Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels: The First Step into Buddhism
Finding a Home for the Heart
The human heart needs a home.
When we drift in the vast sea of people, when we lose ourselves in the busyness of life, when we face the confusion and suffering of existence, our hearts instinctively seek a place to rely on.
Some place their reliance on wealth, but wealth can be lost. Some place it on fame, but fame can be tarnished. Some place it on relationships, but relationships can break. Some place it on themselves, but even the self is impermanent.
The Dharma tells us: there is one refuge that is most reliable, and that is the "Three Jewels"—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. To turn one's heart toward the Three Jewels and rely on them is called "Taking Refuge."
"Refuge" means to return and rely. Taking refuge in the Three Jewels means entrusting one's body and mind to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, taking them as the guides and support of one's life.
Taking refuge is the first step in becoming a Buddhist and the fundamental basis of Buddhist practice. No matter what method you practice in the future, it must be based on refuge.
What are the Three Jewels?
Why are they called "Jewels"? Because the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha are the most precious things in the world, capable of leading sentient beings from suffering to happiness and ultimately to Buddhahood. Worldly gold, silver, and jewels can only bring temporary happiness, but the Three Jewels bring ultimate liberation. Therefore, they are called "Jewels."
The Buddha Jewel
"Buddha" means "Awakened One." The Buddha Jewel refers to all Buddhas who have attained perfect enlightenment, most notably the teacher of our world—Shakyamuni Buddha.
Shakyamuni Buddha was a real historical figure. Originally named Siddhartha Gautama, he was a prince of ancient India. After renouncing the worldly life to practice, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, spent forty-five years spreading the Dharma, and finally entered Nirvana in Kushinagar.
Taking refuge in the Buddha means taking the Buddha as our teacher. The Buddha is our role model; the path He walked is the path we must walk. He has already reached the other shore, and by following His footsteps, we too can certainly arrive.
There are many Buddhas: the Seven Buddhas of the past, Shakyamuni Buddha of the present, Maitreya Buddha of the future, and countless Buddhas in the ten directions. Taking refuge in the Buddha means taking refuge in all Buddhas, not just one specific Buddha.
The Dharma Jewel
"Dharma" is the teaching spoken by the Buddha, the path and method guiding our practice.
The Dharma Jewel includes the Tripitaka (Three Baskets): Sutras (teachings), Vinaya (monastic rules), and Abhidharma (commentaries and philosophy). Furthermore, Dharma can be understood as "Truth" itself—the eternal reality of the universe realized by the Buddha.
Taking refuge in the Dharma means taking the Dharma as our path. The Dharma tells us what is right and wrong, how to leave suffering behind, and how actions lead to suffering. By practicing according to the Dharma, we can cross from this shore of suffering to the other shore of liberation.
The Sangha Jewel
"Sangha" is short for Sangha-jewel, meaning a "harmonious community"—a group of people living in harmony and practicing together.
In the narrow sense, Sangha refers to the community of ordained monks and nuns. In the broad sense, it includes lay communities practicing together. The highest level of Sangha refers to the Holy Sangha—those sages who have attained the fruits of enlightenment.
Taking refuge in the Sangha means taking the Sangha as companions and guides. On the path of practice, we need the guidance of wise teachers and the companionship and encouragement of fellow practitioners. The Sangha is such a support system.
The Three Jewels are a unity. The Buddha is the one who speaks the Dharma, the Dharma is what the Buddha speaks, and the Sangha practices according to the Dharma. Leaving one out makes the others incomplete. This is why we take refuge in all three simultaneously, not just one.
Why Take Refuge?
What is the significance of taking refuge? Why perform this ceremony?
Establishing Direction
Taking refuge is a decision: I have decided to take the Buddha Dharma as the direction of my life. Once this decision is made, there is a clear goal, and one no longer lives life in a daze as before.
Receiving Blessings
The vows and blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are real. After taking refuge, you establish a connection with the Three Jewels and can receive their blessings. This blessing may be invisible, but it will manifest when you need it.
Protection by Dharma Protectors
Those who take refuge in the Three Jewels will be protected by Dharma protectors. Of course, this doesn't mean you won't encounter any difficulties, but you will have the strength to overcome them when they arise.
Becoming a Buddhist
Strictly speaking, only those who have taken refuge are considered Buddhists. Those who were merely interested in Buddhism before become formally initiated after taking refuge. This identity itself is a form of blessing.
Foundation for Practice
Many Buddhist practices require refuge as a prerequisite. For example, taking precepts, receiving empowerments, and accepting lineages all require the foundation of refuge.
The Ceremony of Taking Refuge
Traditionally, taking refuge requires a formal ceremony presided over by an ordained master.
The core of the ceremony is the "Three Refuges":
"I take refuge in the Buddha, wishing that all sentient beings understand the Great Way and give rise to the supreme mind." "I take refuge in the Dharma, wishing that all sentient beings deeply enter the Sutra Treasury and have wisdom like the sea." "I take refuge in the Sangha, wishing that all sentient beings lead the multitude, all without obstruction."
Or in a simpler form:
"I take refuge in the Buddha, the Honored One among two-legged beings. I take refuge in the Dharma, the Honored One free from desire. I take refuge in the Sangha, the Honored One among communities."
These words are recited three times, representing a triple confirmation of one's decision.
After taking refuge, you will receive a Dharma name, which is your name in Buddhism, symbolizing the beginning of a new life. Some places also issue a Refuge Certificate as proof.
If for various reasons you cannot temporarily attend a formal ceremony, you can also make a vow of refuge before a Buddha statue. Of course, if the opportunity arises, you should still seek a master for formal refuge.
Guidelines After Taking Refuge
Taking refuge is not a one-time event, but a lifelong commitment. After taking refuge, there are things one should do and things one should avoid.
What to Do:
After taking refuge in the Buddha, one should constantly recall the Buddha's virtues, respect all Buddha images, and regard the Buddha as the teacher of life.
After taking refuge in the Dharma, one should study the Dharma, listen to teachings, practice according to the Dharma, and regard the Dharma as the guide for life.
After taking refuge in the Sangha, one should respect the Sangha community, draw near to wise teachers, support fellow practitioners, and not slander ordained ones.
What to Avoid:
After taking refuge in the Buddha, one should no longer take refuge in heavenly demons or external paths as the ultimate reliance. This does not mean one cannot respect other religions, but one cannot take them as the path to liberation.
After taking refuge in the Dharma, one should not harm sentient beings. Since the core of the Dharma is compassion, harming beings contradicts the spirit of the Dharma.
After taking refuge in the Sangha, one should not associate deeply with those who do not believe in cause and effect, to avoid being influenced by their wrong views.
These are the basic guidelines. If one can go a step further, one can observe the Five Precepts (no killing, no stealing, no sexual misconduct, no lying, no intoxicants) to make the merit of refuge even more complete.
Misconceptions About Taking Refuge
There are some common misconceptions about taking refuge that need clarification:
Misconception 1: Taking refuge means becoming a monk/nun.
No. Taking refuge simply means becoming a Buddhist; it does not mean leaving home life. Most people who take refuge are lay practitioners living normal social lives.
Misconception 2: Taking refuge means you must be vegetarian.
Taking refuge itself does not require vegetarianism. Even if one takes the Five Precepts, the precept against killing is simply not to kill, not necessarily not to eat meat. Of course, being vegetarian is better, but it is a personal choice, not a mandatory requirement for refuge.
Misconception 3: Taking refuge means you cannot worship ancestors or enter other temples.
You can. Buddhism does not oppose respecting ancestors or other faiths. It simply means you cannot take other objects as your ultimate refuge. Worshipping ancestors is an act of filial piety, and entering temples can be done according to circumstances; these are not problems.
Misconception 4: Taking refuge once is enough.
The formal ceremony only needs to be done once, but the substance of refuge—turning the heart toward the Three Jewels—is something to be done every day. Reminding yourself morning and evening that you are a disciple of the Three Jewels keeps the power of refuge continuous.
The Deeper Meaning of Refuge
From an ultimate perspective, the object of refuge is not just the external Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, but the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha within our own hearts.
Self-Nature Buddha—Every sentient being has Buddha-nature and the potential to become a Buddha. Taking refuge in the Buddha is not just relying on the external Buddha, but also relying on the Buddha-nature inherent in oneself.
Self-Nature Dharma—Truth is not only in the scriptures but also in our hearts. Taking refuge in the Dharma is not just relying on external teachings, but also relying on the wisdom within oneself.
Self-Nature Sangha—When our body, speech, and mind are harmonious and pure, we ourselves are the Sangha. Taking refuge in the Sangha is not just relying on the external community, but also relying on the purity and harmony within oneself.
The Sixth Patriarch Hui Neng said: "Buddha is awakening; Dharma is rightness; Sangha is purity." Taking refuge in the Three Jewels means making one's own mind awakened, right, and pure. This is the deeper meaning of refuge.
Conclusion
Taking refuge in the Three Jewels is the first step into the gate of Buddhism, but it is not just a starting point; it runs through the entire process of practice.
No matter what level you reach, you cannot leave the Three Jewels. Because the Buddha is our goal—we want to become Buddhas; the Dharma is our path—we practice according to the Dharma; the Sangha is our companion—we support each other. Without the Three Jewels, there is no practice to speak of.
If you are interested in Buddhism but have not yet formally taken refuge, I encourage you to seriously consider it. Taking refuge is not a constraint, but the beginning of liberation. It gives you a clear direction, a reliable support, and a starting point toward the light.
If you have already taken refuge, remember to remind yourself every moment that you are a disciple of the Three Jewels. Live out your refuge in your daily life, not just leaving it on your refuge certificate.
The light of the Three Jewels is always there, waiting to illuminate our lives. All we need to do is turn toward that light.
Namo Buddha, Namo Dharma, Namo Sangha.