Discourse on Blessings

Thus have I heard:

On one occasion the Blessed One was living near Savatthi at Jetavana at Anathapindika’s monastery.

Now when the night was far advanced, a certain deity, whose surpassing radiance illuminated the whole of Jetavana, approached the Blessed One.

respectfully saluted him, and stood beside him.

Standing thus, he addressed the Blessed One in verse:

“Many deities and men longing for happiness have pondered on (the question of) blessings. Pray tell me what the highest blessings are.

Not to associate with the foolish, but to associate with the wise, and to honor those worthy of honor — this is the highest blessing.

To reside in a suitable locality, to have performed meritorious actions in the past, and to set oneself in the right direction — this is the highest blessing.

Vast learning, skill in handicrafts, well grounded in discipline, and pleasant speech — this is the highest blessing.

To support one’s father and mother; to cherish one’s wife and children, and to be engaged in peaceful occupations — this is the highest blessing.

Liberality, righteous conduct, rendering assistance to relatives, and performance of blameless deeds — this is the highest blessing.

To cease and abstain from evil, to abstain from intoxicating drinks, and diligent in performing righteous acts — this is the highest blessing.

Reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude, and the timely hearing of the Dhamma, the teaching of the Buddha — this is the highest blessing.

Patience, obedience, meeting the Samanas (holy men), and timely discussions on the Dhamma — this is the highest blessing.
Self-control, chastity, comprehension of the Noble Truths, and the realization of Nibbana — this is the highest blessing.

The mind that is not touched by the vicissitudes of life, [2] the mind that is free from sorrow, stainless, and secure — this is the highest blessing.

Those who have fulfilled the conditions (for such blessings) are victorious everywhere, and attain happiness everywhere — To them these are the highest blessings.”

如是我闻，一时，佛住舍卫祗陀园给孤独精舍。时已夜深，有一天神，殊胜光明，遍照园中，来至佛所。恭敬礼拜，站立一旁，以偈白佛言：“众天神与人，渴望得利益，思虑求幸福，请示最吉祥？”

世尊如是答言：

勿近愚痴人，应与智者交，尊敬有德者，是为最吉祥。

居住适宜处，往昔有德行，置身于正道，是为最吉祥。

多闻工艺精，严持诸禁戒，言谈悦人心，是为最吉祥。

奉养父母亲，爱护妻与子，从业要无害，是为最吉祥。

布施好品德，帮助众亲眷，行为无瑕疵，是为最吉祥。

邪行须禁止，克己不饮酒，美德坚不移，是为最吉祥。

恭敬与谦让，知足并感恩，及时闻教法，是为最吉祥。

忍耐与顺从，得见众沙门，适时论信仰，是为最吉祥。

自治净生活，领悟八正道，实证涅槃法，是为最吉祥。

八风不动心，无忧无污染，宁静无烦恼，是为最吉祥。

依此行持者，无往而不胜，一切处得福，是为最吉祥。