Lzh Mg Bu Pm Pc 49Precious Things
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ratana
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The Sutta of Precious Jewels (Ratana Sutta)
Background
The Ratana Sutta, or "The Precious Jewels," is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli tradition, reflecting the historical context of the period when the Buddha Śākyamuni was still present in the world. According to related Dharma discourses, this sutta was taught by the Buddha amid the arising of various calamities, when communities of people faced difficulties brought about by supernatural forces or real and present dangers. The Buddha's wisdom pointed out that the three precious jewels — the Three Treasures — are the true protection of all beings, far surpassing external means or superficial beliefs.
This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka because it records the teaching of the Buddha given to guide the community of devotees regarding fundamental spiritual resources, while at the same time reflecting how the monastic Sangha understood and practiced the true Dharma. It is one of the most important texts concerning the nature of the Triple Gem (the Three Jewels) — the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
Principal Content
The Ratana Sutta revolves around the three precious jewels: the Buddha Jewel, the Dharma Jewel, and the Sangha Jewel (Buddhaṃ, Dhammaṃ, Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ). These are not three material objects but rather the three highest spiritual realities within Theravāda Buddhism.
The Buddha Jewel refers to the Buddha Śākyamuni together with all his transcendent qualities — boundless wisdom, immeasurable compassion, and wondrous power. The Buddha is not merely a great human being; he is the sole one who has demonstrated the path leading out of suffering.
The Dharma Jewel is the teaching that the Buddha discovered and transmitted — encompassing the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and all the doctrines concerning the true nature of existence. The Dharma does not depend upon the one who teaches it; it is an objective truth that can be verified by anyone through practice.
The Sangha Jewel is the community of monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunīs) who have steadfastly practiced in accordance with the word of the Buddha, from those who have attained the noble stages of realization to those who train with faithful dedication.
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