Lzh Mi Bu Vb Pc 69Precious Things
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ratana
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The Ratana Text (Precious Things)
Background
The Ratana text belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, showing the importance of recognizing true values in the practice of the Buddha-Dharma. The title "Ratana" means "precious things" or "spiritual treasures," referring to core elements not of material wealth but of the spiritual life.
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this text is presented as guidance for monks and nuns (bhikkhu and bhikkhunī) on how to distinguish what truly has value in the life of practice from what is useless or harmful. This is the foundation of Buddhist discipline: not to restrict, but to protect the most precious things on the path to liberation.
Main Content
The Ratana text examines the "precious things" that a true Buddhist should value. First are the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (Dhamma), and the Sangha. These are the three basic foundations on which any practitioner must rely, because they are the source of all teachings and realization.
Second, the text points out the precious qualities of the Dharma itself, namely its quality of direct verification (ehipassiko), meaning that it can be tried and verified for oneself without blind belief. The Dharma does not require worship of idols or supernatural belief, but is direct practice leading to the cessation of suffering.
Third, the text emphasizes that precious things are not gold, silver, power, or the things sought by worldly people. They are the Five Precepts (Pañcasīla), meditative concentration (Jhāna), wisdom (Paññā), and the path leading to nirvana (Nibbāna), liberation from suffering. These are the true possessions, because they can never be lost through external events, injustice, or death.
Meaning for Practice
The practical value of the Ratana text lies in turning the mind away from illusory pursuits toward true spiritual aims.
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