Mangala Sutta is one of the most oft-quoted discourses in Pali scriptures. It contains many practical hints for those who desire a blessed life and spiritual progress.

The word "mangala" holds a special appeal to the masses because it signifies blessing, prosperity, or auspiciousness. That is why in almost all auspicious ceremonies monks are requested to recite this particular discourse in order to bring about the favorable effects suggested by its name. But it should be noted here that, according to Buddhism, blessings in life are more the creations of our own action rather than a result of external factors. This means that if we want to prosper, materially or spiritually, we have to work things out for ourselves, and the Mangala Sutta explains those things that we ought to do in order to achieve this end.

It is said that when the Buddha was residing at Jeta Grove in Savatthi, there arose a question among the general public as to what constituted the blessings of life. Different people held different views and, as such, no agreement of opinions could be reached by them.

According to some, a mangala was any of such sights as a pregnant woman, little boys, white bulls, etc. Others argued that a mangala was any of such sounds as the words "full", "luck", or the sound of music, etc. Yet there were those who asserted that such favorable experiences as the fragrance of flowers, the touching of the earth, etc., were a blessing. And so the argument raged on.

From this it is clear that those who engaged in the argument formed their ideas on the basis of what they could experience with their senses. They thought, for example, that if a person heard someone else say the word "luck", "fortune", or "success" then he would eventually be blessed with luck or success. The sight of a pregnant woman suggested to them the idea of fullness or satisfaction, so they thought it would bring them happiness. Such people merely speculated on external factors, and did not understand the importance of man's inner quality. So they missed the whole point.

It is further said that the debate on "mangala" was not confined only to man, but was also taken up even by deities, who again found themselves unable to decide the issue. One night a certain deity, therefore, visited the Buddha at his abode in Jeta Grove and put forward this question to him. Thereupon, the Blessed One delivered to him what came to be known as Mangala Sutta or the Discourse on Blessings.