Ratana Sutta
Discourse on the [Three] Jewels
Having reflected upon all the virtues of the Buddha "commencing from the time of His aspiration for Buddhahood in the presence of Buddha Dipankara; his practices of the thirty perfections comprising ten ordinary perfections, ten superior perfections and ten supreme perfections, the five sacrifices; the three modes of practice comprising the practice for the welfare of the world, for the welfare of relatives, and for the benefit of Buddhahood, and in His last Life, taking conception in His mother's womb, His birth, renunciation, practice of austerity, victory over Mara (five kinds of evil) under the Bodhi tree, to the realization of Omniscience, turning of the wheel of truth and the nine supramundane states." Venerable Ananda, the Elder had compassionately recited the protective discourse of the Ratana Sutta, throughout the three watches of the night within three walls of Vesali City. As the Venerable Ananda did, may we recite this Paritta. The gracious power of this protective discourse is accepted by the deities in the thousand billion universes and in the city of Vesali. By the power of this discourse, three types of disasters that broke out due to epidemic disease, inhuman beings and famine, quickly disappeared. Oh gentle ones! Let us recite this Paritta. Whatever beings are here assembled, whether terrestrial or celestial, may they all be happy! Moreover may they attentively listen to my words!
Accordingly give good heed, all ye beings! Show your love to the human beings who, day and night, bring offerings to you. Wherefore guard them zealously.
Whatever treasure there be either here or in the world beyond, or whatever precious jewel in the precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!
The tranquil Sage of the Sakyas realized that Cessation, Passion-free, Immortality Supreme. There is nought comparable with the Dhamma. Verily, in the Dhamma is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!
That Sanctity praised by the Buddha Supreme is described as "concentration without interruption. There is nought like that Concentration. Verily, in the Dhamma is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!
Those Eight Individuals, praised by the virtuous, constitute four pairs. They, the worthy of offerings, the disciples of the Welcome One, - to these gifts given yield abundant fruit. Verily, in the Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!
With steadfast mind, applying themselves thoroughly in the Dispensation of Gotama, exempt (from passion), they have attained to "that which should be attained", and, plunging into the Deathless, they enjoy Peace obtained without price. Verily, in the Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!
Just as a firm post, sunk in the earth, cannot be shaken by the four winds; even so do I declare him to be a righteous person who thoroughly perceives the Noble Truths. Verily, in the Sangha is the precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!
Those who comprehend clearly the Noble Truths, well taught by Him of wisdom deep, do not, however exceeding heedless they may be, undergo an eighth birth. Verily, in the Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!
For him with the acquisition of Insight, three conditions come to nought - namely, self-illusion, doubt, and indulgence in (wrongful) rites and ceremonies, should there be any. From the four states of misery, he is absolutely freed, and is incapable of committing the six heinous crimes. Verily, in the Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!
Whatever evil deed he does, whether by deed, word or thought, he is incapable of hiding it; for it hath been said that such an act is impossible for one who has seen the Path. Verily, in the Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!
Like unto the woodland groves with blossomed tree tops in the first heat of the summer season, hath the sublime doctrine, that leads to Nibbana, been taught for the Highest Good. Verily, in the Buddha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness.
The unrivalled Excellent One, the Knower, the Giver, and the Bringer of the Excellent has expounded the excellent Doctrine. Verily, in the Buddha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!
Their past is extinct, a fresh becoming there is not, their minds are not attached to a future birth, their desires grow not - those wise ones go out even as this lamp. Verily, in the Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth may there be happiness!
We beings here assembled, whether terrestrial or celestial, salute the Accomplished Buddha, honoured by gods and men. May there be happiness!
We beings here assembled, whether terrestrial or celestial, salute the Accomplished Dhamma, honoured by gods and men. May there be happiness!
We beings here assembled, whether terrestrial or celestial, salute the Accomplished Sangha, honoured by gods and men. May there be happiness!