one of the incidents of the Buddha's life represented in the Relic Chamber of the Ruwanwelisaya.[7]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Khp.pp.2f
  2. ^ KhpA.vii.; SNA.i.300
  3. ^ SN., pp. 46f
  4. ^ SNA.i.174; BuA.243; AA.i.57,320
  5. ^ MA.ii.806
  6. ^ Mhv.xxxii.43
  7. ^ Mhv.xxx. 83

[edit] See also

  • Translation in English of the Mangala Sutta [1]