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The Unknown Pilgrims
the siddhas (are) mangala,
the sādhus [are) mangala,
the dharma taught by the kevalins [is] mangala." 26
The uttama-sūtra, sūtra of Excellence
"The four [are) the most excellent27 in the universe,
the arhats (are) the most excellent in the universe,
the siddhas (are) the most excellent in the universe, the sadhus [are) the most excellent in the universe, the dharma taught by the kevalins [is] the most excellent in the universe. "28
The sarana-sutra: sūtra of Refuge
"I take refuge29 in the four,
I take refuge in the arhats
26 cattāri mangalam - arahaṁtā maṁgalam, siddha mamgalam,
sāhū maṁgalar, kevalipannatto dhammo maṁgalaṁ. AvaS 12.
27 Uttama: the highest, the supreme, the best, the most excellent; it is on account of their excellence, though they possess that excellence in varying degrees, that the four are mangala.
28 cattāri loguttamā - arahasta loguttamā siddhā loguttamā,
sāhū loguttamä, kevalipannatto dhammo loguttamo. AvaS 13.
29 Or: I find my refuge. . .; sarana, shelter, refuge, habitation, that which ensures protection. The four inspire, they are guides, ramparts, shelters which provide absolute certitude and unshakeable belief that the dharma is the good path.
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