Enlightened Living and Spiritual Salvation: Excerpts From the Sutta Nipata, Part 2 of 2

Today, we continue readings from the Sutta Nipata on how Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha lead to salvation and the highest blessings according to Buddha.

RATANASUTTA The Jewel Discourse

“Whatever beings have come together here, either belonging to the earth or living in the air, let all beings be happy, and then listen attentively to what is said. […] Whatever wealth there be here or in the other world, or whatever excellent jewel in the Heavens, it is certainly not equal to Tathagata [Buddha]. This excellent Jewel (is found) in Buddha, by this truth may there be salvation. […] As in a clump of trees with their tops in bloom in the first heat of the hot month, so (Buddha) taught the excellent Dharma leading to Nirvana to the greatest benefit (for all). This excellent Jewel (is found) in Buddha, by this truth may there be salvation. […]”

MAHAMANGALASUTTA Blessings

“At one time the Blessed One dwelt at Sâvatthî, in Getavana, in the park of Anâthapindika. Then, when the night had gone, a deity of beautiful appearance, having illuminated the whole Getavana, approached the Blessed One, and having approached and saluted Him, he stood apart, and standing apart that deity addressed the Blessed One in a stanza: ‘Many gods and men have devised blessings, longing for happiness, tell Thou (me) the highest blessing.’

Buddha said: ‘Not cultivating (the society of) the ignorant, but cultivating (the society of) wise men, worshipping those that are to be worshipped, this is the highest blessing. ‘To live in a suitable country, to have done good deeds in a former (existence), and a thorough study of one’s self, this is the highest blessing.’ ‘Great learning and skill, well-learnt discipline, and well-spoken words, this is the highest blessing.’ ‘Waiting on mother and father, protecting child and wife, and a quiet calling, this is the highest blessing.’ ‘Giving alms, living religiously, protecting relatives, blameless deeds, this is the highest blessing.’ ‘Ceasing and abstaining from sin, refraining from intoxicating drink, perseverance in the Dharma, this is the highest blessing.’ ‘Reverence and humility, contentment and gratitude, the hearing of the Dharma at due seasons, this is the highest blessing.’ ‘Patience and pleasant speech, interaction with Samanas [ascetics], religious conversation at due seasons, this is the highest blessing.’ ‘Penance and chastity, discernment of the noble truths, and the realization of Nirvana, this is the highest blessing.’ ‘He whose mind is not shaken (when he is) touched by the things of the world, (but remains) free from sorrow, free from defilement, and secure, this is the highest blessing.’ ‘Those who, having done such (things), are undefeated in every respect, walk in safety everywhere, theirs is the highest blessing.’”