Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 43Precious Things

Ratana Sutra (The Supreme Treasures)

Background

The Ratana Sutta, drawn from the Vinaya tradition of early Buddhism, is one of the most sacred texts in the Pāli Canon. Its title, “Treasures” or “Precious Things” (Ratana), reflects the deep nature of this text. According to the Theravāda tradition, the Ratana Sutta is regarded as a sacred protective discourse, often recited by monks on special occasions such as festivals, full-moon nights, or when difficulties arise in the community.

This discourse is taught in the context of the disciplinary rules of the Sangha (Vinaya). It is not only an instruction about discipline, but also a declaration of the protective power of the spiritual treasures proclaimed by the Buddha himself.

Main Content

The Ratana Sutta declares the three supreme treasures that anyone practicing the Buddha-Dharma should cherish and take refuge in: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. These are the Three Jewels (Tiratna), strongly emphasized in early Buddhism.

The Buddha Jewel (Buddha-ratana): The Buddha Gotama, the fully awakened one who realized nibbāna and guided humanity out of suffering. The Buddha is honored not for beauty or supernatural power, but for unsurpassed wisdom and immeasurable compassion.

The Dharma Jewel (Dhamma-ratana): The pure teaching of the Buddha, established through the stages of practice from morality (sīla) to concentration (samādhi) and wisdom (paññā). The Dharma is a sharp blade capable of cutting through all ignorance.

The Sangha Jewel (Sangha-ratana): The community of practitioners who follow the Buddha’s teaching, those who have attained the stages of noble realization. The Sangha is the place where the Dharma is maintained and transmitted across generations.

The Ratana Sutta emphasizes that these three treasures are true, luminous, and honorable among all practices. Whoever reveres these three treasures with the deepest faith will be protected by the sacred power arising from genuine faith and refuge.