The First Agama Sutra, Chapter Three: Offerings
I heard this:
Once, the World-Honored One (Shakyamuni) was residing in the Garden of Solitary Gita in the kingdom of Shravasti.
At that time, the World-Honored One said to Ananda.
“Ananda, there are three roots of goodness. They are inexhaustible and gradually lead to the state of Nirvana.
What are these three?
One is to plant merit in the Tathagata. These roots of goodness are inexhaustible.
The second is to plant merit in the True Dharma. These roots of goodness are also inexhaustible.
The third is to plant merit in the noble Sangha. These roots of goodness are also inexhaustible.
Ananda, these three roots of goodness are inexhaustible and lead to the state of Nirvana.
Therefore, Ananda, by using skillful means, you should strive to obtain this inexhaustible merit.
This is how you should study.”
At that time, Ananda heard what the Buddha had said, accepted it with joy, and put it into practice.
The Increased Agama Sutra, Chapter Three Offerings [The entire text was heard: Once the Buddha was in the land of Vali, and planted a tree in the garden of solitude. Ever since then, Ananda has been honored. Arisumiyoshi
root. Indispensable. Gradual Nirvana. Yunka Tamezo. The so-called Tathagata place is a kind of meritorious deed.
This goodness is inexhaustible.於正法. The kind of meritorious deed. This goodness is inexhaustible.於shoshu and species meritorious deeds. This goodness is inexhaustible. This is Anan. These three virtues are inexhaustible and attainable in the realm of Nirvana. Hence Anan. This is the best way to get your money. This is Anan. This work is based on science. At that time, Anandon Buddha’s poem was written. joyful magistrate
A modern explanation of Miyoshikon
In the sutras, it is taught that the Three Good Roots are the planting of merit in the Tathagata (Buddha), the True Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (Sangha).
Traditionally, this meant “offering to and taking refuge in the Three Jewels.”
In modern terms:
Planting Merit to the Buddha
→ Paying respect to a perfected personality or ideal (Buddha) and making it your goal.
In everyday life, this translates to “keeping in mind a respected person or ideal figure” and “reminding yourself of your ideal through prayer and meditation.”
Planting Merit to the Dharma
→ Cherishing truth and correct teachings.
Specifically, this means “reading books,” “continuing to learn,” and “seeking what is right and following it.”
In a society overflowing with information, “the attitude of choosing what is closest to the truth” itself is merit.
Planting Merit to the Sangha
→ Respecting fellow practitioners and peers and supporting each other.
In modern times, this means “helping each other with like-minded people” and “learning together in community.”
Connecting, rather than being isolated, strengthens the mind and expands merit infinitely.
Key Points
The Three Roots of Mercy go beyond mere religious offerings. They involve cultivating:
Respect for ideals (Buddha),
Learning truth (Dharma),
Connections with fellow beings (Sangha).
The sutras teach that these “never end, leading to nirvana” because they have the power to infinitely expand the human mind and shape our entire lives.
