A History of Indian Literature v2.c19.s3.t2.10

v2.c19.s3.t2.10

The other Suttas, too, are permeated by the same spirit of a higher code of ethics. Thus the Ratana-Sutta (No. 6) by which, according to ancient custom, the Bhūtas, spirits of the earth and air, together with the three Ratanas or "jewels,"² are worshipped. Of a similar nature is also Sutta 7, dedicated to the cult of the dead, a few verses of which are recited at cremations in Ceylon and Siam even at the present day. Sutta 8, of the "Hidden Treasure," in which it is demonstrated that a treasure of good works is the best treasure which the Buddhist can accumulate, and above all, the magnificent Metta-Sutta (No. 9), in which friendliness (mettā) towards all beings is praised as the true Buddhist cult, are on a still higher plane.