Mangala Sutta
Thus have I heard: Once the Blessed One was dwelling near Sâvatthi
in the Jetavana monastery built by Anâthapindika (a wealthy
merchant of Sâvatthi). Then a certain deity at midnight, having
illuminated the whole Jeta-grove with surpassing splendour, came to
the presence of the Blessed One. Having worshipped the Blessed One,
he very respectfully stood at a suitable place; and then addressed
the Blessed One in verse:
Many gods and men
Have pondered on auspicious signs
Wishing for blessings.
Please tell us the most auspicious signs
Not to associate with fools
But to associate with the wise
And to honour those worthy of honour,
This is the most auspicious sign.
Living in a suitable locality
And good deeds done in the past,
To set oneself in the right course,
This is the most auspicious sign.
Great learning and skill in
work
A highly trained discipline
And well-spoken speech,
This is the most auspicious sign.
Looking after ones mother and father
Caring for ones wife and children
And unconfused actions,
This is the most auspicious sign.
Generosity and a righteous
life,
Caring for ones relatives
And blameless actions,
This is the most auspicious sign.
To abhor and avoid all
evil,
Abstention from intoxicants
And diligence in righteousness,
This is the most auspicious sign
Reverence, humility,
Contentment and gratitude.
Hearing the Dhamma at the right time,
This is the most auspicious sign.
Patience and compliance
And seeing the monks.
Opportune discussion of the Dhamma,
This is the most auspicious sign..
Self-restraint and a holy
life,
Seeing the Four Noble Truths
And realising nibbana
This is the most auspicious sign.
When affected by worldly conditions,
If ones mind remains unshaken;
Sorrowless, stainless and
secure,
This is the most auspicious sign.
Those who
perform such auspicious deeds
Are undefeated by all enemies
And gain happiness everywhere,
These are the most auspicious signs.
