The ‘Ratana Sutta’ or ‘Jewel Discourse’ is one of the most popular and widely recited Buddhist scriptures. Less than two dozen paragraphs and lacking the structure and depth of discourses on meditation or wisdom subjects, it still inspires the faith and devotion of those who invoke it. Traditionally used to ward off disaster, disease, and bad spirits, it’s also a beautiful recollection of the qualities of the Triple Gem – and perhaps even the origin of that phrase.