Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
How Buddhists find guidance and support
Teacher Experience
A contemplative invitation for educators to reflect on before teaching.When you take refuge, imagine drawing on the strength and example of the Buddha as a master teacher, speaking to each student in the way that best matched their capacity. Remember you’re aspiring to share the dharma, this protective path that guides beings from endless unnecessary suffering. When you share the power of Sangha, reflect on your own experience of connecting with others who, just like you, wish to awaken. For non-Buddhists: What are your three main sources of guidance and support as an educator? Who are your role models? What inspiration guides you? What community do you draw strength from? Consider how reflecting on these questions with students might create deeper trust.
Student Experience
A contemplative invitation for students to connect with this learning goal.Think about times when you felt scared, confused, or alone, and remember who or what helped you feel better—like a trusted adult, good advice, or supportive friends.
Understanding
Students will understand...The three jewels—the Buddha, the dharma, and the sangha—serve as sources of guidance that help Buddhists when they face challenges, feel confused, or need support in their lives.
Action
Students are able to...Compare the three jewels by describing how each provides different types of guidance; explain how Buddhists use these sources of support when facing simple challenges like feeling scared or confused; and demonstrate understanding through examples or simple presentations.
Content Knowledge
Students will know...The three jewels are the Buddha, the dharma, and the sangha – three sources of guidance that Buddhists turn to when they need help or support.
The Buddha serves as an example of wisdom and compassion. When Buddhists face difficult situations, they might ask, “What would the Buddha do?” or remember stories of how he handled challenges with patience and kindness. The Buddha shows them how to respond to problems in helpful rather than harmful ways.
The dharma refers to the Buddha’s teachings about how to live well and make good choices. When Buddhists feel confused about what to do, they can turn to these teachings for guidance, just like students might look in a textbook for answers to questions. The dharma helps them understand the difference between helpful and harmful actions.
The sangha is the community of people who support each other in following Buddhist teachings. When Buddhists feel alone or scared, they can turn to their sangha for comfort, advice, and encouragement. The sangha provides friendship and practical help during difficult times.
Together, these three jewels help Buddhists navigate life’s challenges by providing example, guidance, and community support.
Guiding Questions
Implementation Possibilities
Read stories about Buddhist families or communities turning to the three jewels during difficulties like moving to new places or facing illness. Create simple comparison charts showing how the Buddha provides example, dharma provides guidance, and sangha provides community support. Practice role-playing scenarios where students identify which jewel might help in different situations. Design group discussions about sources of guidance in students’ own lives compared to Buddhist approaches. Facilitate presentation activities where students share examples of how each jewel functions. Establish classroom connections between the three jewels and familiar concepts like teachers, rules, and classmates.
Assessment Ideas
Assess students’ ability to match appropriate jewels to different scenarios through verbal or written responses. Evaluate their presentations or examples for understanding of each jewel’s unique function. Observe group discussions to gauge comprehension of how the three jewels provide different types of support.
