Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 42Precious Things
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ratana
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The Ratana Discourse (Precious Things)
Background
The Ratana discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravāda tradition, within the section of rules of practice for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. The title of this discourse means "precious things" or "precious treasures," reflecting a core idea of early Buddhism: noble values are not material possessions, but qualities of ethics and wisdom.
In the context of the Vinaya Pitaka, this discourse especially emphasizes that the true precious things that bhikkhus should cultivate are factors connected with the Buddhist path. This is a profound lesson in transforming one's perception of value, guiding practitioners to abandon craving for impermanent material things and turn the mind toward what has lasting worth.
Main Content
The Ratana discourse centers on the three supreme treasures of Buddhism, called the Three Jewels (Ratanattaya): the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. These are not three material treasures, but the three supreme refuges for human life.
First is the Buddha: Gotama Buddha, the Tathagata who is fully awakened and has gone beyond all suffering and craving. The Buddha is regarded as exceedingly precious because he is the foremost teacher, the one who teaches the true path out of suffering.
Second is the Dharma (Dhamma): the teachings of the Buddha, including eighty-four thousand Dharma doors, but centered on the Four Noble Truths (Ariyasacca): suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path leading to the cessation of suffering. The Dharma is the most precious treasure because it is the direct instrument guiding us to nirvana.
Third is the Sangha: the community of bhikkhus, bhikkhunīs, laymen, and laywomen who have practiced according to the Dharma. The Sangha is precious because they are living examples of the possibility of practicing the Buddhist path and companions on the path of virtue.
The discourse emphasizes that these precious things cannot be stolen, cannot be burned by fire, cannot be swept away by water, and cannot be carried off by wind.
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