The Mangala Sutta

One of the most recited sutra in the Theravada tradition is the Mangala Sutta. This sutra is a compendium of three sutras that are well recited and studied by those who follow the Theravada way. The other two are Metta Sutta and Ratana Sutta. This sutra is delivered by the Buddha when a certain deva of a heaven who used his light aka wisdom to see things 'as it is' and this being saw that the Buddha's wisdom surpasses his. He went straight away to The Jeta grove in the city of Savatthi where the most charitable person, Anathapindika built a monastery for the Buddha and his followers to dwell and preach.

The deva asked the Buddha,

1. "Many gods and men have pondered on auspicious signs. Wishing for blessings, Please tell what is the mosst auspicious signs"?

The Buddha replied:

2. "Not to associate with fools but associate with the wise, and honor those worthy of honor, this is the most auspicious sign."

3. "Living in suitable locality, and good deeds done in the past. To set oneself in the right course, this is the most auspicious sign."

4. "Great learning and skill in work, a highly trained discipline and well-spoken speech, this is the most auspicious sign."

5. "Looking after one's mother & father, caring for one's wife & children. And unconfused actions, this is the most auspicious sign."

6. "Generosity & a righteous life, caring for one's relatives and blameless actions, this is the most auspicious sign."

7. "To abhor & avoid all evil, abstention from intoxicants and diligence in righteousness, this is the msot auspicious signs."

8. "Reverence, humility, contentment & gratitude. Hearing the Dhamma at the right time, this is the most auspicious sign."

9. "Patience & compliance, & seeing the monks, Opportune discussion of the Dhamma, this is the most auspicious sign."

10. "Self-restraint & a holy life, seeing the Four Noble Truths and realizing Nibbana, this is the most auspicious sign."

11. "When affected by worldly conditions, if one's mind remains unshaken; Sorrowless, stainless & secure, this is the most auspicious sign."

12. "Those who perform such auspicious deeds, are undefeated by all enemies, and gain happiness everywhere, these are the most auspicious signs."

A simple yet in-depth and powerful Sutra. Looking at each verse, The Buddha knew the 'secret' to be happy, healthy and wealthy! Perhaps it's time to go back to the basics and understand ourself. Can we see our own faults, can we also see our own strengths? How can we use what we have to pursue our own happiness? The Buddha knew the way, He has showed us and it's our own little steps we take on this path, as we walk along, we'll get by.

My next blog would be a deeper explanation as reviewed by Bhikkhu Pesala.

Remembering Steve Jobs.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

Steve Jobs

Are you happy?

 

From Lama Marut

Forgiveness of Short comings.

Kayena vaca cittena 
Pamadena maya katam
Accayam Khama me Bhante
Bhuri-panna Tathagata!


If by deeds, speech or thought heedlessly,
I have done anything wrong,
forgive me O Master! O Teacher, Most Wise!


Been reading again on the Buddha's teaching and came across this article from the Nalanda Buddhist Institute. I would like to share this with you with hope you can find insight and start applying it on your daily life. 


Living Life the Buddhist way. We have the ability to do so: How is it done? By following these 8 core values: 

The Eight Core Values :

1. Compassion - being kind and supportive of others in our thoughts, speech and conduct sincerely

2. Courage - being strong and determined in the face of adversities and challenges in life

3. Respect - being respectful of our elders, teachers, fellow practitioners, and all sentient beings

4. Integrity - living by righteous means, principles and values

5. Service - living not just for ourselves, but for the welfare of others as well

6. Faith - having right understanding and deep confidence in the Buddha-Dhamma

7. Learning - continuous learning, growth and improvement as an individual and as a community

8. Reflection - living mindfully and purposefully towards liberation from afflictions


Do share this with your friends and may we all live in harmony with ourselves, the world and nature! 


Saddhu!

Know thyself....

"Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment." 道子

Good for contemplation towards the end of the day.

Filial Piety Sutra- put to action!

This young boy knows the meaning of Filial Piety as spoken by Lord Buddha.. I don't know mongolian language but I can understand what he is singing to his mum...

Saddhu!

Happy Vesakha!

A simple wish to all....

Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sarva Mangalam! May all be well and happy... on this auspicious day where we celebrate the Birth, Attainment of Nirvana and the PariNirvana of our Tathagata, Shakyamuni Buddha!