Yes, and praising the Triple Gem also produces powerful good kamma, as the Commentary to the Nettippakaraṇa explicates with unassailable clarity:
At the beginning of the commentary (as in DN Ṭī. 1, MN Ṭī. 1.1, SN Ṭī. 1.1.1), the homage to the Triple Gem is made to establish the origin, basis, and purity of the Dhamma being explained, to inspire reverence in the wise, and to ensure proper learning, retention, and practice for the welfare and happiness of all. Alternatively, it serves as an auspicious beginning, a preliminary duty in all undertakings, a mark of the wise, and an example for future generations.
The act of paying homage to the Triple Gem generates special merit, strengthens one’s wholesome kamma, prevents obstacles, and ensures the unhindered completion of the commentary. This is the purpose intended by the teacher here, as stated: “The homage produces… by its power.”
For, the veneration of the Triple Gem is an unsurpassed field of merit, producing immeasurable blessings. It dispels all obstacles arising from defilements and wards off dangers such as fear. As it is said:
“One who honors the worthy—whether the Buddha or his disciples—” (Dhp. 195; Ap. Thera 1.10.1)
And:
“Monks, those who have faith in the Buddha have faith in the highest; for those with faith in the highest, the result is the highest.” (AN 4.34; Iti. 90)
And:
“When one joyfully proclaims ‘Buddho!’—that joy is supreme, greater even than mastering the kasiṇa of Jambudīpa. The same applies to ‘Dhammo!’ and ‘Saṅgho!’” (DN Aṭṭha. 1.6; Iti. Aṭṭha. 90; DN Ṭī. 1; MN Ṭī. 1.1; AN Ṭī. 2.4.34)
And:
“Mahānāma, when a noble disciple recollects the Tathāgata, at that time, their mind is not overcome by lust, hatred, or delusion.” (AN 6.10; 11.11)
And:
“Whether in the wilderness or at the root of a tree… fear, terror, or hair-raising dread will not arise.” (SN 1.249)
Here, to demonstrate the supreme qualities of the Triple Gem to one who wishes to pay homage, three verses beginning with “mahākāruṇika” (of great compassion) are recited. For, it is through the excellence of these qualities that the Triple Gem is worthy of veneration, and paying homage to what is worthy fulfills its intended purpose.
The Netti commentary, being especially suited to the teaching’s sequence, elucidates its varied aspects. Unlike the Vinaya, which emphasizes karuṇā, or the Abhidhamma, which emphasizes wisdom, the Buddha’s teaching here balances both. Thus, first praising the Perfectly Enlightened One—the root of the other gems—it is said: “mahākāruṇikaṃ nātha” (the protector of great compassion)…
This is from the Commentary to the Nettippakaraṇa, and was translated with the help of AI
This is the kind of thing you only find when you take recourse to the Commentaries, which some moderns would rather treat with opprobrium or simply jettison.