《幸福經》簡介
梁國雄居士
《幸福經》或《吉祥經》是南傳小部經中小誦經之一。在此經中，佛陀回應天神的啓請，宣示了約38項最上幸福的含義，內容包括世間法與出世間法的幸福，平實具體，層次分明，對于認真追求幸福，或初心修行人士，皆極有參考價值。
我最近參考了數編中英譯本，重譯了此經，並加了數則簡注，現附于本文之後，希望讀者能細心閱讀、思考、尋解、以及行持體證。更希望不幸的人生能速速停止，幸福的人生能繼續維持、增長，以及無上的幸福(涅槃)能早些降臨行者身上。
「幸福」是指「幸運」和「福氣」，是人生的一個理想狀態。它最少包括以下各項：
(1) 身體、心理、人格、社會關系等健康，
(2) 個人智慧、名聲、謀生及發展才能等，
(3) 美好的居住環境、伴侶、師長和親朋，
(4) 各類有形或無形的內外支持，
(5) 良好機會，以及逢凶化吉、轉危爲安的運氣，
(6) 五福：長壽、富貴、康甯、好德和善終。
它們人人皆想，卻是少有人得。有關方法佛陀在南傳小部經如是語經中的善行經(Khuddaka-Itivuttaka 71)也有簡要的開示：我親見和親證，若人賦有以下五事：
(1) 身善行、(2)語善行、(3)意善行、(4)不誹謗聖者、(5)持有正見及依正見行事者，身壞命終自會轉生善趣。
現請細讀以下【附錄】的《幸福經》：
Mangala Sutta (Discourse on Blessing) by K. Sri Dhammananda
《幸福經》
Thus have I heard. On one occasion, the Blessed One was dwelling at the monastery of Anathapindika in Jeta”s Grove near Savatthi.
如是我聞，一時，佛住舍衛國祗樹給孤獨園。
When the night was far spent, a certain deity whose surpassing splendour illuminated the entire Jeta Grove, came to the presence of the Blessed One, and, drawing near, respectfully saluted and stood at one side. Standing thus, He addressed the Blessed One in verse, "Many deities and men, yearning after good, have pondered on Blessings. Pray, please tell me the Highest Blessing."
一晚夜深時分，有一天神，體放光芒，照遍祗園，到訪佛陀，頂禮佛後，站在一旁，向佛請教曰：「衆天神與人，渴求諸幸福，請佛爲宣說，最上幸福義。」
(The Buddha replied as follows.)
佛陀回答曰：
1. Not to associate with the fools, to associate with the wise, and honour those who are worthy of honour -- this is the Highest Blessing.
(一) 遠離愚癡人，常與智者交，尊敬值得尊敬者，是爲最上的幸福。
2. To reside in a suitable locality, to have done meritorious actions in the past, and to set oneself in the right course -- this is the Highest Blessing.
(二) 住在合適處，往昔曾行善，現今又行于正道，是爲最上的幸福。
3. Vast-learning, perfect handicraft, a highly trained discipline (well-trained in discipline), and pleasant speech -- this is the Highest Blessing.
(叁) 博學技藝精，善守諸戒律，處世能言兼善辯，是爲最上的幸福。
4. The support of father and mother, the cherishing of wife and children, and peaceful occupations -- this the Highest Blessing.
(四) 養親愛妻兒，謀生不傷人，從事正當的職業，是爲最上的幸福。
5. Liberality, Righteous conduct, the helping of relatives, and blameless actions -- this is the Highest Blessing.
(五) 慷慨兼正直，樂助諸親友，行爲無可責難者，是爲最上的幸福。
6. To cease and abstain from evil. Forbearance with respect to intoxicants. And steadfastness in virtue -- this is the Highest Blessing.
(六) 避惡戒除惡，遠離麻醉品，堅持德行不放逸，是爲最上的幸福。
7. Reverence, humility, Contentment, gratitude, and opportune hearing of the Dhamma -- this is the Highest Blessing.\
(七) 謙虛與恭敬，知足並感恩，有機會聽聞佛法，是爲最上的幸福。
8. Patience, obedience, sight of the Samanas (ascetics) and religious discussions at due season -- this is the Highest Blessing.
(八) 忍耐與服從，遇到修行僧，能適時研討正法，是爲最上的幸福。
9. Self-control, Holy Life, perception of the Noble Truths, and the realisation of Nibbana -- this is the Highest Blessing.
(九) 克己修淨行，覺知四聖谛，現世能體證涅槃，是爲最上的幸福。
10. He whose mind does not flutter by contact with worldly contingencies, sorrowless, stainless, and secure -- this is the Highest Blessing.
(十) 遇事遭變故，不動不憂傷，內心離垢得安穩，是爲最上的幸福。
To them, fulfilling matters such as these, everywhere invincible, in every way moving happily -- these are the Highest Blessings.
成就的人天，無往而不利，所到之處皆安樂，是爲最上的幸福。 [完]
(注1) 遠離麻醉品：指不飲酒、不抽煙、不吸毒等。
(注2) 德行：一般指自利利他的良好行爲和習慣。
(注3) 克己修淨行：指過有自製的、少欲的、守戒律的嚴謹修行生活。
(注4) 遇事遭變故：指「世間法」中的得(利益)、失(衰滅或減損)、毀(毀謗)、 譽(背後贊譽)、稱(當衆稱道)、譏(誹謗)、苦、樂、等八法或八世風。
(注5) 內心離垢：指內心沒有(不染)貪瞋癡煩惱及其有關的隨煩惱等。