At the heart of Buddhist practice are the Three Jewels (Tiratana): the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha. They are called jewels because they are rare and precious, and because they bring real benefit to anyone who relies on them. Going for refuge to the Three Jewels is what traditionally makes someone a Buddhist.
Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
I go for refuge to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha
Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
The Buddha
The Buddha is the Awakened One — Siddhattha Gotama, who realised the truth for himself and taught it out of compassion. Taking refuge in the Buddha means trusting that awakening is possible and that he showed the way to it. He is honoured as a teacher and an example, not as a creator god.
The Dhamma
The Dhamma is the truth the Buddha realised and the teaching he gave about it: the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path and the path to freedom from suffering. The Buddha described it as ehipassiko — something to “come and see” and test in your own experience, rather than accept on faith alone.
The Sangha
In its highest sense, the Sangha is the community of noble disciples who have realised the path. In everyday use it also means the community of monks and nuns who preserve and teach the Dhamma. Their example shows that the teaching can be lived.
Reflection: which of the Three Jewels do you find easiest to trust today, and which would you like to understand better?