Maṅgalasutta untranslated

Maṅgalasutta. Preached at Jetavana in answer to a question asked by a Deva as to which are the auspicious things (maṅgalāni) in the world. The Sutta describes thirty-seven maṅgalāni, including such things as the avoidance of fools, association with the wise, honouring those worthy of honour, etc. (Khp.p.2f)

The Commentary (Khp-a.vii.; Snp­a.i.300) explains that at the time the Sutta was preached there was great discussion over the whole of Jambudīpa regarding the constitution of maṅgala. The Devas heard the discussion and argued among themselves till the matter spread to the highest Brahma world. Then it was that Sakka suggested that a Devaputta should visit the Buddha and ask him about it.

In the Suttanipāta (Snp., pp. 46f) the Sutta is called Mahā Maṅgala. It is one of the Suttas at the preaching of which countless Devas were present and countless beings realized the Truth (Snp­a.i.174; Bv­a.243; AN­a.i.57,320).

The Sutta is often recited, and forms one of the commonest of the Parittas. To have it written down in a book is considered an act of great merit (MN­a.ii.806).

It is said that once Duṭṭhagāmaṇī attempted to preach the Maṅgalasutta at the Lohapāsāda, but he was too nervous to proceed (Mhv.xxxii.43).

The preaching of the Maṅgalasutta was one of the incidents of Gotama Buddha’s life represented in the Relic Chamber of the Mahā Thūpa (Mhv.xxx. 83).

See also Mahā Maṅgalajātaka (Ja 453).