Mangala Sutta - Content

Content

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, 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

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