Human nature bids us to take refuge in things that bring us comfort. We seek happiness and ease from other people, activities, things, and ideas. We keep entertainment within fingertip reach to free ourselves from boredom, providing distractions for our minds by inundating them with a never-ending deluge of information. We constantly seek contentment outside ourselves, and who can blame us? We can connect with people, information, and ideas faster than ever before, and at the end of the day, we're only human.
But what happens when worldly pursuits no longer provide the comfort or distraction they once did? A spontaneous purchase offers only a fleeting glimpse of happiness, which is quickly clouded by the pervasive sense of discontent or suffering we experience in Samsara. By seeking the Buddhist path to enlightenment and taking refuge in the Three Jewels, we can reframe our understanding of suffering and find contentment within ourselves, rather than futilely seeking happiness from outside sources.
What are the Three Jewels of Buddhism?
The Three Jewels (also known as the Triple Gem or Three Refuges) of Buddhism provide a foundation for one's practice. Specifically, they refer to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. By taking refuge in the Three Jewels, practitioners commit to following the Buddhist path to enlightenment and engaging in Buddhist community or sangha.
1. Buddha (The Teacher)
I take refuge in the Buddha
Taking refuge in the Buddha does not necessarily refer to the historical Buddha, but to the nature of all Buddhas. There have been many Buddhas since Siddhartha Gautama's enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gayā, and each made a commitment to breaking the cycle of Samsara by achieving enlightenment and teaching others how to do the same. Taking refuge in the Buddha is to seek guidance and support in his wisdom, using him as a source of inspiration for attaining enlightenment.
Rather than viewing the Buddha as a distant figure to whom we merely pay homage, we recognize him as a living embodiment of the buddha nature in all of us. Following the Buddhist path cultivates a sense of responsibility to ourselves and our communities through meditation and self-reflection. Ultimately, taking refuge in the Buddha is taking refuge in the awakened mind.
2. Dharma (The Teachings)
I take refuge in the Dharma
The Dharma jewel is twofold: the Dharma of scripture (the Buddha's teachings) and the Dharma of realization (putting those teachings into practice). We can read or hear the scripture and grasp the intent of the Buddha's teachings, but intention without action does nothing to guide us toward enlightenment. If someone gives us a hammer and tells us to fix something, the hammer won't fix it on its own.
The Dharma offers practical tools to navigate the complexities of human existence. When we reflect on the Dharma, we bring awareness to our actions and everyday lives, helping us identify patterns that may hinder our spiritual progress and encouraging mindful and compassionate decision-making.
As Lama Tsomo reminds us, "Inner work goes hand-in-hand with outer work to create something powerful that can manifest in the world."
3. Sangha (Community)
I take refuge in the Sangha
Taking refuge in the Sangha means connecting with those who share the qualities of awareness and freedom. Ultimately, Sangha refers to beings who have made significantly more progress on the path than we have and can therefore guide us. Even though the Buddha came to this world, we did not get to meet him, and although his teachings remain in books, without a guide, we can get lost in the pages and never make genuine progress in applying them. More conventionally speaking, Sangha members are our fellow practitioners. And in the classroom of dharmic scripture, we foster connections with our fellow Sangha members through shared values and mutual goals.
We are all on a learning journey; some are just beginning while others are further along, and each student brings a unique perspective to the discourse. Connecting with our spiritual community can deepen our practice as we learn from others who walk the path toward enlightenment. Through this collective endeavor, we not only elevate our practice but also contribute to others' awakening, creating a ripple effect that can reach beyond our immediate community.
What does taking refuge mean in Buddhism?
The Three Jewels are central components of all branches of Buddhism – Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna. And while taking refuge in the Three Jewels is the first step on the Buddhist path, it doesn't necessarily commit a practitioner to a monastic life. However, it reinforces our intention to follow Buddhist teachings and helps us cultivate awareness in our everyday surroundings. It brings us to terms with the fact that our previously held notions of happiness – such as buying a specific object or engaging in a particular behavior – no longer serve us in our efforts to alleviate suffering.
Siddhartha Gautama and those who followed his path were not oblivious to the nature of the human mind. A new practitioner is unlikely to bring their ideas to fruition by simply thinking them into existence. Enacting change requires patience and practice. Articulating our intentions through words, like refuge vows, empowers our journey. They're not just a declaration; they fortify our commitment to Buddhism in both conscious and subconscious memory.
Committed practitioners may take refuge vows under the guidance of a teacher in a ceremony committing themselves to following the Buddhist path, so engaging in a refuge vow ceremony should not be taken lightly. But can we use these practices as a lay Buddhist? That is up to each of us. When we find ourselves under duress or simply seeking guidance outside ourselves, we can use the Three Jewels to guide our actions.
As Tulku Sangak Rinpoche says, “What I’m giving you is not a religion but a set of practices that can take you through all the steps from here to enlightenment, if you want.”
Ultimately, it’s an individual choice. We can use these guiding principles and find strength and wisdom in the Triple Gem as we continue on our own paths. But by reciting the refuge vows – I take refuge in the Buddha, I take refuge in the Dharma, I take refuge in the Sangha – we acknowledge the Buddha's spiritual doctrine and commit to living a life guided by it.