The Mangala Sutta was the first Pāli sutta I ever learned to recite, and even now it remains the one closest to my heart. When I first encountered it, I treated it almost like a checklist — a practical guide outlining what we should do if we wish to live a truly blessed life. I would play it at home, trusting that its words would bring good energy, protection, and blessings into the space.

Naturally, it also became a source of musical inspiration. But recently, something shifted. Instead of reading the sutta as instructions for the future, I began reading it as a mirror for the present — a gentle reminder to notice the blessings already in my life.

That change in perspective softened something inside me.

We live in a world that tells us success means status, wealth, luxury, and the constant pursuit of “more.” But the Mangala Sutta points to something much simpler and far more meaningful: the blessings found in ordinary life — good friendships, meaningful work, family love, ethical living, and a peaceful heart.

If we have the wisdom to recognize these blessings early, perhaps we would spend less time chasing what is temporary and more time appreciating what truly matters. And in doing so, maybe we would discover that we are already far more fortunate — and far happier — than we realized.

So in this series of reflections, let us pause together, read slowly, and count our blessings — one verse at a time.

Asevanā ca bālānam
Panditānañ ca sevanā
Pūjā ca pūjanīyānam
Etam mangala muttamam

“Not to associate with the foolish, but to associate with the wise; and to honor those who are worthy of honor — this is the greatest blessing.

Gratitude for the Wise People in Our Lives

Sometimes we move through life so quickly that we forget to notice one of the quiet blessings already around us: the people who guide us, steady us, and remind us what kindness looks like. They might be a colleague who patiently explains things, a boss who pushes us because they see potential, or a parent whose reminders sound like nagging but come from love.

Wise people don’t always look like spiritual teachers or sit on meditation cushions.
Often, wisdom comes disguised as ordinary conversations, gentle advice, or inconvenient truths. And when our minds are clouded by pride, insecurity, or ego, their guidance may even feel irritating — even though it comes from good intention.

But when we read the verse from the Mangala Sutta with the intention of recognizing blessings rather than searching for what is missing, something shifts. The heart softens. Awareness widens. Suddenly, someone we overlooked or took for granted begins to shine differently in our memory and in our present.

Once we recognize such a person, the next step is simple — appreciate them.
It doesn’t need to be dramatic or poetic. A short message, a sincere “thank you,” offering help, visiting when possible, or simply treating them with warmth and respect — these are all meaningful ways of honoring those who helped shape who we are.

Yet our own ego sometimes complicates this. We hesitate. We tell ourselves, “It’s awkward,” or “It’s unnecessary,” or “Maybe later.” Soon, later becomes never. And as we overlook kindness again and again, we slowly train the mind to ignore blessings — and then wonder why we feel lonely.

So let us pause today.
Let us notice.
Let us remember the people who guided us, supported us, or gently pushed us in the right direction, even when we didn’t understand their role at the time.

When we recognize them, gratitude naturally arises. And gratitude softens us — reminding us that we are supported, guided, and connected. It reminds us that we did not walk this journey alone.

And in that moment of recognition, we realize:
we are already blessed.

From that understanding, more blessings naturally unfold — not because life suddenly changes, but because our heart finally does.

Seeing goodness, and responding with gratitude, is not just a virtue.
It is a quiet magnet that draws more kindness, more meaning, and more joy into our lives.

May all be well and happy.