What is the Highest Blessing?
Thus have I heard:
On one occasion the Exalted One was dwelling at the monastery of
Anathapindika, in
Jeta’s grove,
near
Savatthi. Now when the night was late a certain deity, whose surpassing radiance illuminated
the entire Jeta's Grove, came to the presence of the Exalted One. After drawing near, he
then
respectfully saluted Him, and stood to one side. Standing he addressed the Exalted One in verse:
Many deities and men wishing to know what is good, have pondered on the blessings and auspicious
signs of luck. Please tell me what is the highest
blessing? And what is the best protection?
The Blessed Buddha responded:
Not to associate with fools, but only with the wise. To honour only those, who are
worthy of honour. This is the highest blessing, and this
is also the best protection.
To live in a suitable place, to have done
good merits in the past, and to set oneself
on the right
Noble path. This is the highest blessing, and also the best
protection.
Great learning, good skills, a highly trained
discipline, and a pleasant speech.
This is the highest blessing, and such
is also the best protection.
The support of father and mother, the cherishing of wife and children, and
a harmless job. This is the highest blessing, and also the best protection.
Generosity, pure morality, the helping of
relatives, and blameless behaviour.
This good is the highest blessing, and
such is also the best protection.
To avoid all evil action, to abstain from
intoxicants, and firmness in virtue.
This advantage is the highest blessing, and
is also the best protection.
Reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude,
and
hearing the Dhamma in time.
This is indeed the highest blessing, and at
the same time the best protection.
Patience, respect, sight of,
and conversation with calm recluses in due time.
This is the highest blessing, and
this rarity is also the best protection.
Self-control, living the Noble life, realising
the 4 Noble Truths, and
Nibbāna.
This is the highest blessing, and
that is also the best protection.
The be unmoved by the 8 worldly conditions
# sorrowless, stainless,
and safe.
This is the highest blessing and that also is the best protection
of all beings.
Having fulfilled all these requirements,
everywhere they are undefeated,
everywhere they go in safety, fearing nothing, cooled, calmed and serene...
These are the highest blessings and also the best protections
of all beings!
# Note:
The 8
worldly states
beings perpetually run towards, and away from:
Gain and loss, fame
and disrespect, praise and blame, happiness and sorrow.
Regarding Blessing
(Mangala)
as a good, lucky, or auspicious sign see:
https://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/g_m/mangala.htm
Source:
Sutta Nipāta Sn 258-269 in BPS
Wheel no 54 (Edited
Excerpt):
The Mirror of the Dhamma. A Manual of
Buddhist
Devotional Texts.
By Nārada Thera and Bhikkhu Kassapa. Revised By Bhikkhu Khantipālo:
https://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/Wheels/wh054.html
https://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/Wheels/wh054.pdf
May all beings become thus
happy thereby :-)
