Mangala Sutta
Encyclopedia
The Mangala Sutta is a discourse (Pali: sutta
) of the Buddha
on the subject of 'blessings' (mangala, also translated as 'good omen' or 'auspices'). 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 "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
(Khp
5), and in the Sutta Nipāta
(Sn
2.4). In the latter source, the discourse is called the Mahāmangala Sutta. It is also traditionally included in books of 'protection' (paritta
).
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:
Anatha Pindikassa Arame Athako Anggnatharaya devatha abhikkanthaya Raththiya
Abbikkanthavanna kevala kappan jethawanam Obasethwa
Yena bagawa thenupasankaming upasankamiththa
Bagawanthang abhiwa dethwa Ekamanthn attasi akamanthang thitakosa Deavatha
Bagawanthang Ghathaya Ajjagasi
1.
Bahu Deva Manussacha - Mangalani Achintha ung
Akankha Mana Soththanan - Bruhi Mangala Muththa mang
2.
Asewanacha Balanam - Pandithanancha Sevana
Pujacha Puja neeya nam - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
3.
Pathirupa Desa Vasocha Pubbetha Katha Punna tha
Aththa Samma Panidicha - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
4.
Bahuschchancha Sippancha Vinayacha susikkitho
Subasithacha Yawacha - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
5.
Mathapithu Upattanam Puththadarssa Sangaho
anakulacha Kammantha - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
6.
Danancha Dhammachirayacha -gnathakanancha sangaho
Anawajjani Kammani - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
7.
Arathi Virthi Papa Majjapanacha Sangngamo
Appamadocha dhammesu - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
8
Garavocha Nivathocha Santhutti cha Kathan gnutha
Kalena Dhamma Savanam - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
9
Kanthicha Sova Thassatha Samanancha Dassanan
Kalena Dhamma Sakachcha - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
10
Thapocha Brahmachariyacha Ariya Sachchana Dassanan
Nibbana Sachchakiriyacha - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
11
Puttassa Loka Dhammehi Chiththng yassana kampathi
Asokan Virajan Kemang - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
12
Etha Disani Kathwana Sabbaththa Maparajitha
Sabbantha Sothththing Thanthesan Mangala Muththa mang thi
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.
. To have it written down in a book is considered an act of great merit.
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
.
[* Chandrabodhi chants the Mahamangala Sutta and other suttas in an 'Indian style'at http://www.freebuddhistaudio.com/talks/details?num=LOC27
and Sangharakshita reads the Mahamangala and Karaniyametta suttas, although with other readings from the Pali Canon at http://www.freebuddhistaudio.com/talks/details?num=S01 both retrieved from freebuddhistaudio.com
Sutra
Sūtra is an aphorism or a collection of such aphorisms in the form of a manual. Literally it means a thread or line that holds things together and is derived from the verbal root siv-, meaning to sew , as does the medical term...
) of the Buddha
Gautama Buddha
Siddhārtha Gautama was a spiritual teacher from the Indian subcontinent, on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. In most Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Buddha Siddhārtha Gautama (Sanskrit: सिद्धार्थ गौतम; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual teacher from the Indian...
on the subject of 'blessings' (mangala, also translated as 'good omen' or 'auspices'). In this discourse, the Buddha
Gautama Buddha
Siddhārtha Gautama was a spiritual teacher from the Indian subcontinent, on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. In most Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Buddha Siddhārtha Gautama (Sanskrit: सिद्धार्थ गौतम; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual teacher from the Indian...
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 "Maha Mangala Sutta" and this sutta considered to be part of "Maha Pirith".
This discourse is recorded in Theravada Buddhism's Pali Canon
Pāli Canon
The Pāli Canon is the standard collection of scriptures in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, as preserved in the Pāli language. It is the only completely surviving early Buddhist canon, and one of the first to be written down...
's Khuddaka Nikaya
Khuddaka Nikaya
The Khuddaka Nikaya is the last of the five nikayas, or collections, in the Sutta Pitaka, which is one of the "three baskets" that compose the Pali Tipitaka, the scriptures of Theravada Buddhism...
in two places: in the Khuddakapāṭha
Khuddakapatha
The Khuddakapatha is a Buddhist scripture, the first collection of discourses in the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism...
(Khp
Khuddakapatha
The Khuddakapatha is a Buddhist scripture, the first collection of discourses in the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism...
5), and in the Sutta Nipāta
Sutta Nipata
The Sutta Nipata is a Buddhist scripture, a sutta collection in the Khuddaka Nikaya, part of the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism. All its suttas consist largely of verse, though some also contain some prose. It is divided into five sections:...
(Sn
Sutta Nipata
The Sutta Nipata is a Buddhist scripture, a sutta collection in the Khuddaka Nikaya, part of the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism. All its suttas consist largely of verse, though some also contain some prose. It is divided into five sections:...
2.4). In the latter source, the discourse is called the Mahāmangala Sutta. It is also traditionally included in books of 'protection' (paritta
Paritta
Paritta , generally translated as "protection" or "safeguard," refers to the Buddhist practice of reciting certain verses and scriptures in order to ward off evil fortune or dangerous conditions, as well as to the specific verses and discourses recited as paritta texts...
).
Content
It was preached at JetavanaJetavana
Jetavana was one of the most famous of the Buddhist monasteries in India. It was the second monastery donated to Gautama Buddha, after the Veluvana in Rajagaha. Jetavana is located just outside the old city of Savatthi...
Temple in answer to a question asked by a deva
Deva (Buddhism)
A deva in Buddhism is one of many different types of non-human beings who share the characteristics of being more powerful, longer-lived, and, in general, living more contentedly than the average human being....
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 Filial piety In Confucian ideals, filial piety is one of the virtues to be held above all else: a respect for the parents and ancestors. The Confucian classic Xiao Jing or Classic of Xiào, thought to be written around 470 BCE, has historically been the authoritative source on the Confucian tenet of xiào /... |
Cherishing one's children | Cherishing one's spouse | Not leaving work undone | |
| Gp.5 | Generosity Generosity Generosity is the habit of giving freely without expecting anything in return. It can involve offering time, assets or talents to aid someone in need... |
Dhamma practice | Caring for extended family | Blameless work | |
| Gp.6 | Avoiding unwholesomeness | Not drinking Drinking Drinking is the act of consuming water or a beverage through the mouth. Water is required for many of life’s physiological processes. Both excessive and inadequate water intake are associated with health problems.-Physiology:... intoxicants |
Non-recklessness in the Dhamma | ||
| Gp.7 | Respect Respect Respect denotes both a positive feeling of esteem for a person or other entity , and also specific actions and conduct representative of that esteem. Respect can be a specific feeling of regard for the actual qualities of the one respected... |
Humility Humility Humility is the quality of being modest, and respectful. Humility, in various interpretations, is widely seen as a virtue in many religious and philosophical traditions, being connected with notions of transcendent unity with the universe or the divine, and of egolessness.-Term:The term "humility"... |
Contentment Contentment "Contentment" seems realistically defined as "enjoyment of whatever may be desired". That definition is realistic because the more contented an individual or community becomes the less extreme so more acceptable their desires will be... |
Gratitude Gratitude Gratitude, thankfulness, gratefulness, or appreciation is a feeling, emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive. The experience of gratitude has historically been a focus of several world religions, and has been considered extensively by moral... |
Listening regularly to Dhamma teachings |
| Gp.8 | Patience Patience Patience is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. Patience is the... |
Openness to Criticism Criticism Criticism is the judgement of the merits and faults of the work or actions of an individual or group by another . To criticize does not necessarily imply to find fault, but the word is often taken to mean the simple expression of an objection against prejudice, or a disapproval.Another meaning of... |
Sight of a True Monk | Regular discussion of the Dhamma | |
| Gp.9 | Practising Austerities | Practising the Brahma-faring | Seeing the Four Noble Truths Four Noble Truths The Four Noble Truths are an important principle in Buddhism, classically taught by the Buddha in the Dharmacakra Pravartana Sūtra.... |
Attainment of Nirvana Nirvana Nirvāṇa ; ) is a central concept in Indian religions. In sramanic thought, it is the state of being free from suffering. In Hindu philosophy, it is the union with the Supreme being through moksha... |
|
| Gp.10 | Mind free of Worldly Vicissitudes | Sorrowlessness | Free of Subtle Defilements | Blissful Mind |
Maha Mangala Sutta
Evang Me suthang Ekan samayan Bagawa Savaththiyan Viharathi JethavaneAnatha Pindikassa Arame Athako Anggnatharaya devatha abhikkanthaya Raththiya
Abbikkanthavanna kevala kappan jethawanam Obasethwa
Yena bagawa thenupasankaming upasankamiththa
Bagawanthang abhiwa dethwa Ekamanthn attasi akamanthang thitakosa Deavatha
Bagawanthang Ghathaya Ajjagasi
1.
Bahu Deva Manussacha - Mangalani Achintha ung
Akankha Mana Soththanan - Bruhi Mangala Muththa mang
2.
Asewanacha Balanam - Pandithanancha Sevana
Pujacha Puja neeya nam - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
3.
Pathirupa Desa Vasocha Pubbetha Katha Punna tha
Aththa Samma Panidicha - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
4.
Bahuschchancha Sippancha Vinayacha susikkitho
Subasithacha Yawacha - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
5.
Mathapithu Upattanam Puththadarssa Sangaho
anakulacha Kammantha - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
6.
Danancha Dhammachirayacha -gnathakanancha sangaho
Anawajjani Kammani - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
7.
Arathi Virthi Papa Majjapanacha Sangngamo
Appamadocha dhammesu - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
8
Garavocha Nivathocha Santhutti cha Kathan gnutha
Kalena Dhamma Savanam - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
9
Kanthicha Sova Thassatha Samanancha Dassanan
Kalena Dhamma Sakachcha - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
10
Thapocha Brahmachariyacha Ariya Sachchana Dassanan
Nibbana Sachchakiriyacha - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
11
Puttassa Loka Dhammehi Chiththng yassana kampathi
Asokan Virajan Kemang - Ethang Mangala Muththa mang
12
Etha Disani Kathwana Sabbaththa Maparajitha
Sabbantha Sothththing Thanthesan Mangala Muththa mang thi
Traditional context
The post-canonical Pali CommentaryAtthakatha
Atthakatha refers to Pali-language Theravadin Buddhist commentaries to the canonical Theravadin Tipitaka. These commentaries give the traditional interpretations of the scriptures. The major commentaries were based on earlier ones, now lost, in Old Sinhalese, which were written down at the same...
explains that at the time the sutta was preached there was great discussion over the whole of Jambudvipa
Jambudvipa
Jambudvīpa is the dvipa of the terrestrial world, as envisioned in the cosmologies of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, which is the realm where ordinary human beings live...
regarding the definition of blessings. The devas heard the discussion and argued among themselves till the matter spread to the highest Brahmā
Brahma
Brahma is the Hindu god of creation and one of the Trimurti, the others being Vishnu and Shiva. According to the Brahma Purana, he is the father of Mānu, and from Mānu all human beings are descended. In the Ramayana and the...
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 ParittaParitta
Paritta , generally translated as "protection" or "safeguard," refers to the Buddhist practice of reciting certain verses and scriptures in order to ward off evil fortune or dangerous conditions, as well as to the specific verses and discourses recited as paritta texts...
. To have it written down in a book is considered an act of great merit.
History
King DutthagamaniDutthagamani
Dutugamunu , also known as Dutthagamani duṭṭhagāmaṇī) and Gamani Abhaya ගාමිණී අභය gāmaṇī abhaya, "fearless Gamini" was a Sinhalese King of Sri Lanka who reigned from 161 BC to 137 BC...
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
Ruwanwelisaya
The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa in Sri Lanka, considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. It was built by King Dutugemunu, who became lord of all Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elara, was defeated...
.
Sources
- Rhys Davids, T.W. & William Stede (eds.) (1921-5). The Pali Text Society’s Pali–English Dictionary. Chipstead: Pali Text SocietyPali Text SocietyThe Pali Text Society was founded in 1881 by T.W. Rhys Davids "to foster and promote the study of Pali texts".Pali is the language in which the texts of the Theravada school of Buddhism is preserved...
. A general on-line search engine for the PED is available at http://dsal.uchicago.edu/dictionaries/pali/.
External links
- Thanissaro BhikkhuThanissaro BhikkhuṬhānissaro Bhikkhu, also known as Ajaan Geoff, is an American Buddhist monk of the Dhammayut Order , Thai forest kammatthana tradition. He is currently the abbot of Metta Forest Monastery in San Diego County. Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu is a notably skilled and prolific translator of the Pāli Canon...
(trans.) (1994). Mangala Sutta: Protection (KhpKhuddakapathaThe Khuddakapatha is a Buddhist scripture, the first collection of discourses in the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism...
5). Retrieved from "Access to Insight" on 08-15-2008 at http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/khp/khp.1-9.than.html#khp-5. - Life’s Highest Blessings: The Maha-Mangala Sutta: Translation and Commentary by Dr R.L.Soni
- Mangala Suta Uannana by Ven. K. Gunaratana Thera (docx- file 69kB)
[* Chandrabodhi chants the Mahamangala Sutta and other suttas in an 'Indian style'at http://www.freebuddhistaudio.com/talks/details?num=LOC27
and Sangharakshita reads the Mahamangala and Karaniyametta suttas, although with other readings from the Pali Canon at http://www.freebuddhistaudio.com/talks/details?num=S01 both retrieved from freebuddhistaudio.com