Background Story
The word “Mangala” means “blessing”, “auspicious sign” or “good omen”. In ancient India, people wanted to know what constituted a real blessing that makes life happy for them. This issue was even raised among deities (devas) in the heavenly planes. For twelve years the deities argued, debated and discussed about it. Some referred “blessing” as what is pleasurable to the senses – things that are pleasing to the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and body. However, no satisfactory answer could be obtained.
Then devas of Tavatimsa heavenly realm approached Sakka, the leader of the devas, for his views. Sakka advised the devas to consult the Buddha. Thus in the middle of the night, a certain deity with his surpassing splendour, came to visit the Buddha at the monastery of Anāthapindika in Jeta’s Grove near Sāvatthi. He asked the Buddha for the true meaning of “blessing”. In response, the Buddha delivered a discourse known as Mangala Sutta, in which thirty-eight highest blessings were enumerated.
Mangala Sutta is customarily chanted for blessings on auspicious occasions. Besides, these thirty-eight blessings are ethical and spiritual in nature, providing a step-by-step training on the journey of life. It contains Buddha’s advice and guidance for the ‘novice’ of life, and ultimately leads one to liberation from suffering.
Mangala Sutta
| Evam me sutam Ekam samayam Bhagavā Sāvatthiyam viharati Jetavane Anāthapindikassa ārāme Atha kho aññātarā devatā Abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkanta vannā Kevala kappam Jetavanam obhāsetvā Yena Bhagavā tenupasamkami Upasamkamitvā bhagavantam Abhivādetvā ekamantam atthāsi Ekamantam thitā kho sā devatā Bhagavantam gāthāya ajjhabhāsi | Thus have I heard : On one occasion, the Blessed One was dwelling at the monastery of Anāthapindika 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 the Lord and stood to one side. Standing thus, he addressed the Blessed One in verse : |
| Bahū devā manussā ca Mangalāni acintayum Ākankhamānā sotthānam Brūhi mangala muttamam | Many deities and men, yearning after good, have pondered on Blessings. Pray, tell me the Supreme Blessing. |
| Asevanā ca bālānam Panditānañ ca sevanā Pūjā ca pūjanīyānam Etam mangala muttamam | Not to associate with fools, to associate with the wise, and honour those who are worthy of honour; this is Blessing Supreme. |
| Patirūpa-desa vāso ca Pubbe ca katapuññatā Atta sammā panidhi ca Etam mangala muttamam | To live 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 Blessing Supreme. |
| Bāhu saccañ ca sippañ ca Vinayo ca susikkhito Subhāsitā ca yā vācā Etam mangala muttamam | Vast-learning, perfect handicraft, a highly trained discipline and pleasant speech; this is Blessing Supreme. |
| Mātā pitu upatthānam Puttadārassa sangaho Anākulā ca kammantā Etam mangala muttamam | The support of father and mother, the cherishing of wife and children and peaceful occupations; this is Blessing Supreme. |
| Dānañ ca dhammacariyā ca Ñātakānañ ca sangaho Anavajjāni kammāni Etam mangala muttamam | Liberal giving, righteous conduct, the helping of relatives and blameless actions; this is Blessing Supreme. |
| Ārati virati pāpā Majjapānā ca samyamo Appamādo ca dhammesu Etam mangala muttamam | To cease and abstain from evil, forbearance with respect to intoxicants and steadfastness in virtue; this is Blessing Supreme. |
| Gāravo ca nivāto ca Santutthī ca kataññutā Kālena dhamma savanam Etam mangala muttamam | Reverence, humility, contentment, bearing gratitude and opportune hearing of the Dhamma; this is Blessing Supreme. |
| Khanti ca sovacassatā Samanānañ ca dassanam Kālena dhamma sākacchā Etam mangala muttamam | Patience, being easy to advise, sight of the Samanas (holy men), and timely discussion of the Dhamma; this is Blessing Supreme. |
| Tapo ca brahmacariyāñ ca Ariyasaccāna dassanam Nibbāna sacchikiriyā ca Etam mangala muttamam | Self-control, living a noble life, realizing the Noble Truths and the attainment of Nibbāna; this is Blessing Supreme. |
| Phutthassa loka dhammehi Cittam yassa na kampati Asokam virajam khemam Etam mangala muttamam | He whose mind does not waver, by contact with worldly contingencies, sorrowless, stainless and secure; this is Blessing Supreme. |
| Etādisāni katvāna Sabbattha maparājitā Sabbattha sotthim gacchanti Tam tesam mangala-muttamam ti | To them, fulfilling matters such as these, everywhere invincible, in every way secure; these are Blessings Supreme. |