The Three Jewels of Buddhism

Buddhism is centred around the idea of the Three Jewels of Buddhism, also known as the Three Treasures or Three Refuges – Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. They represent the core fundamentals of Buddhist devotion and practice.

The Three Jewels of Buddhism

1. Buddha (Teacher): The first jewel is yellow, and is the Buddha. It represents the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, as well as the potential for enlightenment within all beings.
2. Dharma (Teachings): The second jewel is blue and is the Dharma. It refers to the teachings of the Buddha and the path to liberation from suffering. It’s a set of ethical and mental guidelines set forth by the Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. The Dharma provides a framework for understanding the nature of suffering and the means to attain enlightenment.
3. Sangha (Community): The third jewel is red and is the Sangha. This is the community of monks and nuns who have dedicated their lives to the practice of Buddhism, as well as the broader community of practitioners. The Sangha serves as a source of guidance, inspiration, and spiritual community.

Take refuge in the Three Jewels of Buddhism

Buddhism is open to all. All it takes to become a Buddhist is to take refuge in the three jewels of Buddhism. At its most basic level, this is simply reciting the following verse (traditionally three times)

I take refuge in the Buddha.

I take refuge in the Dharma.

I take refuge in the Sangha.

But what exactly does this mean?

Taking refuge means to find safety and protection in a place of shelter or sanctuary. And this is what we’re doing when we take refuge in the three jewels. Taking refuge is a formal commitment to seek guidance, protection, and inspiration from these foundational elements.

1. Buddha – Taking refuge in the Buddha means acknowledging Siddhartha Gautama’s enlightenment and the wisdom he shared. It involves recognizing the Buddha as a supreme teacher who discovered the path to liberation and expressing the intention to follow his teachings.
2. Dharma: Taking refuge in the Dharma signifies a commitment to the teachings of the Buddha. It involves recognizing the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and other essential doctrines that guide practitioners toward understanding the nature of suffering and the path to enlightenment.
3. Sangha: Taking refuge in the Sangha involves seeking support and inspiration from the community of fellow practitioners. The Sangha includes not only ordained monks and nuns but also lay practitioners who are dedicated to walking the path. It emphasizes the importance of communal support on the spiritual journey.

It’s a symbolic and ongoing commitment to your Buddhism journey. It serves as a symbolic act of seeking guidance and protection on the path to enlightenment, acknowledging the wisdom of those who have traversed the same journey. This commitment entails aligning your life with the principles of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, and demonstrating a willingness to embrace and embody Buddhist teachings.