Maṅgala Sutta | Sn II-4

4. Maṅgala Sutta

Discourse on the Auspiciousness

Thus have I heard:

On one occasion the Buddha was residing in the Jetavana monastery built by Anāthapiṇḍika, the rich householder in Sāvatthī.

It was around midnight that a certain celestial being (deva), beaming with wondrous beauty, clothing the whole monastic compound with the celestial radiance of his presence, approached the Buddha,

and standing in worshipping posture at a (suitable) place, addressed the Buddha in the following stanza;

261. (O Buddha), many Devas and men, yearning for happiness, (in life and hereafter), have speculated on auspiciousness (Maṅgala);

pray, Sir, kindly explain to us the real, sublime auspiciousness. (16)

262. (O Deva,) to give a wide berth to the foolish; to seek the company of the wise; to honour where honour is due,

- these 3 things are the sublime auspiciousness. (2)

263. (O Deva,) to dwell in suitable locations; to be endowed with merits accrued in the past; to set one's thoughts and deeds in the right course,

- these 3 things are the sublime auspiciousness.

264. (O Deva,) To have vast learning; to acquire skill in handicrafts and technology; (that are not blameworthy); to be well versed in texts, and to observe, the discipline (that applies to oneself); to use (only) benign speech,

- these 4 things are the sublime auspiciousness. (4)

265. (O Deva), to look after one's parents; to maintain one's wife and children, to discharge one's duties well with (due) diligence,

- these 3 things are the sublime auspiciousness. (5)

266. (O Deva), to give with a generous mind; to be of righteous conduct; to lend support to one's relatives; to do harmless (but useful) things;

- these 4 things are the sublime auspiciousness. (6)

267. (O Deva), to refrain from evil (thoughts); to refrain from evil (deeds and words); to abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs; to be mindful of meritorious (things);

- these 4 things are the sublime auspiciousness. (7)

268. (O Deva), to be respectful (where respect is due); to be modest; to be contented; to be grateful for any good turn done to oneself; to listen to the Dhamma wherever opportune;

- these 5 things are the sublime auspiciousness. (8)

269. (O, Deva), to be patient; to be amenable to well-meant advice (by the wise); to see the noble Bhikkhus (often); to discuss the Dhamma wherever opportune;

- these 4 things are the sublime auspiciousness. (9)

270. (O Deva), to practise self-denial with view to ridding moral defilements; to practise the noble practices; to see the Four Noble Truths by Insight-knowledge; to realize Nibbāna

- these 4 things are the sublime auspiciousness. (10)

271. (O Deva), the one whose mind is unmoved by contact with the worldly conditions; devoid of sorrows; absolutely pure of defilements; perfectly secure.

- These 4 attributes of the Noble One (Ārya) are the sublime auspiciousness. (11)

272. (O Deva), through the practice of these 38 auspicious things, one becomes invincible against any enemy and finds happiness and prosperity everywhere.

Therefore, you should mark that these auspicious things are the sublime auspiciousness for all those Devas and men that follow them.

(Thus said the Buddha)

End of the fourth Maṅgala Sutta