In Buddhism, the three jewels (also called the triple gem or three refuges) are the Buddha, the dharma, and the sangha.

Buddha (the “awakened one”): This refers to Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, as well as the quality of enlightenment itself. Buddha represents the goal of the Buddhist path and serves as an example of what practitioners aspire to become.

Dharma (the teachings): This refers to the Buddha’s teachings and the truth or reality they describe. The dharma includes the sutras (discourses), the Vinaya (rules of conduct), and the abhidharma (philosophical analyses), as well as the direct experience of truth.

Sangha (the community): This traditionally refers to the community of ordained monks and nuns, though in contemporary usage it often includes all Buddhist practitioners. The sangha provides support, guidance, and a living example of putting the teachings into practice.

Taking refuge in the three jewels is considered the formal act of becoming a Buddhist. In the refuge ceremony, one steps onto “the path” in a personal way, saying: “I take refuge in the Buddha. I take refuge in the dharma. I take refuge in the sangha.” Most Buddhists renew this commitment daily, often as a morning ritual.

Different Buddhist traditions may emphasize different aspects of the three jewels or interpret them in various ways, but they remain a fundamental aspect of Buddhist practice across all traditions.

The three jewels—the Buddha, the dharma (the way of wisdom and truth), and the sangha (the supportive community along that way)—serve as the core foundations of Buddhism, providing support, guidance, and companionship on the path to awakening.

Reflect on each of the three jewels for a moment, and consider when you first heard of each, who you know that also knows about them, and what kind of feeling or sensation you associate with each.

• If you feel affinity for the three jewels, what is it that you admire about each?
• How might you creatively express the idea of the three jewels?

Analyze which qualities of the Buddha, the teachings, and group practices resonate personally, and evaluate why these elements are meaningful, interesting or inspiring to your own path.