Three Jewels

 

The Buddha

Shakyamuni the World redeeming Buddha is honored as a special human being who, confronted with the palpable suffering in the world and convinced that there had to be something more, sought and won enlightenment. Buddha means 'awakened one', suggesting that his enlightenment was a 'waking up' to the world as it really is, free from delusion and ignorance. Consequently, in Buddhism, the Buddha is the prime source of inspiration and authority for adherents. One on the path must recognize that we are all unattained Buddha’s on the path to greater awareness and awakening.

The Dhamma

After his enlightenment the Buddha was faced with a decision - either to pass on his profound knowledge or to keep it to himself, fearing that it would be too difficult for most beings to comprehend. Out of compassion, he decided to pass on his teachings to others. Collectively, these teachings are known as the dhamma (in Pali) or dharma (in Sanskrit). The dhamma, therefore, comprises all the essential doctrines of Buddhism - the Four Noble Truths, kamma, rebirth, samsara, dependent origination and so on. BCE.

The Sangha

The third jewel, the Sangha, the community, is also highly revered. Monks and nuns Lay Brothers and Sisters have special significance they support and devote much of their lives to the practice of self-Realization. They may take vows of celibacy and devote their lives to meditation and study, though they will often perform other duties too. To the lay community they exemplify the Buddhist life par excellence providing example, guidance and inspiration.

Taking Refuge

The Three Jewels are also referred to as 'The Three Refuges'. This means that the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha offer protection from the fickle and unstable world we live in. A common formula recited by someone wishing to become a Buddhist and by Buddhists more generally is:

I go for refuge to the Buddha
I go for refuge to the Dhamma
I go for refuge to the Sangha.