Mangala Sutta 吉祥经
The word "Mangala" means "blessing", "auspicious sign" or "good omen". In ancient India, people wanted to know what constituted a real blessing that makes life happy for them. This issue was even raised among deities (devas) in the heavenly planes. For twelve years the deities argued, debated and discussed about it. Some referred "blessing" as what is pleasurable to the senses - things that are pleasing to the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and body. However, no satisfactory answer could be obtained.
Then devas of Tavatimsa heavenly realm approached Sakka, the leader of the devas, for his views. Sakka advised the devas to consult the Buddha. Thus in the middle of the night, a certain deity with his surpassing splendour, came to visit the Buddha at the monastery of Anāthapindika in Jeta’s Grove near Sāvatthi. He asked the Buddha for the true meaning of "blessing". In response, the Buddha delivered a discourse known as Mangala Sutta, in which thirty-eight highest blessings were enumerated.
Mangala Sutta is customarily chanted for blessings on auspicious occasions. Besides, these thirty-eight blessings are ethical and spiritual in nature, providing a step-by-step training on the journey of life. It contains Buddha’s advice and guidance for the ‘novice’ of life, and ultimately leads one to liberation from suffering.
Mangala Sutta in Chinese 吉祥经
MAHĀMANGALA SUTTA
Discourse on Blessings （Maha-mangala Sutta）
[Chinese] 如是我闻。[Chinese
[Pali] Ēvam mē sutam: (Pali)
[English] Thus have I heard:
一时，佛住舍卫国祇树给孤独园。
Ēkam samayam Bhagavā Sāvatthiyam viharati Jētavanē Anāthapindikassa ārāmē,
On one occasion the Buddha was living near Savatthi at Jetavana at Anathapindika’s monastery.
时已夜深，有一天神，殊胜光明，遍照园中，来至佛所。
atha kho añnatarā dēvatā abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkanta vannā kēvalakappam Jētavanam ōbhāsetvā, yēna Bhagavā tēnupasamkami.
When the night was dark, a certain deity, whose surpassing radiance illuminated the whole of Jetavana, came to the Buddha’s place.
恭敬礼拜，站立一旁。
Upasam kamitvā Bhagavantam abhivādetvā ēkamantam atthāsi.
respectfully saluted him, and stood aside.
以偈白佛言：
Ēkamantam thitā khō sā dēvatā Bhagavantam gāthāya ajjhabhāsi.
Standing thus, he addressed the Buddha in verse:
“众天神与人，渴望得利益，思虑求幸福，请示最吉祥。”
Bahū dēvā manussā ca— mangalāni acintayum Ā kankhamānā sotthānam — brūhi mangala muttamam.”
Many deities and men longing for happiness have pondered on (the question of) blessings. Pray tell me what the highest blessings are.
世尊如是答言： “远离众愚迷，亲近诸智者，尊敬有德者，是为最吉祥。
Asēvanā ca bālānam — panditānam ca sēvanā Pūjā ca pūjanīyānam — ētam mangala muttamam.”
To stay away from the foolish and delusional, to be close to the wise, and to respect those worthy of respect (virtuous ones), this is the highest blessing.
居住适宜处，往昔有德行，置身于正道，是为最吉祥。
Patirūpa dēsa vāso ca— pubbē ca kata puññatā Atta sammā panidhi ca— ētam mangala muttamam. ”
To reside in a suitable locality, to have performed meritorious actions in the past, and to set oneself in the right path — this is the highest blessing.
多闻工艺精，严持诸禁戒，言谈悦人心，是为最吉祥。
Bāhu saccam ca sippan ca — vinayo ca susikkhito Subhāsitā ca yā vācā — ētam mangala muttamam. ”
Vast learning, skilful in one’s job, well grounded in discipline, and pleasant speech — this is the highest blessing.
奉养父母亲，爱护妻与子，从业要无害，是为最吉祥。
Mātā pitū upatthānam — puttadārassa sangaho Anākulā ca kammantā — ētam mangala muttamam. ”
To support one’s father and mother; to cherish one’s wife and children, and to be engaged in peaceful occupations — this is the highest blessing.
如法行布施，帮助众亲眷，行为无瑕疵，是为最吉祥。
Dānam ca dhamma cariyā ca — ñātakānam ca sangaho Anavajjāni kammāni — ētam mangala muttamam.”
Practising generosity according to the Dharma, helping relatives, and acting flawlessly — this is the highest blessing.
邪行须禁止，克己不饮酒，于法不放逸，是为最吉祥。
Ārati virati pāpā — majjapānā ca saññamo Appamādō ca dhammēsu — ētam mangala muttamam. ”
To cease and abstain from evil conduct, to abstain from intoxicating drinks, and diligent in practising the Dharma — this is the highest blessing.
恭敬与谦让，知足并感恩，及时闻教法，是为最吉祥。
Gāravō ca nivātō ca — santutth ca kataññutā Kālēna dhamma savanam — ētam mangala muttamam. ”
Reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude, and the timely hearing of the Buddhadharma — this is the highest blessing.
忍耐与柔和，得见众沙门，适时论信仰，是为最吉祥。
Khant ca sōvacassatā — samanānam ca dassanam Kālēna dhamma sākacchā — ētam mangala muttamam. ”
Patience, obedience, meeting the Samanas (holy men), and timely discussions on the Dhamma — this is the highest blessing.
自制净生活，领悟于圣谛，实证涅槃法，是为最吉祥。
Tapō ca brahma cariyam ca— ariya saccā na dassanam Nibbāna sacchi kiriyā ca— ētam mangala muttamam. ”
Self-control, living a pure life, comprehension of the Noble Truths, and the realization of Nibbana — this is the highest blessing.
八风²不动心，无忧无污染，宁静无烦恼，是为最吉祥。
Phutthassa lōka dhammēhi— cittam yassa na kampati Asōkam virajam khēmam— ētam mangala muttamam. ”
The mind that is not touched by the vicissitudes of life, the mind that is free from sorrow and afflictions, peaceful and worry-free. — this is the highest blessing.
依此行持者，无往而不胜，一切处得福，是为最吉祥。”
Ētādisāni katvāna — sabbatha maparājitā Sabbhattha sotthim gacchanti tam tēsam mangala muttamanti. ”
Those who follow this practice will be invincible everywhere and be blessed everywhere, this is the highest blessings. "
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You can download a pdf here.
(Editor’s note: we edited the English translation above, so it’s a bit different from the pdf doc.)
