Maṅgala Sutta—Discourse On Welfare

(Sometimes known as the ‘vinaya’ for householders, the Maṅgala sutta is very popular among the followers of the Buddha. Two traditional opening verses that give some background are often chanted, explaining that devas and men had been discussing for a long time what was a true maṅgala. 

The canonical text begins with “Evaṃ me sutaṃ” and tells us the immediate context for the sutta. 

The sutta is found in Khuddaka-nikāya, Sutta Nipāta, II. 4. Goenkaji’s morning chanting of this sutta on the ninth day of the ten-day Vipassana course begins with the Buddha’s answer to the question put to him.)

Yaṃ maṅgalaṃ dvādasahi, cintayiṃsu sadevakā;
sotthānaṃ nādhigacchanti, aṭṭhatiṃsañca maṅgalaṃ. 

For twelve years [men] along with devas pondered, “What is welfare?”
But they did not arrive at the thirty-eight welfares that bring happiness.

Desitaṃ devadevena, sabbapāpavināsanaṃ;
sabbaloka-hitatthāya,maṅgalaṃ taṃ bhaṇāmahe. 

The Lord of the devas [the Buddha] taught [that which] destroys all evil,
for the benefit of the whole world: let us recite those welfares.

Evaṃ me sutaṃ— 

Thus have I heard—

Ekaṃ samayaṃ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṃ viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme. Atha kho aññatarā devatā abhikkantāya rattiyā abhikkantavaṇṇā kevalakappaṃ jetavanaṃ obhāsetvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami. 

At one time the Blessed One was dwelling in Sāvatthi at Jeta’s grove, the monastery of Anāthapiṇḍika.
Then, indeed, when the night was well advanced, a certain female deva of surpassing beauty, illuminating the whole of Jeta’s grove, approached where the Buddha was.

Upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṃ abhivādetvā ekamantaṃ aṭṭhāsi.
Ekamantaṃ ṭhitā kho sā devatā bhagavantaṃ gāthāya ajjhabhāsi: 

Having arrived there and respectfully saluting the Blessed One, she stood to one side. 
Standing to one side the deva addressed the Blessed One in verse:

Bahū devā manussā ca, maṅgalāni acintayuṃ;
ākaṅkhamānā sotthānaṃ, brūhi maṅgalamuttamaṃ. 

Many devas and men have pondered on welfares, yearning for happiness.
Please explain what is the highest welfare.

Bhagavā etadavoca: 

The Buddha replies:

Asevanā ca bālānaṃ, paṇḍitānañca sevanā;
pūjā ca pūjanīyānaṃ, etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ. 

Avoidance of fools, the company of the wise,
honour where honour is due—this is the highest welfare.

Patirūpadesavāso ca, pubbe ca katapuññatā;
atta-sammāpaṇidhi ca, etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ. 

A suitable place of abode, the merit of past good deeds,
right aspirations for oneself—this is the highest welfare.

Bāhusaccañca sippañca, vinayo ca susikkhito;
subhāsitā ca yā vācā, etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ. 

Great learning and skill, well-mastered discipline,
well-spoken words—this is the highest welfare.

Mātā-pitu-upaṭṭhānaṃ, puttadārassa saṅgaho;
anākulā ca kammantā, etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ. 

Serving one’s parents, caring for spouse and children,
a peaceful occupation—this is the highest welfare.

Dānañca dhammacariyā ca, ñātakānañca saṅgaho;
anavajjāni kammāni, etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ. 

Generosity, a life of Dhamma, caring for relatives,
blameless deeds—this is the highest welfare.

Āratī viratī pāpā, majjapānā ca saṃyamo;
appamādo ca dhammesu, etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ. 

Ceasing and shunning evil, refraining from intoxicants,
vigilance in the Dhamma—this is the highest welfare.

Gāravo ca nivāto ca, santuṭṭhi ca kataññutā;
kālena dhammassavanaṃ, etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ. 

Respectfulness, humility, contentment, gratitude,
listening to the Dhamma at the proper time
—this is the highest welfare.

Khantī ca sovacassatā, samaṇānañca dassanaṃ;
kālena dhammasākacchā, etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ. 

Forbearance, accepting guidance, beholding saintly people,
discussion of the Dhamma at the proper time— this is the highest welfare.

Tapo ca brahmacariyañca, ariyasaccāna-dassanaṃ;
nibbānasacchikiriyā ca, etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ. 

Ardent practice, a life of purity, witnessing the Noble Truths,
experiencing nibbāna—this is the highest welfare.

Phuṭṭhassa lokadhammehi cittaṃ yassa na kampati;
asokaṃ virajaṃ khemaṃ, etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ. 

When faced with the vicissitudes of life, one’s mind is unshaken,
sorrowless, stainless, secure—this is the highest welfare.

Etādisāni katvāna, sabbatthamaparājitā;
sabbatthasotthiṃ gacchanti, taṃ tesaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ. 

Having acted in this way, everywhere invincible,
they go everywhere safely—that is the highest welfare.

The Highest Welfare 

The Buddha’s teaching was not merely for monks and nuns, but also for householders, many of whom used to come to him to learn Dhamma. One group came and said: “Sir, we are not prepared to become monks or nuns; we have to live as householders. Will the technique work for us? Can we also get liberated?”

He replied, “Certainly, it is a technique for all.” Monks and nuns do not have any worldly responsibilities. So they can give their whole life to this purpose, and the results come sooner. Householders cannot avoid their multifarious responsibilities towards their family members, relatives, and society but the teaching also works for them. The Buddha gave a discourse to this group, explaining how to live a wholesome life. He listed thirty-eight welfares to be acquired by a family man or woman, each higher than the last. When he came to the highest, he said: 

Facing the vicissitudes of life the mind is not shaken; it is without grief, without impurity, without insecurity: this is the highest welfare.

Everyone has to meet vicissitudes in life but the mind should not get agitated; it should remain stable and balanced. Then there is no crying, no unhappiness, no impurity nor any feeling of insecurity in your mind. One always feels secure because one is on the path of Dhamma; nothing can go wrong. This is the highest welfare: equanimity with all the vicissitudes of life. 

S. N. Goenka
(adapted from the Day 8 discourse.)

1. The eight worldly vicissitudes (lokadhammā) are: lābha (profit) and alābha (loss), yaso (fame) and ayaso (ill repute), pasaṃsā (praise) and nindā (criticism), sukha (pleasure) and dukkha (pain).

One-Day Course At Global Pagoda

The Global Vipassana Foundation has organized a one day course on 2 May 2007 (Buddha Purnima) from 11 am to 5 pm at Global Pagoda, Dhamma Pattana, Gorai, Mumbai. The course will be conducted in the meditation hall under the main dome of the Global Pagoda and is only for those who have already completed at least one ten-day course.

For registration and information about reaching the Global Pagoda site, please contact:
Mr. Derek Pegado, 
Tel: (022) 2845 2261, 2845 2111, 2845 21206;
Tel/Fax: 2845 2112. 
Email: globalpagoda@hotmail.com 
Website: www.globalpagoda.org 

There are no facilities for overnight stay at the Global Pagoda. Those coming a day early will have to make their own arrangements. Please bring your own cushions. Meditators wishing to serve this course may contact above. (One-day courses are also organized every Sunday at the Global Pagoda from 11 am to 5 pm. Contact the above for gate pass.) 

Important Programmes At Dhamma Giri

AT Workshop (only for Vipassana Teachers, Senior Assistant Teachers and trainee Assistant Teachers): 3 to 6 May 2007 at Dhamma Tapovana. 

Teachers’ Self-Course (15-day): 16 November to 1 December 2007 in Dhamma Giri and Dhamma Tapovana. 

Criteria for admission to TSC: Minimum one Satipaṭṭhāna course. Significant contribution to spread of Dhamma (Local Vipassana teacher’s recommendation required.) Priority will be given to those who have not sat TSC before. (Dhamma Giri and Dhamma Tapovana will be closed to visitors during this period.) 

Workshop for Dhamma servers and Trustees: 1 to 2 December 2007 in Dhamma Giri and Dhamma Tapovana 

VRI Research Council Meeting: 2 December 2007 (Sunday) from 9.30 to 11 am 

60-day course: 7 December 2007 to 6 February 2008 at Dhamma Tapovana. 

Workshops At Dhamma Puṇṇa, Pune

AT Workshop: 23 June (10 am) to 24 June (5 pm). The meeting will be conducted in Marathi and will discuss issues involved in serving on courses in Marathi-speaking areas. 
Contact: Bhanudas Rasal, Mobile: 94220-00908, Email r_bhanudas@rediffmail.com 

‘Value Inculcation through Vipassana’ workshop: 17 to 31 May 2007, only for male and female school teachers.
Contact: Pune Vipassana Samiti, Dadawadi, Opp. Nehru stadium, Pune 411 002. Tel: (020) 2446-8903, 2446-4243. Email: info@ananda.dhamma.org

Children's Courses In Mumbai

To serve children’s courses in Mumbai, call 98200-22990.

Date Venue Age Registration
8 April Ulhasnagar 13-16 yrs 5 & 6 April
27 – 29 April Residential course - boys 13-16 yrs 15 to 20 Apr
6 May South Mumbai 14-18 yrs 4 & 5 May
13 May Ulhasnagar 10-12 yrs 10 & 11 May
20 May Ghatkopar 13-16 yrs 18 & 19 May
25 - 27 May Residential course - girls 13-16 yrs 13 to 18 May
3 June South Mumbai 9-13 yrs 31-5 & 1-6
10 June Ulhasnagar 13-16 yrs 7 & 8 June
10 June Andheri 10-12 yrs 7 & 8 June
17 June Ghatkopar 10-12 yrs 14 & 15 June
24 June Matunga 13-16 yrs 22 & 23 June
24 June JNPT 10-12 yrs 22 & 23 June

Course Timing: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. 
Registration: 11 am to 1 pm.
Course Venues: Andheri (W): Dada Saheb Gaikwad Sansthan, Babasaheb Ambedkar Marg, RTO Corner, Four Bungalows, Andheri (W), Tel:2510-1096, 2516-2505. Ghatkopar (W): SNDT School, New Building, Cama Lane, Ghatkopar West, opp Vidyut Society, Mumbai 400086, Tel: 25101096, 25162505. JNPT: Trainee Hostel Bldg, Sector 3, Sheva Taluka, Uran, Navi Mumbai. 98923-87145, 98218-08488, 2747-2554. Matunga: Amulakh Amirchand High School, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, New SNDT College, King’s Circle, Matunga (CR), Tel: 2510-1096, 2516-2505. Ulhasnagar: Guru Nanak High School, Kurla Camp, Ulhasnagar-4. Tel: (0251) 252-2693. South Mumbai: Times of India Bldg., Opp CST station. For registration, call 2308-1622 
NB Please *bring cushion, *register on the specified phone numbers, *inform in advance if unable to attend after registration, *arrive on time for the course. 

Goenkaji's Discourses On Television

Aastha TV channel: Goenkaji’s Sri Lanka tour. Daily from 9:40 to 10 am (Subject to change.). 

Hungama TV channel: Hindi discourses telecast daily from 4.30 to 6.00 am (IST). 

Zee TV: Urja, daily, 4:30 am (IST). 

USA: Aastha TV will be telecasting Goenkaji’s discourses at 6 pm EST (Monday to Friday) on the WORLDDIRECT platform of DIRECTV on channel no. 2005. (Please confirm exact telecast timings.)

Vipassana Books, Cassettes, CDs And DVDs

1. Mr. Dipchand Shah, B-35 Dalas Bldg, Gyanmandir Road, Dadar (W) Mumbai 28. Tel: (022) 2422-8134 

2. Vipassana Information Centre, Mrs. Smita Kamdar, 7C, Suresh Colony, S. V. Road, Near Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai 56. Tel: (022) 5581-2672, 3092-8266. 

3. Mrs. Amita Parikh, E-1 Asmit, Opp. National Decorators, Bajaj Road, Near Rly. Station, Vile Parle (W) Mumbai 56. Tel: 2612-2226, 2611-8258 (2:30 to 5 p.m.) 

4. Vipassana for Better Education office, Lord Harris Municipal Marathi School, L. Tilak Marg, Dhobi Talao, Near G. T. Hospital, Mumbai-400-001 (Monday to Friday, 2 to 7 p.m.). Contact: Sunil Ghadge, Tel: (022) 2270-3601. 

5. Mr. S. Bhalerao, Dadasaheb Gaikwad Hall, Andheri (W), Mumbai. Tel: (022) 24163288 

6. Mrs. Sujata R. Khanna, Prasad Shopping Centre, Room No. 3, First floor, Opp. Railway Station, Goregaon (W), Mumbai 62. Mon. to Fri.: 3 to 8 pm; Mobile: 93204-92269. 

7. Ratansagar Books, Mr. Suhas Kamble, 125/1A, Raj Society, Kothrud, Pune-38. Tel: (020) 2541-0796. 

8. Mr. Rathi, Shivkrishna Medical Store, 206, Agra Road, Igatpuri 422403. Tel. (02553) 244-036. 

9. Arti General Store, Near Ram Mandir, Agra Road, Igatpuri 422403, Tel: (02553) 244-790. 

10. Mr Sumantlal Shah, 13/386-C, Civil Lines, 2nd Floor, Kanpur-208001, U.P. Tel: Res. (0512) 294-222, 293-565. 

11. Vipassana Sadhana Samiti, Mohta Bhavan, 533-A, 8 B Road, Sardarpura, Jodhpur-342003. Tel: (0291) 232-048.

New Responsibilities

Ācaryas: 
1. Mr. Raghunath Kurup, Kerala
To serve Dhamma Ketana, Kerala 

2. Mr. Ramswarup Brahmchari, Hyderabad
To serve Dhamma Vijaya, Vijayarayai, Andhra Pradesh 

3. Mr. Mohan Raj Adla, Hyderabad
To serve Dhamma Nāgajjuna, Nalgonda, Andhra Pradesh 

4. Mrs. Sabrina Katakam, Hyderabad
To serve AT training in South India 

5. Mrs. Sushila Goenka, Myanmar
To spread Dhamma among Expatriate Indians 

6. Mr. Parsu Ram Gotama, Myanmar
To serve Dhamma Makuṭa and Dhamma Ratana 

7. Daw Win Kyi, Myanmar
To serve Dhamma Manḍala, Dhamma Manḍapa and Dhamma Mahimā 

8. U Tin Maung Shwe, Myanmar
To serve Dhamma Manḍala, Dhamma Manḍapa 

9. & 10. U Kyaw Khin & Dr. Daw Mya Mya, Myanmar
To organize AT meetings and workshops for trustees and Dhamma servers 

11. Daw Sein Sein, Myanmar
To help in spread of Dhamma 

12. & 13. Mr. Parker & Mrs. Laura Mills, USA
To serve Dhamma Maṇḍa, Mendocino, USA

Senior Assistant Teachers: 
1. & 2. Mr. Sushil Kumar and Mrs. Beena Mehrotra, Varanasi
To assist the area teacher in serving Dhamma Cakka, Sarnath 
3. Mrs. Manisha Mehta, Rajkot 
4. Mr. Harshad and Mrs. Hansa Patel, Ahmedabad 
5. Ms. Meena Tank, Ahmedabad

Additional Responsibilities

Ācaryas: 
1. & 2. Mr. John & Mrs. Joanna Luxford, U.K.
To serve Europe including AT Training in Europe and European Long Course Centre 

Senior Assistant Teachers:
1. Mr. K. Ravi Kumar Reddy, Eluru
To assist Mr. Bal Krishna Goenka in serving Dhamma Khetta
2. Mr. Van Shafer, USA
To assist Barry & Kate Lapping in serving Dhamma Pakāsa, Illinois

New Appointments

Assistant Teachers:
1. Mrs. Nirmala Dutt, Hyderabad
2. Mr. K. Narotham Reddy, Hyderabad
3. & 4. Mr. Anand Kulkarni & Mrs. Kerrin O’Brien Kulkarni, Dharamshala
5. Mrs. Kusum Soni, Bhopal
6. Mrs. Simin Sarmadi-Zokaie, Iran
7. Mr. Robert Wagester, Canada
8. Mr. Jack Siu, Hong Kong
9. Mr. Itai Brauer, Israel

Children’s Course Teachers:
1. Mr. Manoj Bengrut, Pune
2. Mrs. Sangeeta Shinde, Pune
3. Mr. Ashok Chitrakar, Nepal
4. Mrs. Surya Maya Kansakar, Nepal 
5. Mr. Swohit Kansakar, Nepal
6. Mr. Moti Lal Khanal, Nepal
7. Mr.Narayan Krishna Kharel, Nepal
8. Mr. Thakur Byas Khatri, Nepal
9. Mr. Ram Prashad Koirala, Nepal
10. Mr.Shiwa Kuwar, Nepal
11. Ms. Rosee Maharjan, Nepal
12. Ms. Maiya Pradhan, Nepal
13. Mr. Krishna Das Rajkarnikar, Nepal
14. Mrs. Binu Shakya, Nepal
15. Mr. Rup Kumar Shakya, Nepal
16. Ms. Sasu Mayin Shakya, Nepal
17. Mrs. Vidhya Shakya, Nepal
18. Anagarika Shanti, Nepal
19. Ms. Shova Silpaka, Nepal
20. Mr. Kamlesh Pipalia, Dubai, UAE
21. Mrs. Emily Lo, Hong Kong
22. Mr. Farhad Radpour, Iran
23. Mrs Chuluuntsetseo Bataa, Mongolia
24. Mr. Udo Marquardt, UK
25. Mr. Greg Lundh, Canada
26. & 27. Mr. Jeff Miller & Mrs. Rita Miller, USA.

Dhamma Dohas

Āte jāte sāṅsa para, rahe nirantara dhyāna;
karmoṇ ke bandhana kateṇ, hoye parama kalyāṇa. 

In-breath, out-breath—maintain unbroken awareness;
the knots of kamma will be sundered, 
leading to the highest welfare. 

Sāṅsa dekhate dekhate, satya pragaṭatā jāya;
satya dekhate dekhate, parama satya dikha jāya. 

As you observe breath after breath, the truth reveals itself;
observing truth after truth, you come to the ultimate truth.

Dharama na mithyā mānyatā, dharama na mithyācāra;
dharama na mithyā kalpanā, dharama satya kā sāra. 

Dhamma is not blind belief, Dhamma is not wrong action,
Dhamma is not false imaginings; Dhamma is the essence of truth. 

Kṣaṇa kṣaṇa kṣaṇa kṣaṇa bītatāṅ, jīvana bītyo jāya;
kṣaṇa kṣaṇa ko upayoga kara, bītyo kṣaṇa nahīṅ āya. 

Moment after moment after moment, life keeps slipping by;
make use of every moment; the past moment will never come again.