Maha Mangala Sutta, Life’s Highest Blessings, The Sutra on Happiness, the Tathagata’s Teaching to Gods and Men – Buddha Weekly: Buddhist Practices, Mindfulness, Meditation
Oblivion
The Great Meeting, Buddha teaching Gods and men.
“To be humble and polite in manner,
To be grateful and content with a simple life,
Not missing the occasion to learn the Dharma
This is the great happiness.”
— Shakyamuni Buddha
Among my favorite Sutras is the Mangala Sutra (Sutta), the Happiness Sutra. Although there are great commentaries, this Mangala Sutta is full of easy-to-follow advice. It makes a wonderful daily chant. Here, is the translated English version from the great Thich Nhat Hanh in verse form with rhythm, making it easy to chant as a daily or regular practice. For a commentary, I recommend “Awakening of the Heart: Essential Buddhist Sutras and Commentaries” by Thich Nhat Hanh. [1]
May all beings be happy and free from suffering. Here is the Mangala Sutra in full:
The Buddha teaching.
I heard these words of the Buddha one time when the Lord was living in the vicinity of Savatthi at the Anathapindika Monastery in the Jeta Grove. Late at night, a deva appeared whose light and beauty made the whole Jeta Grove shine radiantly. After paying respects to the Buddha, the deva asked him a question in the form of a verse:
“Many gods and men are eager to know what are the greatest blessings which bring about a peaceful and happy life. Please, Tathagata, will you teach us?”
(This is the Buddha’s answer):
“Not to be associated with the foolish ones, to live in the company of wise people, honoring those who are worth honoring — this is the greatest happiness.
“To live in a good environment, to have planted good seeds, and to realize that you are on the right path — this is the greatest happiness.
“To have a chance to learn and grow, to be skillful in your profession or craft, practicing the precepts and loving speech — this is the greatest happiness.
“To be able to serve and support your parents, to cherish your own family, to have a vocation that brings you joy — this is the greatest happiness.
“To live honestly, generous in giving, to offer support to relatives and friends, living a life of blameless conduct — this is the greatest happiness.
“To avoid unwholesome actions, not caught by alcoholism or drugs, and to be diligent in doing good things — this is the greatest happiness.
“To be humble and polite in manner, to be grateful and content with a simple life, not missing the occasion to learn the Dharma — this is the greatest happiness.
“To persevere and be open to change, to have regular contact with monks and nuns, and to fully participate in Dharma discussions — this is the greatest happiness.
“To live diligently and attentively, to perceive the Noble Truths, and to realize Nirvana — this is the greatest happiness.
“To live in the world with your heart undisturbed by the world, with all sorrows ended, dwelling in peace — this is the greatest happiness.
“For he or she who accomplishes this, unvanquished wherever she goes, always he is safe and happy — happiness lives within oneself.”
Mahamangala Sutta, Sutta Nipata 1
Affectionately known as Thay, Thich Nhat Hanh’s English translations of sutra is among the best.
NOTES
[1] Awakening of the Heart: Essential Buddhist Sutras and Commentaries, Thich Naht Hanh
Paperback: 544 pages
Publisher: Parallax Press; Original edition (December 21, 2011)
