[Mahasi] [Ledi] [Other] [Pesala] [Suttas]

Discourses

Ratana Sutta - Precious Jewels

Buddha’s Discourse on Precious Jewels

1. Whatever beings are assembled here,
   whether terrestial or celestial,
   let all such beings be happy;
   and let them attentively listen to what is said.
    
2. Therefore, O beings, do you all pay attention;
   diffuse loving-kindness towards mankind
   who day and night bring offerings to you.
   Protect them, therefore, with earnestness.
    
3. Whatever treasure there is here or in the other world,
   or whatever precious jewel is in the heavenly worlds,
   yet there is none comparable with the Tathāgata.
   This precious jewel is in the Buddha.
   By this truth may there be peace!
    
4. The sage of the Sākyas of a tranquil mind,
   realised that cessation which is passionless, immortal, and excellent.
   There is nothing equal to that state.
   This precious jewel is in the Dhamma.
   By this truth may there be peace!
    
5. The supreme Buddha praised pure meditation
   which gives instantaneous results.
   There is nothing equal to that meditation.
   This precious jewel is in the Dhamma.
   By this truth may there be peace!
    
6. Eight individuals are praised by good people.
   They constitute the four pairs.
   They are the disciples of the Buddha, worthy of offerings.
   Whatever is offered to them yields abundant fruit.
   This precious jewel is in the Sangha.
   By this truth may there be peace!
    
7. Those who are freed from desires are well established
   in the teaching of Gotama with firm mind.
   They have attained to that which should be attained,
   having plunged into immortal nibbāna.
   They enjoy the Peace obtained without price.
   This precious jewel is in the Sangha.
   By this truth may there be peace!
    
8. Just as a city gate post fixed in the earth
   is not shaken by the winds from the four directions,
   even so, do I declare to be a good man
   he who thoroughly perceives the noble truths.
   This precious jewel is in the Sangha.
   By this truth may there be peace!
    
9. Those who comprehend clearly the noble truths
   well taught by him who is endowed with profound wisdom,
   however exceedingly heedless they may be,
   do not take birth for the eighth time.
   This precious jewel is in the Sangha.
   By this truth may there be peace!
    
10. Three conditions are forsaken by him
    at the instant of acquisition of Insight, namely,
    (i) self-delusion, (ii) uncertainty, and
    (iii) indulgence in rites and ceremonies should there be any.
    He is also absolutely freed from the four states of misery
    and is incapable of committing the six heinous crimes.
    This precious jewel is in the Sangha.
    By this truth may there be peace!
     
11. Whatever evil deed he commits,
    either by his body, speech, or thought,
    he is incapable of concealing it.
    For such an act is impossible for one who has seen the Path.
    This precious jewel is in the Sangha.
    By this truth may there be peace!
     
12. As a clump of trees whose tops are blossoming
    during the first heat of the summer months,
    so the sublime doctrine leading to nibbāna
    was taught for the highest goal.
    This precious jewel is in the Sangha.
    By this truth may there be peace!
     
13. The excellent one, the knower of the excellent,
    the giver of the excellent and bringer of excellence
    has expounded the excellent doctrine.
    This precious jewel is in the Buddha.
    By this truth may there be peace!
     
14. With the old (kamma) extinct,
    nothing new (kamma) to be reproduced,
    the mind detached from future birth -
    they have destroyed the seeds of existence.
    Their desires do not spring up again
    and those wise ones go out even as this lamp.
    This precious jewel is in the Sangha.
    By this truth may there be peace!
     
15. Whatever beings are assembled here,
    whether terrestrial or celestial,
    let us salute the Buddha.
    The Tathāgata is honoured by gods and men.
    May there be peace!
     
16. Whatever beings are assembled here,
    whether terrestrial or celestial,
    let us salute the Dhamma.
    The Tathāgata is honoured by gods and men.
    May there be peace!
     
17. Whatever beings are assembled here,
    whether terrestrial or celestial,
    let us salute the Sangha.
    The Tathāgata is honoured by gods and men.
    May there be peace!