Maṅgala Sutta
The is a discourse of the Buddha on the subject of 'blessings'. In this discourse, the Buddha describes 'blessings' that are wholesome personal pursuits or attainments, identified in a progressive manner from the mundane to the ultimate spiritual goal. In Sri Lanka this is known as මහා මංගල සූත්රය "Maha Mangala Sutta" and this sutta considered to be part of "Maha Pirith".
This discourse is recorded in Theravada Buddhism's Pali Canon's Khuddaka Nikaya in two places: in the Khuddakapāṭha, and in the Sutta Nipāta. In the latter source, the discourse is called the Mahāmangala Sutta. It is also traditionally included in books of 'protection'. It is also found in the Tibetan Canon, in the Kangyur.
Content
The discourse 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. 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 | support father & mother | Cherishing one's children | Cherishing one's spouse | Peaceful occupations | - |
| Gp.5 | Generosity | Dhamma practice | Caring for extended family | Blameless actions | - |
| 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 | Be easily admonished | 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 | - |
Traditional context
The post-canonical Pali Commentary explains that at the time the sutta was preached there was great discussion over the whole of Jambudvipa regarding the definition of blessings. The devas heard the discussion and argued among themselves till the matter spread to the highest Brahmā world. Then it was that Sakka suggested that a deva should visit the Buddha and ask him about it.This sutta is one of the suttas at the preaching of which countless devas were present and countless beings realized the Truth.
Uses
The sutta is often recited, and forms one of the commonest pieces of chanting used for the Paritta. To have it written down in a book is considered an act of great merit.History
King once attempted to preach the Mangala Sutta at the Lohapasada, but he was too nervous to proceed.The preaching of the Mangala Sutta was one of the incidents of the Buddha's life represented in the Relic Chamber of the Ruwanwelisaya.