Xct Mu Bu Vb Pc 59Precious Things
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ratana
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
THE DISCOURSE ON PRECIOUS THINGS (RATANA)
Background
The Ratana discourse (precious things) appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha, the disciplinary code for bhikkhus. Although situated in a legal context, this discourse has profound sacred value and is regarded as one of the most sacred texts in the Theravāda tradition.
According to some sources, Ratana is also called the Ratana Sutta (the discourse on the three jewels) when attested in the Khuddaka Nikāya (Minor Collection). It is said to have been taught by the Buddha Gotama to protect Buddhists from fear and calamity, emphasizing the three jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
Main Content
The Ratana discourse praises the three jewels (Tiratna), or three treasures of Buddhism, regarded as the most precious things human beings can possess. First is the Buddha Jewel — what the Buddha Gotama attained and taught, including supreme awakening (Anuttara-Sambodhi) and the path leading to liberation. The Buddha is not merely an individual, but the manifestation of boundless wisdom and compassion.
Second is the Dharma Jewel (Dhamma) — the teachings the Buddha proclaimed to guide human beings out of suffering (dukkha). The Dharma is true understanding of the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and all the teachings that build the foundation of Buddhist practice. The Dharma is like a bright torch in the darkness of ignorance.
Third is the Sangha Jewel (Sangha) — the community of those gone forth who practice diligently, the arahants who have attained the sacred fruits. The Sangha is the living model of simple practice and attainment, a refuge and guide for those who practice.
The discourse emphasizes that these three jewels are immeasurably precious treasures, surpassing all material wealth. They never decay and are never lost if practiced with sincere heart and clear understanding.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.