SUTTA-NIPATA 2.4

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Adapted From the Translation by V. Fausboll(1881)

Buddha defines the highest blessing to a deity

So it was heard by me:

At one time Bhagava(Lord Buddha) dwelt at Savatthi, in Jetavana, in the park of Anathapindika. Then, when the night had gone, a deity of beautiful appearance, having illuminated the whole Jetavana, approached Bhagava(Lord Buddha), and having approached and saluted him, he stood apart, and standing apart that deity addressed Bhagava(Lord Buddha) in a stanza:

1. 'Many gods and men have devised blessings, longing for happiness, tell you (me) the highest blessing.' (261)

2. Buddha said: 'Not cultivating (the society of) fools, but cultivating (the society of) wise men, worshipping those that are to be worshipped, this is the highest blessing. (262)

3. 'To live in a suitable country, to have done good deeds in a former (existence), and a thorough study of one's self, this is the highest blessing. (263)

4. 'Great learning and skill, well-learnt discipline, and well-spoken words, this is the highest blessing. (264)

5. 'Waiting on mother and father, protecting child and wife, and a quiet calling, this is the highest blessing. (265)

6. 'Giving alms, living as per dhamma(righteousness), protecting relatives, blameless deeds, this is the highest blessing. (266)

7. 'Ceasing and abstaining from sin, refraining from intoxicating drink, perseverance in the Dhammas, this is the highest blessing. (267)

8. 'Reverence and humility, contentment and gratitude, the hearing of the Dhamma at due seasons, this is the highest blessing. (268)

9. 'Patience and pleasant speech, interactions with Samanas(monks), dhamma discourses at times, this is the highest blessing. (269)

10. 'Meditation(penance) and celibacy, discernment of the noble truths, and the realisation of Nibbana(nirvana,salvation,immortality), this is the highest blessing. (270)

11. 'He whose mind is not shaken (when he is) touched by the things of the world (lokadhamma), (but remains) free from sorrow, free from defilement, and secure, this is the highest blessing. (271)

12. 'Those who, having done such (things), are undefeated in every respect, walk in safety everywhere, theirs is the highest blessing.' (272)

Mahamangala is ended.