The Discourse on the Great Blessings

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What a blessing is was thought about by gods and men for twelve years but they did not attain true safety, the thirty eight blessings which were preached by the gods of gods make all that is bad perish. For the entire world’s benefit and welfare, we will recite that safeguard.

The Safeguard

Thus I have heard: at one time the Gracious One was dwelling near Savathi at Ananthapindika’s grounds in Jeta’s Wood. Then a certain god towards the end of the night, having lit up the whole of Jeta’s Wood with his surpassing beauty, approached the Gracious One and upon approaching and worshiping the Gracious One, he stood on one side.

While standing on one side that god addressed the Gracious One with a verse: “Many are the gods and the men who have thought about the blessings hoping for safety, now please say what is the supreme blessing”.

“Not associating with fools but associating with the wise; honouring those worthy of honour: this is the supreme blessing. Living in a suitable place, formerly having done good deeds, aspiring in a right way oneself: this is the supreme blessing. Having great learning and craft and being disciplined and well trained, and whatever words are well spoken: this is the supreme blessing.

Attendance one one’s mother and father, looking after one’s wife and children, with works that are not agitating: this is the supreme blessing. Giving and living by the Dharma and looking after one’s relatives, performing actions that are blameless: this is the supreme blessing. Abstinence, avoidance of bad deeds, restraint from intoxicating drinks, being heedful regarding all matters: this is the supreme blessing.

Having respect, being humble, being satisfied and grateful, listening to Dharma at the right time: this is the supreme blessing. Being patient and easily spoken to, seeing ascetics, discussing Dharma at the right time: this is the supreme blessing. Austere, living spiritually, insight into the noble truths, the experience of Nibbana: this is the supreme blessing.

He whose mind does not waver when it is touched by things of this world, being griefless, dustless and secure: this is the supreme blessing. Having done as here directed, they are undefeated everywhere, they go everywhere in safety: for them this is the supreme blessing”.

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