Three Jewels - Definition and Overview

The Three Jewels (also rendered as Three Treasures or Triple Gem) refers to three central concepts in Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings, truth or law), and the Sangha (order or community)".

Taking refuge in the Three Jewels is the formal difference between Buddhists and non-Buddhists. Briefly said, it means that one accepts the Buddha as the example of an enlightened teacher, his teachings as the guidebook on the path, and the Sangha as the supporting community who shares the same ideals.

A traditional Refuge prayer:

Until I attain Enlightenment,

I take refuge in the Three Jewels;

The Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.

External Links:

• Digital Dictionary of Buddhism (http://www.acmuller.net/cgi-bin/search-ddb4.pl?Terms=三寶) (log in with userID "guest")