Maṅgala Suttaṃ
The Discourse on Blessings

Yaṃ maṅgalaṃ dvādasahi,
Cintayiṃsu sadevakā,
Sotthānaṃ nādhigacchanti,
Aṭṭhattiṃsañca maṅgalaṃ.

Desitaṃ devadevena,
Sabba-pāpa-vināsanaṃ,
Sabba-loka-hitatthāya,
Maṅgalaṃ taṃ bhaṇāma he.

The meaning of the term ‘Auspicious Sign’ had been contemplated by gods and men for twelve years; however they could not agree on the actual meaning.

So, the discourse on thirty-eight auspicious signs which can eradicate all sins and evils, was expounded by the Supreme Deity (the Buddha) for the benefit and welfare of the entire world. Let us recite this discourse of auspicious signs now.

Evaṃ me sutaṃ. Ekaṃ samayaṃ Bhagavā Sāvatthiyaṃ viharati Jetavane Anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme. Atha kho aññatarā devatā abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṃ Jetavanaṃ obhāsetvā yena Bhagavā tenupasaṅkami upasaṅkamitvā Bhagavantaṃ abhivādetvā ekamantaṃ aṭṭhāsi. Ekamantaṃ ṭhitā kho sā devatā Bhagavantaṃ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi:

Thus have I heard: Once the Blessed One was dwelling near Savatthi in the Jetavana monastery built by Anathapindika, a wealthy merchant of Savatthi. Then a certain deity at midnight, having illuminated the whole Jeta-grove with surpassing splendour, came to the presence of the Blessed One. Having worshipped the Blessed One, he very respectfully stood at a suitable place; and then addressed the Blessed One in verse:

1. Bahū devā manussā ca,
   Maṅgalāni acintayuṃ
   Ākaṅkhamānā sotthānaṃ,
   Brūhi maṅgalamuttamaṃ

Many gods and men,
Have pondered on auspicious signs
Wishing for blessings.
Please tell us the most auspicious signs

2. Asevanā ca bālānaṃ,
   Paṇḍitānañca sevanā
   Pūjā ca pūjaneyyānaṃ,
   Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

Not to associate with fools,
But to associate with the wise
And to honour those worthy of honour,
This is the most auspicious sign.

3. Patirūpa desavāso ca,
   Pubbe ca katapuññatā
   Attasammāpaṇidhi ca,
   Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

Living in a suitable locality,
And good deeds done in the past,
To set oneself in the right course,
This is the most auspicious sign.

4. Bāhusaccañca sippañca,
   Vinayo ca susikkhito
   Subhāsitā ca yā vācā,
   Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

Great learning and skill in work,
A highly trained discipline,
And well-spoken speech,
This is the most auspicious sign.

5. Mātāpitu upaṭṭhānaṃ,
   Puttadārassa saṅgaho
   Anākulā ca kammantā,
   Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

Looking after one’s mother and father,
Caring for one’s wife and children,
And unconfused actions,
This is the most auspicious sign.

6. Dānañca dhammacariyā ca,
   Ñātakānañca saṅgaho
   Anavajjāni kammāni,
   Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

Generosity and a righteous life,
Caring for one’s relatives,
And blameless actions,
This is the most auspicious sign.

7. Āratī viratī pāpā,
   Majjapānā ca saññamo
   Appamādo ca dhammesu,
   Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

Giving up and avoiding wrong-doing,
Not drinking intoxicants,
And diligence in righteousness,
This is the most auspicious sign.

8. Gāravo ca nivāto ca,
   Santuṭṭhi ca kataññutā
   Kālena dhammassavanaṃ,
   Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

Reverence, humility,
Contentment and gratitude.
Hearing the Dhamma at the right time,
This is the most auspicious sign.

9. Khantī ca sovacassatā,
   Samaṇanañca dassanaṃ
   Kālena dhammasākacchā,
   Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

Patience, obedience,
And meeting the monks.
Opportune discussion of the Dhamma,
This is the most auspicious sign.

10. Tapo ca bramhacariyañca,
    Ariyasaccāna dassanaṃ
    Nibbāna sacchikiriyā ca,
    Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

Self-restraint and a holy life,
Seeing the Four Noble Truths,
And realising nibbana,
This is the most auspicious sign.

11. Phuṭṭhassa lokadhammehi,
    Cittaṃ yassa na kampati
    Asokaṃ virajaṃ khemaṃ,
    Etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

When affected by worldly conditions,
If one’s mind remains unshaken;
Sorrowless, stainless and secure,
This is the most auspicious sign.

12. Etādisāni katvāna,
    Sabbatthamapparājitā
    Sabbattha sotthiṃ gacchanti,
    Taṃ tesaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ

Those who perform such auspicious deeds,
Are undefeated by all enemies
And gain happiness everywhere,
These are the most auspicious signs.

Maṅgalasuttaṃ ārocaṭṭhaya vo rakkhatu
Maṅgalasuttaṃ maṅgalaṭṭhaya vo rakkhatu

Maṅgalasuttaṃ Niṭṭhitaṃ

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