The Triple Gems
The Triple Gems form the foundation of Buddhist practice. The word refuge refers to a safe haven. Taking refuge in the Buddha, means that we take safe haven in the example that he demonstrated of loving kindness, generosity and the ability to awaken from ignorance and delusion through meditation practice. Taking refuge in the Dharma means that we take safe haven in the teachings of the Buddha and acknowledge the capacity of these teachings to transform our lives. Taking refuge in the sangha means that we take safe haven in the community of practitioners, whether lay or monastic, who embrace the teachings of the Buddha. The wording of these triple gems is from Thich Nhat Hanh.
To Buddha we go for refuge.
In the path of mindful awareness, we take refuge.
The practice of conscious breathing is our refuge.
To Dharma we go for refuge.
In the teaching of no separate self, we take refuge.
The insight that all beings are without blame is our refuge.
To Sangha we go for refuge.
In the community of boundless compassion, we take refuge.
The guidance of the Five Wonderful Precepts is our refuge.
In the path of mindful awareness, we take refuge.
The practice of conscious breathing is our refuge.
To Dharma we go for refuge.
In the teaching of no separate self, we take refuge.
The insight that all beings are without blame is our refuge.
To Sangha we go for refuge.
In the community of boundless compassion, we take refuge.
The guidance of the Five Wonderful Precepts is our refuge.
