Maṅgala Sutta

The Maṅgala Sutta (also: Maha Mangala Sutta) is a discourse of the Buddha on the subject of 'blessings' (mangala, also translated as 'good omen' or 'auspices' or 'good fortune') in which he describes 'blessings' that are wholesome personal pursuits or attainments, identified in a progressive manner from the mundane to the ultimate spiritual goal.

Quotes

 * What is the greatest blessing?
 * Not to serve the foolish,
 * But to serve the wise;
 * To honour those worthy of honour;
 * This is the greatest blessing...


 * To have a soul filled with right desire...
 * Pleasant words that are well spoken...
 * To support father and mother,
 * To cherish wife and child,
 * To follow a peaceful calling...


 * To abhor and cease from sin,
 * To abstain from strong drink,
 * Not to be weary in well-doing...
 * Reverence and lowliness...
 * To be long-suffering and meek...
 * Self-restraint and purity,
 * The knowledge of the Four Great Truths...


 * Invincible on every side
 * Is he who acteth thus;
 * On every side he walks in safety;
 * And his is the greatest blessing.


 * Guatama Buddha, translated thus by Professor Rhys Davids with slight modifications introduced from other sources, when they seemed decided improvements (by CWL). Quoted in The Masters and the Path (1925) by C.W. Leadbeater,  (1925)  p. 291