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If we observe the people around us we can easily see that people really do not know how to attain happiness. Maybe you will find yourself wondering, "Is there intelligent life on Earth?" Mangala Sutta is a simple guide to the actions we should endeavour to perform if we want to live happily. Since we all want to live happily we should all pay attention to the Buddha's answer to this important question.
The following are definitions of the pali words in the text which have been left untranslated:
pali: the language that the Buddha used.
mangala: a things that cause happiness.
sutta: a discourse.
Savathi: a town in India.
Jeta: a prince from whom Anathapindika, a wealthy merchant, bought a grove and built a monastery for the buddha and his disciples.
Deva: a celestial being somewhat like an angel.
Dhamma: the teaching of the Buddha.
Samana: the collective term for wandering ascetics, monks, and Holy men in India.
Thus have I heard:
At one time the Blessed One was living at Savatthi in Jeta's grove the monastery of Anathapindika. Then late in the night a certain Deva, having illuminated the whole of Jeta's grove with his surpassing appearance, approached the Blessed One. Having approached the Blessed One and having bowed he stood at on side. While standing at one side that Deva addressed the Blessed One with this verse:
Many Devas and men have thought indecisively about the causes of happiness; for those who desire well being, please declare the best causes of happiness.
Not to associate with fools, but to associate with the wise, and to revere those who are worthy of reverence; these are (three of ) the best causes of happiness.
Living in a suitable locality, to have performed meritorious actions in the past, and having a mind that is well-directed; these are (three of ) the best causes of happiness.
Extensive learning and practical skills, a discipline that is well-practised, and speech that is well-spoken; these are (four of) the best causes of happiness.
To serve and support mother and father, to care for wife and children, and careful workmanship; these are (four of ) the best causes of happiness.
Giving, practising Dhamma, to care for relatives, and faultless actions; these are ( four of )the best causes of happiness.
Mentally and physically refraining from evil, abstaining from intoxicants, and being heedful of the Dhamma; these are ( four of ) the best causes of happiness.
Respect, humility, contentment, gratitude, and hearing the Dhamma at an appropriate time; these are (five of ) the best causes of happiness.
Patience, being easy to admonish, seeing Samanas, and discussing the Dhamma at an appropriate time; these are ( four of ) the best causes of happiness.
Burning up defilements, life as a monk, seeing the Four Noble Truths, and realizing Nirvana; these are (four of )the best causes of happiness.
To be possessed of a mind that although touched by worldly conditions is unshaken, sorrowless, undefiled, and secure; these are (four of )the best causes of happiness.
They who have performed these are undefeated and attain well-being everywhere to them these (thirty-eight ) are the best causes of happiness.