Ratana Sutta:

The three superb jewels

by Premasara Epasinghe

In Theravada Buddhist countries, one of the most recited popular discourses is the Ratana Sutta.

The Buddha during His lifetime caused three massive calamities disappear in Vesali, India. They are famine, harm from evil spirit and disease.

Ratana sutta is extracted from Khuddaka Nikaya. It is one of the most powerful and effective protective discourses. There are 17 stanzas in Ratana Sutta. It begins with:

Yanidha Bhutani Samagatani,
Bhummani Va Yaniva Antalikkhe,
Sabb'eva Bhuta Sumana Bhavantu
Atho'pi Sakkacca Sunanju Bhasitam
Whatever spirits that are assembled here,
Having Loving Kindness towards Human Beings
Who make offerings to you day and night;
Therefore, protect them diligently

The stanzas 15, 16, 17 reveal the Great king of the Heaven Sakka, too was present in Vesali and listened to and witnessed the effectiveness of the recitation of Ratana Sutta and worshipped the Triple Gem thus in appreciation:

Yanidha Bhutani Samagatani,
Bhummani Va Yani'va Antalikkhe,
Thathagatam Devamanussapujitam,
Buddham – Dhamam – Sangham
Namassama Suvatthu Hotu.

Spirits

Whatever spirits (we) that are assembled here,
Those of the Earth and those of the Air,
The Wayfarer had been worshipped by Gods and Men,
May we worship - Buddha - Dhamma and Sangha

There is recorded evidence in the Mahavamsa and Chulavamsa that during the reign of King Upatissa II (365-406 AD) Sri Lanka was affected by famine and plague and the benevolent king requested Bhikkhus to recite the Ratana Sutta. After the rental, it rained and famine subsided. Further, during the period of Sena II (853-887 AD), Ratana Sutta was inscribed in a gold plate and a great festival was held.

After the first two verses in the Ratana Sutta the other 12 verses describe the virtues of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. They are known as Patanam Panitam due to their superior qualities.

Licchavis were a powerful tribe in India. At the time when Prince Siddhartha was born, Licchavi's capital was Vesali. It was a flourishing city. However, Vesali was hit by a famine due to drought and famine.

Desperation

The citizens of Vesali in sheer desperation appealed to the king to save them. Some foolish ministers advised the king to offer animals and birds as sacrifices to gods.

In spite of all these rites, they were unable to ward of calamities. As a last resort, the citizens of Vesali, through the good office of King Bimbisara, met the Buddha.

Through compassion, The Buddha consented to visit the city of Vesali. The Buddha stood at the gate of the city and instructed His Dharmabandagarika Ananda to learn Ratana Sutta. Accordingly Ananda Thera recited the Sutta as protection taking water in the Buddha's bowl, going around sprinkling pirith water, over the entire city. It is said that once Ven. Ananda uttered the third stansa evil spirits fled.

Yam Kinci Vittam Indha Va Huram Va -
Saggesu Va Yam Ratanam Panitam -
Na No samam Atthi Thathagatena -
Idam'p, Buddhe Ratanam Panitam -
Etena Saccena Suvatthi Hotu -
Whatever wealth here or in the other world is,
Or whatever excellent jewel there is in the Heavens,

There is none equal to the Buddha - the Blessed One,
This Jewel found in the Buddha is excellent

Happiness

On account of this truth - may there be happiness to all beings!

Once the evil spirits left, the diseases disappeared. They came out and honoured the elders.

The verses 12, 13, 14 - describes in poetic language the value of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

The verse 12 -

Vanappagumbe Yatha Phussitagge,
Gimhanamase Pathmasmin Gimhe,
Tatupaman Dhammavaram Adesay,
Nibbana Gamin Paraman Hitaya
Idam'p, Buddhe Ratanam Panitam
Etena Saccena Suvattu Hotu.

As a woodland grove is crowned with blossoming flowers, during the heat of the first month of summer, even so crowned is the sublime of Dhamma leading to Nibbana, which Buddha expounded for the highest good. Verily, in the Buddha is this superb jewel. By virtue of this truth, may there be well-being.

The 13 stanza consists of 4 lines:

Varo, Varannu, Varado, Varaharo -
Annuttaro Dhammavaran Adesayi -
Idam's Pi Buddhe Ratanam Panitab
Etena Saccena Suvatthi Hotu!

He, the sublime One-Buddha. The 'knower' of the Sublime (Nirvana). The Giver of the Sublime (Dhamma-Doctrine), The Bringer of the Sublime (Noble Path), the Peerless One (Buddha) Taught the Sublime. Dhamma, Verily, in the Buddha is this superb Jewel. By virtue of this Truth may there be well-being!