The Mahamangala Sutta - for the Enquiring Mind

Learnings from 'The Enquiring Mind - Titus Gunasekera'

The Mahamangala Sutta indicates not only the course of prepartory training but it also guides the individual through the journey of life and ultimately leads him to liberation.

Not to associate with fools,
To associate with the wise,
and honour those who are worthy of honour-
This is the Highest Blessing.

To reside in a suitable locality,
to have done meritorious actions in the past,
And to set oneself in the right course-
This is the Highest Blessing.

Vast-learning, perfect handicraft,
a highly trained discipline,
and pleasant speech-
This is the Highest Blessing.

The support of father and mother,
The cherishing of wife and children,
and peaceful occupations-
This is the Highest Blessing.

Liberality, Righteous conduct,
The helping of relatives,
and blameless actions-
This is the Highest Blessing.

To cease and abstain from evil,
Forbearance with respect to intoxicants,
and steadfastness in virtue-
This is the Highest Blessing.

Reverence, humility,
Contentment, gratitude,
and oppurtune hearing of the Dhamma-
This is the Highest Blessing.

Patience, obedience,
Sight of ascetics,
and religious discussions at due season-
This is the highest Blessing.

He whose mind does not flutter,
By contact with worldly contingencies,
Sorrowless, Stainless, and Secure-
This is the highest Blessing.

To them, fulfilling matters such as these,
Everywhere invincible,
In every way moving happily-
These are the Highest Blessings.