Buddha Community

Note that this sutta is shown with the Pali verses and an English translation

I have heard that at one time the Blessed One was staying in Savatthi at Jeta's Grove, Anathapindika's park. Then a certain deva, in the far extreme of the night, her extreme radiance lighting up the entirety of Jeta's Grove, approached the Blessed One. On approaching, having bowed down to the Blessed One, she stood to one side. As she stood to one side, she addressed him with a verse.

Bahu deva manussa ca
Mangalani acintayum
Akankha-mana sotthanam
Bruhi mangala muttamam

Many deities and humans, yearning after good,
have reflected on Blessings.
Pray, tell me the Supreme Blessings.

Asevana ca balanam
Panditanan ca sevana
Puja ca puja-niyanam
Etam mangala muttamam

Not to follow or associate with the foolish,
to associate with the wise,
and honour those who are worthy of honour.
This is the Supreme Blessing.

Patirupa-desa vaso ca
Pubbe ca kata-punnata
Atta samma panidhi ca
Etam mangala muttamam

To reside in a civilised place,
to have done meritorious actions in the past,
and to have set oneself on the right course
This is the Supreme Blessing.

Bahu saccanca sippanca
Vinayo ca susikkhito
Subhasita ca ya vaca
Etam mangala muttamam

A good education, accomplished in many skills,
well disciplined
and pleasant speech.
This is the Supreme Blessing.

Mata pitu upatthanam
Putta darassa sangaho
Anakula ca kammanta
Etam mangala muttamam

The support of mother and father,
the cherishing of spouse and children
and peaceful occupations.
This is the Supreme Blessing.

Danam ca dhamma-cariya ca
Natakananca sangaho
Anavajjani kammani
Etam mangala muttamam

Liberality, righteous conduct,
the helping of relatives
and blameless action.
This is the Supreme Blessing.

Arati virati papa
Majja-pana ca sannamo
Appa-mado ca dhammesu
Etam mangala muttamam

To cease and abstain from evil,
to avoid intoxicants
and steadfastness in virtue.
This is the Supreme Blessing.

Garavo ca Sovacassata,
Samana nanca dassanam
Kalena dhamma sakaccha
Etam mangala muttamam

Patience, humility,
contentment and gratitude,
hearing the Dhamma at the right time
This is the Supreme Blessing.

Tapo ca brahma cariyaca
Ariya sacana dassanam
Nibbana sacchi kiriyaca
Etam mangal muttamam

Self-control, the holy life,
perception of the Noble Truths
and the realization of Nibbana.
This is the Supreme Blessing.

Putthassa loka dhammehi
Cittam yassa na kampati
Asokam virajam khemam
Etam mangala muttamam

A mind that, when touched
by the ways of the world,
remains steady, unstained, sorrowless, and at peace.
This is the Supreme Blessing.

Eta-disani katvana
Sabbattha maparajita
Sabbattha sotthim gacchanti
Tam tesam mangala-muttamamti

Everywhere undefeated
when acting in this way,
people go  in well-being:
These are the Supreme Blessings.

Sutta Nipata II.4