Blessings For Man

Blessings For Man


Just as there are factors that done by one can lead to one's own downfall,

Likewise, in The Maha Mangala Sutta expounded by The Buddha,

There are also deeds done by one which can lead to one's long-term welfare, happiness and benefit.


1) Not to associate with fools, or the ignorant,

BUT to associate with those who are Wise and Worthy of honour (i.e. The Buddha, Pacceka Buddha, Noble Ones - those who have reached at least Stream-Entry).

* Fools or ignorant people are ill-disciplined,

They always lead their friends or those who associate with them to evil ways and teach them the wrong things

Because they do NOT know The Truth themselves.

Therefore, they instill in others many wrong ways and beliefs.

If Truth, Discipline or Good Deeds are spoken in their presence,

They become angry.

Most fools think themselves wise.

Yet when questioned and they cannot answer,

Or when others disagree with them,

They become angry and lose their temper.

Therefore, it is wise NEVER to speak, meet or come in contact with the fools and the ignorant.


2) To reside in a suitable place, To perform Meritorious deeds and have a well-controlled, guarded, tamed and restrained mind.

In a place "When the ruler of a country is just and good, ..... The people become just and good." ( Read 'Respect' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2008/06/respect.html)

Many people tend to pass their lives meaninglessly aimlessly wasting their good Kamma away by pursuing and engaging in evil ignorant deeds.

When things go wrong, they depend on fengshui, gods, fortune-tellers etc.

When ALL they need to do is review/reflect on themselves and their past deeds.

By rightly directing our minds, we can make the necessary changes and improve our lives.

( Read 'Kamma Kamma Part 2' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2010/04/kamma-kamma-part-2-lucky.html and

'Purpose/All We Need To Do Is' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2009/11/purpose-all-we-need-to-do-is.html)


3) To have much learning, skillful in one's craft that is wholesome and righteous.

To be well-disciplined and of skillful speech.

In this way, one will be able to guard oneself from ignorance.


4) To support one's parents, wife and children through right livelihood of honesty and hardwork and NOT seeking Unrighteous gains.


5) To be liberal in giving, Upright in conduct, to help when help is needed, and to lead a Righteous life free from blame.


6) To avoid evil and intoxicants, and to abstain from them.


7) To be steadfast in Virtues, Respectful, Humble, Content and Grateful.

That way, we'll live our lives meaningfully, fruitfully and NOT wastefully.

Even if we do not attain the final goal of Nibbana in this life,

We can be sure our future lives will be a good one.


8) To be able to listen to The Dhamma,

To be Patient, Humble and Obedient

Helps us to improve ourselves and excel.


9) To be in the company of The Wise whose Teachings help in the betterment of our lives.


10) To be self-restraint, to lead a chaste and celibate life,

To realise The Four Noble Truths and to be freed from ALL fetters is the Greatest Achievement.


11) To be unaffected by the inconstancy, impermanence of worldly conditions,

To be free from sorrow and the cause of sorrow,

With defilements cleansed and from fear liberated.


Such a one who thus practise and abides by the above,

Shall remain ever free,

Never to be beaten/conquered,

With happiness achieved

And will be held ever in esteem.

These are the greatest blessings."

- The Buddha, The Maha Mangala Sutta




"Associate NOT with evil friends,

Associate NOT with mean men;

Associate with Good friends,

Associate with Noble men."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 78




"Better it is to live alone.

There is NO fellowship with the ignorant.

Let one live alone doing NO evil,

Care-free,

Like an elephant in the elephant forest."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 330




"Do NOT follow a life of evil,

Do NOT live heedlessly,

Do NOT have wrong/false views,

Do NOT value worldly things.

( In this way, one can get rid of suffering )."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 167




"Heedfulness is The Path to the Deathless.

The Heedful do NOT die.

The heedless are as if dead already."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 21




"Whatever harm a foe may do to a foe,

Or a hater to a hater,

Yet an ill-directed mind can do oneself

Far Greater harm."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 42




"It is good to have virtue till old age;

It is good to have unshakeable faith ( in Kamma and The Triple Gems );

It is good to gain Wisdom;

It is good to do NO evil."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 333




"The Wise are controlled in deed,

Controlled in speech,

Controlled in thought.

Indeed they are perfectly Self-controlled."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 234




"Mara finds NOT the path of those who are Virtuous, Careful in living,

And freed by Right Knowledge."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 57




The Duties of a King/Ruler/Leader

1. Dana: Liberality, generosity, charity, concern with the welfare of the people.

2. Sila: High moral character, observing at least The Five Precepts.

3. Pariccaga: Willing to sacrifice everything for the people -- comfort, fame, even his life.

4. Ajjava: Honesty and integrity, not fearing some or favoring others.

5. Maddava: Kindness and gentleness.

6. Tapa: Austerity, content in the simple life.

7. Akkodha: Free from hatred, ill-will, and anger.

8. Avihimsa: Non-violence, a commitment to peace.

9. Khanti: Patience, tolerance, and the ability to understand others' perspectives.

10. Avirodha: Non-obstruction, ruling in harmony with the will of the people and in their best interests.

- The Buddha