365 · about 1 min
The Sutra on the Merits of Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels, Observing the Five Precepts, Cultivating Loving-Kindness, and Renouncing Worldly Desires is a lost Buddhist scripture, traditionally attributed to ancient Indian masters, though its specific authorship remains unknown. This sutra belongs to the early Buddhist category of texts on discipline, primarily expounding the essential principles of taking refuge in the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) and observing the Five Precepts (abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicants). It emphasizes the importance of cultivating loving-kindness and developing renunciation toward worldly desires. By elucidating the merits of upholding precepts, the scripture guides devotees on the path to liberation. In Buddhist history, this sutra reflects the characteristic emphasis on ethical discipline in early Buddhism and holds significant reference value for studying early Buddhist ethical thought. It is often regarded as one of the foundational texts for lay practitioners' study and practice.
Human translations available