In the journey of spiritual awakening, the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha stand as the guiding lights. They are called the Three Jewels (Tiratana) because they are of the highest value in leading beings toward liberation from suffering.

The Buddha – The Perfectly Enlightened One

The Buddha is the one who fully awakened to the truth, discovered the path to liberation, and compassionately shared it with the world. He was not a god but ahuman being who, through immense wisdom and effort, overcame ignorance and attained perfect enlightenment.

Qualities of the Buddha (Buddha Guṇa)

The Buddha possesses countless noble qualities, but traditionally, nine supreme qualities are praised:

1. Arahaṁ – Completely free from all delements.
2. Sammāsambuddho – Fully enlightened by his own effort.
3. Vijjācaraṇasampanno – Perfect in wisdom and conduct.
4. Sugato – The one who has gone to the highest bliss.
5. Lokavidū – Knower of all worlds.
6. Anuttaro purisadammasārathi – The supreme teacher of those who seekthe truth.
7. Satthā devamanussānaṁ – Teacher of gods and humans.
8. Buddho – The awakened one.
9. Bhagavā – The Blessed One, endowed with great qualities.

Why Take Refuge in the Buddha?

The Buddha is the incomparable teacher who has shown the way out of suffering.He is the living proof that enlightenment is possible and inspires us to walk the path with condence.

The Dhamma – The Truth and the Path

The Dhamma is the timeless truth that the Buddha realized, the universal law of nature, and the path that leads to the cessation of suffering. It is beyond culture, time, and belief—it is the reality of existence.

Qualities of the Dhamma (Dhamma Guṇa)

1. Svākkhāto Bhagavatā Dhammo – Perfectly explained by the Buddha.
2. Sandiṭṭhiko – Can be seen and experienced directly.
3. Akāliko – Timeless and immediately effective.
4. Ehipassiko – Invites investigation and personal verication.
5. Opanayiko – Leads toward liberation.
6. Paccattaṁ veditabbo viññūhī – To be realized individually by the wise.

Why Take Refuge in the Dhamma?

The Dhamma is not just a set of teachings—it is the very path to freedom. By following the Noble Eightfold Path, we cultivate wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline, freeing ourselves from suffering.

The Sangha – The Noble Community

The Sangha refers to the community of those who practice the Dhamma, particularly the Ariya Sangha—the noble ones who have realized the truth at different stages of awakening. It also includes the Bhikkhu Sangha—the monastic community preserving and practicing the Buddha’s teachings.

Qualities of the Sangha (Sangha Guṇa)

1. Supaṭipanno – Practicing the path well.
2. Uju-paṭipanno – Practicing the path straightly.
3. Ñāya-paṭipanno – Practicing the path methodically.
4. Sāmīci-paṭipanno – Practicing the path properly.
5. Āhuneyo – Worthy of gifts.
6. Pāhuneyo – Worthy of hospitality.
7. Dakkhiṇeyo – Worthy of offerings.
8. Añjalikaraṇīyo – Worthy of respect.
9. Anuttaraṁ puññakkhettaṁ lokassa – The unsurpassed field of merit for the world.

Why Take Refuge in the Sangha?

The Sangha serves as a living example of the Dhamma, guiding and supporting us in our practice. By associating with the wise, we gain inspiration, strength, and clarity on our spiritual journey.

Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels

When we take refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, we acknowledge them as our spiritual guide, path, and community. This is the first step in following the Buddha’s teachings and walking toward true peace and liberation.

“Buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi” – I take refuge in the Buddha.

“Dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi” – I take refuge in the Dhamma.

“Saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi” – I take refuge in the Sangha.

May we all cultivate wisdom, practice the Dhamma diligently, and walk toward true liberation!