Chapter 03 [Short Notes]

LET US RECOGNISE THE NOBLE QUALITIES OF THE TRIPLE GEM

1. The Supreme Buddha is the greatest teacher who ever appeared in the world.
2. The Buddha Rathna and Dhamma Rathna appeared on the same day (on a Vesak Full
Moon Poya day, along with the Supreme Enlightenment of the Buddha).
3. The Sangha Rathna appeared on an Esala Full Moon Poya day (along with the
Enlightenment of Ven. Kondanna Thero, after listening to the
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta).
4. There are 9 Great qualities of the Buddha.
5. There are 6 Great qualities of the Dhamma.
6. There are 9 Great qualities of the Sangha.
7. Altogether there are 24 great qualities of the Noble Triple Gem. (Those are known as
‘Sūvisi Maha Guna’).
8. The Noble Triple Gem is also known as : Trividha Rathna, Tun Sarana, Thisarana,
Theruwan.
9. The Buddhists usually bless another person saying : “Theruwan Saranai !”, “Thisarana
Saranai !” or “May the Noble Triple Gem bless you !”.

10. The Gatha to worship the Buddha

Iti pi’so bhagavā: Arahaṃ, Sammā Sambuddho, Vijjā caraṇa sampanno, Sugato,
Lokavidū, Anuttaro purisadamma sārathi, Satthā Devamanussānaṃ, Buddho, Bhagavā
‘ti

❖ The Nine Great Qualities of the Buddha

1. Arahaṃ = He did not do any sin even in secretly, he destroyed all defilements,
he is worthy of.
2. Sammāsambuddho = He discovered the four noble truths by himself without
a teacher.
3. Vijjācarana-Sampanno = He is endowed with great knowledge and wisdom.
4. Sugato = Pleasant in words and behavior.
 5. Lokavidu = Knower of all the worlds.
6. Anuttaropurisadhammasārathi = Incomparable leader who tamed untamed
beings.
7. Satthā Deva Manussanaṃ = Teacher of all Gods and men.
8. Buddho = Who knows the Four noble truths.
9. Bhagavā = Endowed With special powers.

11. The Gatha to worship the Dhamma

Svākkhāto Bhagavatā Dhammo, Sandittiko, Akāliko, Ehi–passiko,Opanayiko,
Paccattaṃ veditabbo viññuhī’ti

❖ The Six Great Qualities of the Dhamma

1. Swākkāto – The Dhamma is well expressed and well expounded by the Blessed One
2. Sanditthiko – To be seen here and now, to be realized and understood by one-self
3. Akāliko – Of instant result, not delayed in time, with immediate fruit
4. Ēhi – passiko – can be invited anyone to “Come and See”, can be examined, inviting
all to approach and realize by themselves
5. Opanayiko – Opening the doors to Nibbana, worthy to be achieved
6. Paccattam veditabbō viññuhi – To be known and experienced by each person who
is wise

12. The Maha Sangha practise the principles and follow the path shown by the Buddha, with
the ultimate target of attaining the Enlightenment (to be liberated from all Samsaric
sufferings).
13. Taking refuge in the Noble Triple Gem
• Taking refuge in the Noble Triple Gem is entirely different from seeking the
salvation from an Almighty God, a Brahma or another liberator/ saviour.
• The foundation of Buddhism is Saddha (Faith).
• Saddha arises in one’s mind, once he has understood the great qualities of the
Noble Triple Gem.
• We should take refuge in the Noble Triple Gem with faith and wisdom.
 • The innumerable qualities of the Noble Triple gem have been summarized for easy
recalling.

14. The Gatha to worship the Sangha

Supaṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṃgho, Uju paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṃgho,
Ñāya paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-saṃgho, Sāmīci paṭipanno bhagavato sāvaka-
saṃgho; Yadidaṃ cattāri, purisayugāni, aṭṭha-purisa puggalā, Esa bhagavato sāvaka-
saṃgho; Āhuneyyo, Pāhuneyyo, Dakkhineyyo, Añjalikaranīyo, Anuttaraṃ
puññakkhettaṃ lokassā ‘ti

❖ The Nine Great Qualities of the Sangha

1. Supatipanno – The Blessed One’s disciples are of good conduct

2. Ujupatipanno – The Blessed One’s disciples are of right conduct
3. Nayapatipanno – The Blessed One’s disciples are of wise conduct
4. Sāmicipatipanno – The Blessed One’s disciples are of dutiful conduct
5. Ahuneyyo – Worthy of offering
6. Pāhuneyyo – Worthy of treating
7. Dhakkhineyyo – Worthy of gifts and reverence
8. Anjalikaranīyo – Worthy of salutation and respect (with clasped hands on the
forehead)
9. Anuttaram puññakkhettam lokassa – Is an incomparable field of merit to the world

15. The precepts observed and followed by Venerable Bhikkhus

• Samanera Sīla : This is the category of precepts followed by the novice monks
(Samanera Bhikkhus) in the young age.

• Upasampada Sīla : This is the category of precepts followed by the Bhikkhus who
have received the Higher Ordination (Upasampada).
16. The two kinds of offerings (Pooja) that we could offer the Buddha with,
➢ Amisha Pooja : Offering the Buddha with material offerings.
Eg : * Offering flowers, incense, light, gilanpasa, Buddha pooja, etc.
* Making decorations like Vesak lanterns, Pandols, illuminations
➢ Pratipatthi Pooja : Offering the Buddha with one’s own good conduct and policies.
Eg : * Panca Sila Pratipada (following the five precepts life long)
* Following the Noble Eightfold Path (Arya Ashtangika Magga)
* Realizing the Four Noble Truths (Caturarya Satya)
* Being free from craving (Tanha), etc.

17. Practising the Buddhist principles and policies (Prathipatthi Pooja), is nobler than
making material offerings (Amisha Pooja) to the Buddha.