Question 89: IN THE THREE NOBLE JEWELS (TRIRATNA), THE SANGHA REFERS TO ENLIGHTENED MONKS AND NUNS. HOW CAN THERE BE MORE PRACTITIONERS WHO TRULY ACHIEVE ENLIGHTENMENT TODAY?

Answer: According to the traditional definition, the Three Noble Jewels consist of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.

The Buddha is the Supremely Enlightened Master who founded the path.

The Dharma is the teachings and doctrines preached by the Buddha.

The Sangha refers to the community of saintly disciples, who have attained enlightenment.

When we take refuge in the Three Noble Jewels, we take refuge in the enlightened Sangha of all times, not just the Enlightened Beings of the present. However, if there are enlightened monks in our time, it greatly strengthens people’s faith.

Occasionally, we may hear about monks who do not fully embody the qualities expected of them. In reality, to maintain the true qualities of a monastic, the following conditions are needed:

• A strong and sincere initial aspiration to pursue the spiritual path.
• Living in a disciplined environment with strict monastic rules, under the guidance of a wise master, and surrounded by fellow monastics who are also dedicated to the path.
• Studying the teachings that align with the true Dharma of the Buddha, as wrong views can lead to the deterioration of ethical conduct.
• Practicing diligently, with consistent efforts in both spiritual cultivation and service, allowing morality and merit (good karma) to grow gradually over time.
• Gradual progress in meditation, leading to deeper states of mindfulness.
• Development of wisdom over time.
• Having very strict self-control and self-regulation

If monastics can meet these conditions, people will feel confident in relying on them for guidance in their spiritual practice.