[318] Many devas and humans,
longing for well-being,
have pondered on blessings (maṅgala):
declare the highest blessing.
Not associating with fools,
and associating with the wise,
and honoring those worthy of honor [1] —
this is the highest blessing. [2]
Living in a suitable region,
and merit done in the past,
and setting oneself in the right course —
this is the highest blessing.
Great learning, and craft,
and discipline well trained,
and whatever speech is well spoken —
this is the highest blessing.
Attending upon mother and father,
support of children and wife,
#[1] Ma. reads pūjaneyyānaṃ. [2] Ma. reads etaṃ ….
and work that is free from confusion —
this is the highest blessing.
Giving, and righteous conduct,
and support of one's relatives,
deeds that are blameless —
this is the highest blessing.
Desisting and abstaining from evil,
and restraint from drinking intoxicants,
and heedfulness with regard to dhammas —
this is the highest blessing.
Reverence and humility,
contentment [1] and gratitude,
the timely hearing of the Dhamma —
this is the highest blessing.
Patience and being easy to correct,
and the sight of ascetics,
timely discussion of the Dhamma —
this is the highest blessing.
Austerity (tapo) and the holy life, [2]
the seeing of the noble truths (ariyasacca),
and the realization of Nibbāna —
this is the highest blessing.
He whose mind (citta), when touched
by worldly conditions, does not tremble —
sorrowless, stainless, secure —
this is the highest blessing.
Having accomplished such things,
unvanquished everywhere,
they go everywhere in safety —
that is for them the highest blessing.
The Maṅgala Sutta, the fourth.
______________
#[1] Ma. reads santuṭṭhi. [2] Yu. reads brahmacariyā ca.
In the Sutta Nipāta, the fifth [sutta] of the second [chapter], the Cūḷavagga: the Sūciloma Sutta.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.