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Historical context
Preserved in the Sutta Nipāta and Khuddakapāṭha, the Maṅgala Sutta is widely chanted in Theravāda communities.
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What is this text?
A deity asks what the highest blessing is; the response moves from wise relationships and livelihood to insight and liberation.
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Key ideas
- Blessing is enacted through conduct
- Good relationships and learning matter
- The sequence culminates in an unshaken mind
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Selected passage
Not associating with fools, associating with the wise, and honoring those worthy of honor: this is the highest blessing.
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Original-language text
asevanā ca bālānaṁ, paṇḍitānañca sevanā; pūjā ca pūjaneyyānaṁ, etaṁ maṅgalamuttamaṁ
Ancient Pāli text: public domain; root text data CC0.06
English translation
Not associating with fools, associating with the wise, and honoring those worthy of honor: this is the highest blessing.
Translator: Bhikkhu Sujato
Bhikkhu Sujato translation: CC0 1.0.07
Chanting, recitation & pronunciation
[PRONUNCIATION RESOURCES TO BE ADDED]
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How to listen
- Identify the language, recitation tradition, performer, and recording context before comparing styles.
- Notice cadence, repetition, breath, and silence without treating one performance as universal.
- Use the linked edition to distinguish the canonical text from editorial summary and modern translation.
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Sources & further reading
Snp 2.4: Blessings
Translator: Bhikkhu Sujato
SuttaCentral
CC0 1.0 per SuttaCentral licensingRead at source ↗Community Discussion
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