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.
