The Buddha offered 38 blessings for daily life. How many blessings register with you? What blessings could you develop from today?
Eight categories ending in the deepest truths
This discourse on the Buddha’s teachings says: “An angel (pure in heart) of stunning beauty, who lit up Jeta’s Grove (a park outside Savatthi, north India), said to the Buddha. “Please declare the greatest blessings.”
The Buddha responded:
1. Associating with the Wise and Respecting Others
Not associating with fools
Associating with the wise
Respect for those who are worthy of respect.
The Buddha in rural Thailand
2. Abiding in a Supportive Environment and Attitude
Residing in a suitable locality
Recognising wholesome actions in the past.
Setting one's mind on the right course.
3. Developing Skills and Character
Through knowledge and learning
Being skilful in a trade or craft
Being well-trained in ethics (non-violence, non-exploitation, non-abuse).
Being of calm/clear speech/communication.
4. Fulfilling Social and Family Duties
Care for one's parents
Cherishing wife, husband, partner and children
Engaging in peaceful, blameless livelihood (for the benefit of all)
Supporting one’s relatives.
5. Living a Virtuous Way of Life
Giving and donating to others
Conducting oneself according to the Dharma (applied ethics, mindfulness/meditation and wisdom)
Acting blamelessly
Abstaining from evil (desire to cause suffering to others)
Abstaining from intoxicants leading to carelessness
Being steadfast and diligent in Dharma practice,
6. Cultivating Inner Qualities
Being respectful
Being humble
Being content
Being grateful.
7. Engaging in Spiritual Cultivation
Hearing and being receptive to a timely Dharma.
Being patient and humble when corrected for one’s faults and failings
Associating with the Sangha of Practitioners
Discussing the Dhamma at the proper time
Practicing moderation in every area of life
Living a spiritual life.
8. Realizing the Deepest Truths
Benefitted from all the blessings
Finding insights into the Four Noble Truths*
Realizing the ultimate peace of Nirvana (absence of suffering, absence of greed, aggression and confusion).
Knowing an unshaken, sorrowless daily life and freedom from unresolved issues.
Sutta Nipata 2.4
*1. There is suffering in this world
2. Suffering arises due to causes and conditions
3. There is seeing and knowing the end of all suffering (bodily pain may arise for the liberated ones without causing suffering in the mind)
4. There are ways to develop to end suffering that dissolves conditions for suffering. major or minor.
May all beings know the fullness of blessings
May all beings meditate on the blessings
May all beings live a liberated way of life.