University of Virginia Library

Mangala sutra (sutta)

This sutra was preached by the Buddha at Jetavana in answer to a question
asked by a deva as to which are the auspicious things (mangalani) in the
world. The sutra describes thirty-seven auspicious things including such
as the avoidance of fools, association with the wise, honouring those
worthy of honour, etc. In the Sutra Nipata it is recorded that at the
preaching of this sutra countless devas were present and countless beings
realized the truth (Malalasekera 1960, Vol. II, p. 410).

It may be remarked that there is nothing `exorcistic' about this paritta:
it gives admonitions in the form of auspicious acts, and it incorporates
the gods as part of the larger Buddhist community.