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Post by tk on Dec 26, 2013 17:22:20 GMT -5
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Post by tk on Jan 9, 2014 19:58:58 GMT -5
Mangala Sutta
The Buddha uttered the following Sutta to explain the attainment of real blessing. The Mangala Sutta itself tells us of the background the significance of this famous discourse. The Buddha clarified the doubts of the Devas (gods) when they wanted to know what constituted a real blessing. In the Buddhist sense a 'blessing' is not something which is given by a divine "being, but a state of Well-being which arises within oneself when one lives righteously, maintains human dignity, and creates a healthy environment.
It is customary to recite this Sutta on auspicious occasions. This Sutta is not just for recital, Devotees must also understand its meaning and put its principles into practice. It is by practicing the advice given in this Sutta that one can receive 'blessings'. Here, we find the ethical, moral and spiritual teachings of the Master for the guidance of devotees. The discourse tells us that the Buddha's teachings are not conformed to the philosophical and psychological aspects of the religion but extends to the field of social service and the cultivation of self-discipline. Since these verses are supposed to be the original words of the Buddha, Buddhist devotees have high respect for and confidence in them. Mangala Sutta
Pali
1
Evam me sutam
Ekam samayam bhagava
Savatthiyam viharati Jetavane
Anatha-pindikassa arame
Atha kho annatara devata
Abhikkantaya rattiya abhikkanta vanna
Kevala kappam Jetavanam Obhasetva
Yena bhagava tenupasam-kami
Upasam kamitva bhagavantam
Abhivadetva ekamantam atthasi
Ekamantam thita kho sa devata
Bhagavantam gathaya ajjhabhasi
English Translation
Thus I have heard.
On one occasion the Blessed One, was dwelling at the monastery of Anathapindika in Jeta's Grove near Savatthi. When the night was far spent, a certain deity whose surpassing splendour illuminated the entire Jeta Grove, came to the presence of the Blessed One, and drawing near, respectfully saluted and stood at one side. Standing thus, he addressed the Blessed One in verse
Pali
2
Bahu deva manussa ca
Mangalani acintayum
Akankha-mana sotthanam
Bruhi mangala muttamam
English Translation
Many deities and men, yearning after good, have pondered on Blessings.
Pray, tell me the Supreme Blessing
Pali
3
Asevana ca balanam
Panditianan ca sevana
Puja ca puja-niyanam
Etam mangala muttamam
English Translation
Not to follow or associate with fools, to associate with the wise, and honour those who are worthy of honour. This is the Supreme Blessing.
Pali
4
Patirupa-desa vilso ca
Pubbe ca kata-punnata
Atta samma panidhi ca
Etam mangala muttamam
English Translation
To reside in a suitable locality,
to have done meritorious actions in the past, and to have set oneself on the right course (towards emancipation). This is the Supreme Blessing.
5
Bahu saccanca sippanca
Vinago ca susikkhito
Subhasita ca ya vaca
Etam mangala muttamam
English translation
Vast learning, perfect handicraft, a highly trained discipline and pleasant speech.
This is the Supreme Blessing
6
Mata pitu upatthanam
Putta darassa sangaho
Anakula ca kammanta
Etam mangala muttamam
English Translation
The support of father and mother, . the cherishing of wife and children and peaceful occupations. This is the Supreme Blessing.
7
Danam ca dhamma-cariya ca
Natakananca sangaho
Anavajjani kammani
Etam mangala muttamam
English translation
Liberality, righteous conduct, the helping of relatives and blameless actions.
This is the Supreme Blessing.
8
Arati virati papa
Majja-pana ca sannamo
Appa-mado ca dhammesu
Etam mangala muttamam
To cease and abstain from evil, forbearance with respect to intoxicants and steadfastness in virtue. This is the Supreme Blessing.
9
Garavo ca nivato ca
Santutthi ca katannuta
Kalena dhamma savanam
Etam mangala muttamam
English translation
Reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude and opportune hearing of the Dhamma. This is the Supreme Blessing.
10
Khanti ca Sovacassata,
Samana nanca dassanam
Kalena dhamma sakaccha
Etam mangala muttamam
English
Patience, obedience, sight of the Samanas (holy men)
and religious discussions at due season. This is the Supreme Blessing.
11
Tapo ca brahma cariyaca
Ariya saccana dassanam
Nibbana sacchi kiriyaca
Etam mangala muttamam
English
Self-control, pure life, perception of the Noble Truths and the realization of Nibbana. This is the Supreme Blessing.
12
Putthassa Ioka dhammehi
Cittam yassa na kampati
Asokam virajam khemam
Etam mangala muttamam
English
He whose mind does not flutter, by contact with worldly contingencies, sorrow less, stainless and secure.
This is the Supreme Blessing. 13
Eta-disani katvana
Sabbattha maparajita
Sabbattha sotthim gacchanti
Tam tesam mangala-muttamamti
To them, fulfilling matters such as these, everywhere invincible, in every way moving happily.
These are the Supreme Blessings.
With all my metta,
Harsha.
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