San Lo Bi Vb Pc 39Precious Things

Explanation of the Ratana Rule (Precious Things)

Background

The Ratana rule, or “Precious Things,” is an important part of the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This is not a discourse preached by the Buddha to disciples, but a section of monastic discipline, specifically belonging to Santhara Lobi Vibhanga, described here as an analysis of rules related to renunciation, with Pātimokkha Code 39 (Pc 39). In the Pāli traditional context, “precious” (ratana) refers not only to material property but also to moral standards in Buddhist practice.

This rule arose in the context of the Buddha’s establishment of a strictly disciplined monastic community (Sangha). The regulations concerning “precious things” aim to protect the integrity, morality, and spirit of practice of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs.

Main Content

The Ratana rule in the Vinaya Piṭaka revolves around issues related to objects, property, or values considered “precious” in the life of Buddhist monastics. Specifically, this rule explains regulations on how to manage, use, and share communal property of the monastic community, as well as principles concerning the acceptance or refusal of offerings from devotees.

The content of this rule teaches that the objects or property possessed by a monastic, whether robes, alms bowl, or daily requisites, should not become objects of attachment or cause distress. Instead, monastics are encouraged to relate to them according to the principle of “not regarding them as mine” (anatta-bhāva), that is, without attachment to “I” or “mine.”

The rule emphasizes that truly “precious things” are those that contribute to practice: faith, discipline, learning, generosity, and wisdom. These values, not material things, are truly precious because they lead the monastic closer to awakening.