Ratana Sutta, A Discourse on Jewels by the Lord Buddha, is another important sutta after the Mangala Sutta, that all Buddhists should learn and understand. Apart from understanding the meaning behind each Pali verse, we should also know how to apply the Ratana Sutta in our daily living to get the most benefit of this precious sutra imparted by the Blessed One.
Let’s discuss.
What is Ratana Sutta Pali About?
The Ratana Sutta is a revered Buddhist discourse that praises the virtues of the Three Jewels ( 三宝 ), namely the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha, as precious sources of refuge and spiritual treasure. It emphasizes how honoring these jewels brings protection from harm, illness, and misfortune, guiding Buddhist practitioners on the path to peace and liberation.
The sutra’s verses highlight the Buddha’s perfect enlightenment, the purity and clarity of the Dhamma’s teachings, and the noble discipline of the Sangha community, inviting all beings to find spiritual strength and happiness in these timeless truths.
Originally, this sutta was propagated to the Devas but over time, many believed this sacred discourse by the Blessed One originated during a time of crisis when the city of Vesāli was afflicted by disease and suffering. Through the chanting of the Ratana Sutta lyrics, it is believed that the suffering was alleviated, and protection was bestowed.
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Ratana Sutta Lyrics Chanting
Below are the Ratana Sutta paritta lyrics:-
Understanding Ratana Sutta Meaning
The Ratana Sutta meaning may seem simple in wording, yet it requires deeper analysis and understanding to fully appreciate these paritta or protection verses. Here, we go through this meaningful paritta Ratana Sutta lyrics below:-
- The Blessed One preached the Dharma to all celestial beings in heavenly realms on the sanctity of the Buddha gems.
- The discourse impounded the importance of good deeds showered to all human beings on this Earth, especially to those who day and night bring offerings to all these Deva beings. We should guard zealously towards all these beings who honor these celestial beings.
- Whatever treasures there may be here or the world beyond or whatever precious jewels in the heavens, there is none comparable with the Blessed One’s teachings. Verily, the most precious jewel is the Buddha, and may this truth bring happiness to all Devas.
- The realization of serenity by the sage of the Sakyas, meaning the Buddha; that even the cessation of Samsara, passion-free or craving-free, and gaining supreme immortality cannot be compared to his Dhamma teachings. Verily, it is this precious jewel of the Dhamma, that upon receiving this truth, may all these Devas beings be blessed with happiness.
- The Buddha supreme praised the sanctity of concentration without interruption, which implied contemplation with serenity and tranquility beyond mere concentration. Verily, of this precious jewel is the Dharma. By this truth, may there be happiness shared to all Deva beings.
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- Those Eight Individuals or Four Pairs of beings being praised by the virtuous are worthy of offerings. They are the disciples of the Blessed One. Whoever gave them any gifts will henceforth yield abundant fruits. Verily, in the Sangha of this precious jewel, may this truth will there be happiness to all Deva beings.
- Holding a steadfast mind, which is instilled in themselves thoroughly with the usual requirements of spiritual training without relying on the Buddha’s presence, for they have attained all exemption from passion. By achieving all these attainments, one leads into a state of void and ceases the cycle of life and death, thus attaining a bliss of happiness without any adverse condition. Verily, in the Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth, may there be happiness in the realms of deva beings.
- Just like a firm post being sunk onto the earth that cannot shaken by the four winds, so is one who has a good state of mind, righteous, and who has thoroughly understood the Four Noble Truths and eventually attained Nibbana. Verily, in this Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth, may all Deva beings attain happiness.
- Those who have fully and clearly understood the Four Noble Truths, being well taught by the Blessed One, even if they have yet to reach realization, will only undergo at most seven rebirths. Verily, in the Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth may all Deva beings achieve happiness.
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- With the acquisition of insight through eradication of the first Three Fetters, which are self-illusion, doubt, and wrong rites and rituals, one who has absolutely freed from the Four States of Misery, namely the animal world, hell state, ghost state, and lastly the demon world. At the same time, this person is incapable of committing any of the Six Heinous Crimes, namely, wounding the Buddha, killing an Arahant, killing their father, killing their mother, killing their own siblings and lastly genocide. Verily, in the Sangha is this precious jewel. By this truth, may there happiness in the Deva realms.
- When one has attained the path of Arahantship, one could never able to hide any evil deed committed whether by deed, word or thought. For one who has such purity of mind, heart and body is impossible to do any evil action. Verily, in this Sangha is the precious jewel. By this truth, may there be happiness in the Deva realms.
- Like the woodland groves with blossomed trees top coming into the first heat of the summer season, the doctrine of Abhidharma, which leads one to attain Nibbana has been taught for the finest attainment. Verily, in the Buddha is this precious jewel. By this truth, may there be happiness in the Deva realms.
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- The unrivalled Excellent One, the Blessed One. The Giver and Bringer of the Excellent Truth has expounded the excellent Doctrine of Truth. Verily, in the Buddha is this precious jewel. By this truth, may there be happiness in the Deva realms.
- Their past is extinct, and there is no more becoming into a mother’s womb. Their minds are no longer attached to any future birth, and their desires have ceased to grow. The wise one is glittering to go even though the lamp may be flickering out. Verily, in the Sangha is this precious jewel, may there be happiness in the Deva realms.
- We heavenly beings assembled here whether we are terrestrial or celestial one will salute the Accomplished Buddha, honored by Gods and Humans. May there be happiness for everyone.
- We heavenly beings assembled here whether we are terrestrial or celestial beings will salute the Accomplished Dharma, honored by Gods and humans. May there be happiness for everyone.
- We heavenly beings assembled here whether we are terrestrial or celestial one will salute the Accomplished Sangha, honored by Gods and humans. May there be happiness for everyone.
How to Apply Ratana Sutta Paritta Chanting to Gain Most of Ratana Sutta Benefits
Today, the Ratana Sutta remains a powerful prayer for blessings and well-being, often recited to ward off negative influences and maintain a harmonious environment at home. It inspires a deep faith and connection to the Three Jewels, cultivating a stable and serene mind that can withstand adversity and ultimately attain the bliss of Nibbana.
But how can we make the most of Ratana Sutta benefits? This Ratana Sutra is most suitable for blessing the home or house, which helps to neutralize the bad energy of the house.
We recommend chanting the Ratana Sutta once in the morning and once in the evening as part of your daily chanting routine. Usually, Ratana Sutta chanting is recited right after chanting the Mangala Sutta, then after which is followed by chanting the Karaniya Metta Sutta, and continued with Maha Jayamangala Gatha for the most complete paritta chanting session.
Final Thoughts
The Ratana Sutta stands as a high tribute to the Three Jewels — the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha — revealing their unmatched value as the ultimate refuge and source of protection. Through its melodious verses, it assures Buddhist practitioners that by honoring these precious jewels, one can dispel fear, illness, and misfortune while cultivating a serene and steadfast mind.
This sacred discourse invites all beings to find unwavering strength, joy, and safety in the Buddha’s enlightenment, the clarity of the Dhamma, and the noble company of the Sangha. May this precious truth bring happiness and protection to all who embrace it, touching both terrestrial and celestial realms alike.