Ever wondered what it means? We should know what it means, for it shows how blessed many of us are, and what we can do to receive even more blessings =]
Maha-Mangala Sutta
Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Exalted One was dwelling at Anathapindika's monastery, in Jeta's Grove,[2] near Savatthi.[3] Now when the night was far spent, a certain deity whose surpassing splendour illuminated the entire Jeta Grove, came to the presence of the Exalted One and, drawing near, respectfully saluted him and stood at one side. Standing thus, he addressed the Exalted One in verse:
"Many deities and men, yearning after good, have pondered on
blessings.[4] Pray, tell me the greatest blessing!"
"Not to associate with the foolish,[5] but to associate with the
wise; and to honour those who are worthy of honour — this is the
greatest blessing.
To reside in a suitable locality,[6] to have done meritorious
actions in the past and to set oneself in the right course [7] — this
is the greatest blessing.
To have much learning, to be skillful in handicraft,[8]
well-trained in discipline, [9] and to be of good speech [10] — this
is the greatest blessing.
To support mother and father, to cherish wife and children, and to
be engaged in peaceful occupation — this is the greatest blessing.
To be generous in giving, to be righteous in conduct,[11] to help
one's relatives, and to be blameless in action — this is the greatest
blessing.
To loathe more evil and abstain from it, to refrain from
intoxicants,[12] and to be steadfast in virtue — this is the greatest
blessing.
To be respectful,[13] humble, contented and grateful; and to
listen to the Dhamma on due occasions [14] — this is the greatest
blessing.
To be patient and obedient, to associate with monks and to have
religious discussions on due occasions — this is the greatest
blessing.
Self-restraint,[15] a holy and chaste life, the perception of the
Noble Truths and the realisation of Nibbana — this is the greatest
blessing.
A mind unruffled by the vagaries of fortune,[16] from sorrow
freed, from defilements cleansed, from fear liberated [17] — this is
the greatest blessing.
Those who thus abide, ever remain invincible, in happiness
established. These are the greatest blessings."[18]
Maha-Mangala Sutta
Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Exalted One was dwelling at Anathapindika's monastery, in Jeta's Grove,[2] near Savatthi.[3] Now when the night was far spent, a certain deity whose surpassing splendour illuminated the entire Jeta Grove, came to the presence of the Exalted One and, drawing near, respectfully saluted him and stood at one side. Standing thus, he addressed the Exalted One in verse:
"Many deities and men, yearning after good, have pondered on
blessings.[4] Pray, tell me the greatest blessing!"
"Not to associate with the foolish,[5] but to associate with the
wise; and to honour those who are worthy of honour — this is the
greatest blessing.
To reside in a suitable locality,[6] to have done meritorious
actions in the past and to set oneself in the right course [7] — this
is the greatest blessing.
To have much learning, to be skillful in handicraft,[8]
well-trained in discipline, [9] and to be of good speech [10] — this
is the greatest blessing.
To support mother and father, to cherish wife and children, and to
be engaged in peaceful occupation — this is the greatest blessing.
To be generous in giving, to be righteous in conduct,[11] to help
one's relatives, and to be blameless in action — this is the greatest
blessing.
To loathe more evil and abstain from it, to refrain from
intoxicants,[12] and to be steadfast in virtue — this is the greatest
blessing.
To be respectful,[13] humble, contented and grateful; and to
listen to the Dhamma on due occasions [14] — this is the greatest
blessing.
To be patient and obedient, to associate with monks and to have
religious discussions on due occasions — this is the greatest
blessing.
Self-restraint,[15] a holy and chaste life, the perception of the
Noble Truths and the realisation of Nibbana — this is the greatest
blessing.
A mind unruffled by the vagaries of fortune,[16] from sorrow
freed, from defilements cleansed, from fear liberated [17] — this is
the greatest blessing.
Those who thus abide, ever remain invincible, in happiness
established. These are the greatest blessings."[18]
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