Lzh Mu Bu Vb Pc 59Precious Things
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ratana
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DISCOURSE ON PRECIOUS THINGS (RATANA SUTTA)
Background
The Ratana discourse (Precious Things) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon and describes a sacred event that occurred in the time of Buddha Śākyamuni. According to the Buddha’s instruction, a bhikkhu named Aṅgulimāla, formerly a notorious killer, was converted and attained the noble fruit.
This event is not about “precious things” in an ordinary worldly sense; rather, “Ratana” here means jewels or treasures, the priceless values taught by Buddhism regarding the three supreme refuges. The content of this discourse is regarded as one of the most wondrous teachings in the canon, with the power to protect and bring blessing to those who receive it with faith and devotion.
Main Content
The Ratana discourse expounds the three supreme jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, called the Three Jewels or the three most precious treasures.
First is the Buddha — Śākyamuni with all perfect qualities. He is an arhat, a Sammāsambuddha, a perfectly awakened Buddha who realized the Dharma by himself without a guide. This is a treasure that cannot be measured.
Second is the Dharma (Dhamma) — the profound teaching that the Buddha realized and transmitted. This Dharma does not depend on a person, does not decay, can be practiced by anyone, and leads to nirvana. It is fundamental, not created by anyone, and enduringly present.
Third is the Sangha — the noble community of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs who have attained the fruits of the Dharma or are practicing according to the path taught by the Buddha. The Sangha is the faithful heir of the Dharma, the living witness to the effectiveness of practice.
The discourse emphasizes that these three jewels are not worldly possessions or temporary powers, but boundless spiritual values. Those who sincerely take refuge in these Three Jewels, receiving them with faith and devotion, will be protected, gain immeasurable blessings, and transcend fear and suffering.
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