‘In taking refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, there are three kinds of merit and virtue of the Triple Treasure. They are called the One-Bodied Triple Treasure, the Manifested Triple Treasure and the Abiding-and-Maintaining Triple Treasure.
Unsurpassed complete perfect awakening is the Buddha Treasure; its purity and freedom from dust is the Dharma Treasure; the virtue of harmony is the Sangha Treasure. These are called the One-Bodied Triple Treasure. Manifestation of the realization of awakening is the Buddha Treasure; that which is realized by Buddha is the Dharma Treasure; learning Buddha-Dharma is the Sangha Treasure. These are called the Manifested Triple Treasure.
Transforming heavenly beings and humans, manifesting in empty space or in the dust, is the Buddha Treasure; turning sutras written on palm leaves, turning the ocean storehouse of sutras, transforming inanimate and animate beings, is the Dharma Treasure; liberation from all suffering and dropping off the misery of the three realms is the Sangha Treasure. These are called the Abiding-and-Maintaining Triple Treasure.’ (Kyojukaimon)
This passage was read to me as part of one of the ceremonies, which was centered on the precepts. It landed quite deeply at the time.
Leave a comment