What we hear from media and what we see in the society affirms one fact; a sharp decline in human qualities. Compared to the past, we have advanced in technology and comforts. And that makes people say that we are more civilized and more intelligent now.  But the truth is we are losing our humanness. We are forgetting kindness, compassion, empathy, tolerance and many other qualities that make us human. If we are unable to differentiate good from bad, right from wrong, and if the line between these are blurred, then we cannot think of us as an advanced and more intelligent society. Today’s world is resourceful, creative but not wise. And sadly we are heading towards further decline in human qualities.

In Chakkavatti Sihanaada sutta the Lord Buddha explains how good human qualities gradually extinct in the future and how good and bad become completely unclear. What we see in the society is the continuation of that process which indeed started even before the time of the Buddha Gauthama. So, as people who live in a very confusing society it is important to know what is good and be able to identify good from bad practices. The Maha Mangala Sutta is a discourse that clearly states what is good and what needs to be practiced to protect one’s life. Let us learn a few points from the sutta;

•    Not associating with fools, but associating with the wise – This is the first advice in this sutta. Fools here are not unintelligent or illiterate people. Fools are people who don’t know good and bad, who do not know merits and demerits. Wise people, according to noble Dhamma, are the great Arhanths and noble disciples of the Buddha. But there are no Arhanths for us to associate with now, but there are noble friends who help you progress in Dhamma. The Lord Buddha has stated whom one should associate as the first point in this sutta because, people you associate influence your life. Therefore choose your friends wisely.

•    Honoring and respecting those who are worthy of honor and respect and humility- Who are worthy of honor and respect? Bhikkus, parents, teachers, elders. This practice makes you humble.  Unfortunately, the society has already forgotten this.

•    Having well-spoken words– the society is in a great need for kind words. This fast-pace life has made people edgy and hot-tempered. Simple incidents are enough to incite them. We need to develop kindness to be able to speak kind words. Likewise to speak truthful words and avoiding slander and empty words you need to develop human qualities.

•    Assisting your parents, looking after your family and relatives– the Lord Buddha has stated that these practices are commendable. Our busy life schedules have taken us away from our parents and relatives. This is a point to take into serious consideration and absorb into our life.

•    Contentment and being grateful– being thankful and remembering those who helped us is a great human quality, which sadly is slipping away from us. Not knowing how to be content with is a major problem in today’s society. That is what creates this unending race.

•    Being patient and easily spoken to– being patient is a quality to be practiced when provoked. Being obedient comes with being patient. If we can not be patient we would not hear what is said to be obedient. These are qualities that helps you be a better human being.

If a person can remember these few points taken from the Maha Mangala sutta and try to absorb them into his life, he can be considered as someone who has gained much from the noble Dhamma. He becomes someone who develops human qualities. May these few points taken from Maha Mangla Sutta help us be better with better human qualities.

By Prajapathi Jayawardene