There are differences and similarities between Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana practices of taking refuge, such as the different recitations, ceremonies, styles of bowing or prostrating, and vows taken.

While all three Buddhist traditions practice taking refuge in the three jewels—in the Buddha as example, in the dharma as guide, and in the sangha as the community of support—the key differences lie in the motivation and focus behind the act. Theravada emphasizes individual liberation; Mahayana aims to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings; and Vajrayana utilizes a more complex approach often requiring a strong guru-disciple relationship to rapidly attain enlightenment. All three traditions still acknowledge the core concept of taking refuge in the Buddha, dharma, and sangha as a foundation for practice.

There are two main reasons for taking refuge—fear and trust. First, an intelligent fear of continuing to hold an unrealistic view of ourselves and reality, which leads to future suffering. Second, confidence that the three objects of refuge are valid sources of protection. We could also add a third reason—compassion, which leads to bodhicitta, the altruistic determination to attain enlightenment for the benefit of beings.

Differences in the traditions:
Theravada: The primary focus is on achieving personal liberation (nirvana) for oneself by following the Buddha’s teachings, mainly focusing on the Pali Canon.

Mahayana: The practitioner takes refuge with the intention of attaining enlightenment not just for themselves but for the benefit of all sentient beings, often aspiring to become a Bodhisattva who delays their own enlightenment to help others.

Vajrayana: This path emphasizes the rapid attainment of enlightenment through practices that can be quite intense, often requiring a strong connection to a guru, and utilizing ritual practices and visualization techniques.

Similarities among the traditions:
All three traditions take refuge in the Buddha, dharma, and sangha, acknowledging them as the core elements of Buddhist practice. All traditions emphasize the importance of following ethical guidelines and precepts as a foundation for practice. Despite the differences in approach, the ultimate goal of all three paths is to achieve liberation from suffering and attain enlightenment. The three jewels of Buddha, dharma, and sangha represent the goal, the methodology, and the support.

While the methods and practices of taking refuge look different and have different qualities, they essentially point to the same three things—Buddha, dharma, sangha—as reliable sources of support and inspiration.
What actions should be adopted and what actions should be avoided after taking refuge.

Gain exposure to different cultures that practice Buddhism and determine what is essentially the same (dharma), and what is different from each cultural or lineage tradition.

• What does it mean to take refuge in the three jewels?
• Why do Buddhists take refuge?
• How does taking refuge support us on our spiritual path?

Analyze the distinctive approaches to taking refuge across the three Buddhist vehicles, evaluate how different motivations (personal liberation, universal awakening, rapid transformation) shape refuge practices, and synthesize understanding of how the three jewels function as sources of protection across diverse Buddhist traditions.