Early the next morning, the three of us were awaken from our thinbyu
mat, under the mosquito netting, in front of the Buddha statues, by the
Abbot and the Preceptor. It is time to say our morning prayers! The sounds
of the morning gongs, cymbals ( Kyi si) and the sounds of the monks reciting
Maha Paritta still
echoes in my mind. As always these recitals include the most widely
used Paritta, Mangala (Auspice, Good Omen, Luck, Blessing, Beatitude or
Fortune) Sutta. I did not understand the Pali words at that time but it
was like a recital of poetry with its own rhythm. Later I found out what
I had been listening to and reciting all along for the fortnight. The defining
words of Mangala Sutta are as follows:
Those who are Blessed (1) do not associate with the foolish, but (2)
with the wise; and they (3) honor those worthy of honor.
It is auspicious to (4) dwell in a suitable locality; and (5) accumulate
good kamma (accrued merits); and (6) establish oneself rightfully.
In order to have Mangala, he must have (7) good and vast knowledge
and (8) acquire skills in sciences and arts, and (9) must be well disciplined,
and (10) use well chosen words (polite).
He must also (11) serve his parents and (12) support his wife and children,
and (13) engage in right and peaceful occupations.
In order to have good fortune he must also be (14) generous; and (15)
law abiding and (16) help and support relatives and friends; and (17) perform
faultless actions.
An Auspicious person (18) abstains from evil and (19) refrains from
bad deeds; and (20) restrains from intoxicating drugs and liquor; and is
(21) diligent in the practice of Dhamma such as Dana, Sila, and Bhavana
to avoid evil.
A man with good Beatitude (22) pays reverence to those who deserve
it, and (23) is modest with his fellow men, and (24) content with his lot,
and he (25) shows gratitude towards his benefactor, and (26) listen to,
and follow the Buddhist doctrines at appropriate times.
He (27) must have patience and forbearance; and (28) obey those who
are worthy of obedience; and (29) pay homage to the monks with visitations,
and (30) discuss the doctrines at the proper moment.
He should also practice (31) ascetic and holy practices; and (32) chastity.
He must always (33) try and discern the noble-truths and (34) work
towards attaining Nibbana.
His mind (35) must be above the vicissitudes (ups and downs) of life
and should not be shaken, and (36) should be free from anxiety, and (37)
spotlessly pure, and (38) must be perfectly secure from temptations.
Those who have practiced these (38) Mangala will remain unvanquished and will always be successful!
Dr. Hla N. Tin is the president of Genotech Industries Corp. He was
the founder and CEO of Halo Technologies Inc. and former Director of
Program Development at National Testing Systems, Inc. He received
his Ph.D in Theoretical Physics from the University of California. - Editor.