Thanksgiving Series: Giving and righteous conduct … is the highest blessing…

by | Nov 23, 2023 | Buddhism.net Blog

So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Then, late at night, a glorious deity, lighting up the entire Jeta’s Grove, went up to the Buddha, bowed, and stood to one side. That deity addressed the Buddha in verse: 

Many gods and humans have thought about blessings; desiring well-being: declare the highest blessing.

Not to fraternize with fools, but to fraternize with the wise, and honoring those worthy of honor:, this is the highest blessing.

Living in a suitable region, having made merit in the past, being rightly resolved in oneself, this is the highest blessing. 

Education and a craft, discipline and training, and well-spoken speech: this is the highest blessing. 

Caring for mother and father, kindness to children and partners, and unstressful work: this is the highest blessing. 

Giving and righteous conduct, kindness to relatives, blameless deeds: this is the highest blessing. 

Desisting and abstaining from evil, avoiding alcoholic drinks, diligence in good qualities: this is the highest blessing.

Respect and humility, contentment and gratitude, and timely listening to the teaching: this is the highest blessing. 

Patience, being easy to admonish, the sight of ascetics, and timely discussion of the teaching: this is the highest blessing. 

Fervor and celibacy, seeing the noble truths, and realization of extinguishment: this is the highest blessing. 

Though touched by worldly conditions, their mind does not tremble; sorrowless, stainless, secure: this is the highest blessing. 

Having completed these things, undefeated everywhere; everywhere they go in safety: this is their highest blessing.

Maṅgalasutta

Source: https://suttacentral.net/kp5/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=linebyline&reference=none&notes=asterisk&highlight=false&script=latin

Angela

Extra Ordinary human bean, sharing union of Zen (or Chan 禪) timelessness x tech boundlessness. 5 years spiritual sabbatical. Who is Angela? What's her story?

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