諸經要集 1.10

1.10

As the Ratnagotravibhāga states: 'The Triratna has six meanings, and therefore must be venerated. First is the meaning of being rare. Just as worldly treasures cannot be obtained by poor people, so too is the Triratna: sentient beings of meagre merit cannot encounter it in hundreds of thousands of myriads of lifetimes; therefore it is called a "treasure". Second is the meaning of being free from defilement. Just as genuine worldly gems have substances without flaw or impurity, so too is the Triratna: it is perpetually free from all outflows; therefore it is called a "treasure". Third is the meaning of great power. Just as precious worldly jewels possess great power to dispel poverty and eliminate poisons, so too is the Triratna: it possesses the inconceivable power of the six abhijñās; therefore it is called a "treasure". Fourth is the meaning of adornment. Just as precious worldly jewels can adorn the body and head, making the body handsome and pleasing, so too is the Triratna: it can adorn the pure bodies of practitioners; therefore it is called a "treasure". Fifth is the meaning of supremacy. Just as precious worldly jewels are the finest among all things, so too is the Triratna: it is the most supreme in all worlds; therefore it is called a "treasure". Sixth is the meaning of immutability. Just as genuine worldly gold cannot be altered by burning, hammering, or polishing, so too is the Triratna: it is not altered by the eight worldly dharmas; therefore it is called a "treasure".'
Furthermore, it possesses six significances, and therefore must be venerated: First, the Buddha can instruct, the Dharma is good medicine, and the Saṃgha can transmit and propagate; they all benefit me, and so I venerate them out of gratitude. Second, in this evil time of the final age, transmitting the Dharma is not easy; we pray for their majesty to provide protection, and so must show reverence. Third, we venerate them to generate faith and compliance in living beings. Fourth, we venerate them to demonstrate to monks and nuns the proper forms and deportment of service. Fifth, we venerate them to cause beings to delight in making offerings so that the Dharma may abide long. Sixth, we venerate them to manifest supreme marks. Therefore, the Tattvasiddhi-śāstra states: 'The Triratna is the most auspicious; hence, I place it at the beginning of the treatise.'