Finding Refuge in the Three Jewels
The three jewels — or “Triple Gem,” as I was taught — were the first Buddhist concepts to leave an imprint on me as a child. Admittedly, this might’ve been because the term, to my young ears, sounded like something straight out of a video game. But it was also thanks to the melodious Pali chant that began every religious gathering I attended:
Buddham saranam gacchāmi
Dhammam saranam gacchām
Sangham saranam gacchāmi...Following my parents’ lead, I’d parrot my intention to take refuge in the Buddha, dharma, and sangha. Before long, I knew the words by heart, but had no sweet clue what I was actually saying. Throughout my youth, I’d recite them on autopilot — out of tradition and habit — never contemplating their meaning.
It wasn’t until adulthood that I considered how the chant might not be purely ceremonial. And in recent years, I’ve realized the need to move beyond a literal understanding.
Take the Buddha, for example. This first jewel refers, of course, to the historical figure, but it also includes other enlightened beings, both pre- and post-Siddhartha. Moreover, while this element represents the ideal, it also signifies our potential to attain that ideal. We all possess buddhanature.
Dharma, the second jewel, represents the Buddha’s teachings. But finding refuge in the dharma isn’t necessarily about burying oneself in volumes of scripture. What truly matters is the consistent application of those teachings. Through practicing and integrating this wisdom, dharma becomes the path to awakening.
Finally, the sangha conveys community. Initially, I thought this referred only to noble or monastic beings—awakened individuals, monks, and nuns — a view shared by many Buddhists. Later, my definition expanded to include all Buddhist practitioners, another common interpretation. But now? My personal notion of sangha encompasses all beings: those offering me comfort as well as those who test my patience. After all, the latter provides invaluable checkpoints on my spiritual path — opportunities to double down and deepen my practice — even if I don’t always recognize it in the heat of a moment.
Below you’ll find pieces from the
current issue of
Lion’s Roar as well as our archive, all which explore the three jewels. While reading, I encourage you to reflect on the different insights you might unearth from this foundational concept, even if the (very human) impulse is to gloss over it. Revisiting the basics allows us to recommit to these teachings, and can even lead to deeper realizations. Our perspectives are constantly evolving, and we can often learn from what we think we already know.
Whether this Weekend Reader serves as your introduction to the three jewels or your thousandth revisitation, I hope you find the refuge you seek. Rest assured, it’s always there for you.
– Sandi Rankaduwa, assistant editor,
Lion’s Roar
