10 packages of Highest Blessing

Tonight I heard an interesting talk by Sayalay Agga Nani about Sila at Bukit Mertajam Buddhist Meditation Centre. Sayalay uses Mangala Sutta to show us the importance of Sila. Sila is found in each and every part of Mangala Sutta, said Sayalay. What is interesting is Sayalay describe Mangala Sutta in 10 parts that comprise of the 38 Highest Blessing. Each verse is a packagae by itself and Sayalay explained them as such with further emphasis on the presence of Sila in each of these 10 packages. For example in the first verse,

Asevanā ca bālānam
Panditānañca sevanā
Pūjā ca pūjaneyyānam
Etam mangalamuttamam

Sayalay pointed out that one not only had to dissociate with the fools but had to associate with the wise. However if one do not honour those worthy of honour (the wise) then one cannot get the benefit of the association and thus will not get the highest blessing. So in this verse, Sila can be found in the act of honouring the wise.
Another example, the 7th verse

Āratī viratī pāpā
Majjhapānā ca samyamo
Appamādo ca dhammesu
Etam mangalamuttamam

This verse definitely contains Sila. One has to abhor and avoid evil and abstains from taking intoxicants, but most importantly, must also be diligent in righteousness in order to have the highest blessing.

I feel happy to hear this talk by Sayalay that not only explain the component of Sila in Mangala Sutta and the importance of Sila but also show how Mangala Sutta can be interpreted as 10 packages of 38 Highest Blessing.

Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu