Discourse on Great Blessings
Thus have I heard:
At one time the Blessed One was staying near Savatthi at Anathapindika’s Park in Prince Jeta’s Grove. Then, late in the night a certain deity of exceeding radiance, lighting up the whole of Prince Jeta’s Grove, approached the Blessed One. Having approached and saluted the Blessed One, he stood at one side. Standing there at one side, the deity addressed the Blessed One with a verse:
“Many devas and humans have thought about good omens, longing for well-being.
Tell us, what is the highest good omen?”
The Blessed One responded:
Not associating with fools,
Associating with the wise, and
Honoring those worthy of honor
This is the Greatest Blessing.
Living in a suitable place,
Having done good in the past, and
Directing oneself on the right course
This is the Greatest Blessing.
Vast learning and the arts,
Being well-trained in discipline, and
Words well-spoken
This is the Greatest Blessing.
The supporting of parents,
The welfare of children and wife,
Un-conflicting livelihood
This is the Greatest Blessing.
Giving, and living the Dharma way,
Supporting of relatives,
And blameless actions
This is the Greatest Blessing.
Dispassion towards (and) refraining from evil,
Self-control towards intoxicating drinks,
Diligence in the Teachings –
This is the Greatest Blessing.
Reverence and humility,
Contentment and gratitude,
Timely hearing of the Dharma
This is the Greatest Blessing.
Patience and being responsive to correction,
Seeing recluses,
Timely Dharma discussion
This is the Greatest Blessing.
Self-control and living the Holy Life,
The vision of the Noble Truths,
And the realization of Nirvana
This is the Greatest Blessing.
When he’s touched by the worldly conditions,
Whose mind is not shaken,
Being sorrow less, stainless, secure
This is the Greatest Blessing.
Having done such things,
Everywhere invincible,
Everywhere they fare a1ong well
That, to them, is the Greatest Blessing
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