The three Jewels or the Triratna(in Sanskrit) or the Threefold Refuge are the three main components of the Buddhist creed and that of Jain as well. In Buddhism, the three jewels are the Buddha, the Dhamma(doctrine or law), and the Sangha (the monastic order, or community of believers). While on the path of becoming a Buddhist, one needs protection of the three jewels or the Three Refuge as they offer protection from the fickle and unstable world we live in.


The Buddha
In Buddhism, the lord Buddha is considered to be the prime source of inspiration and authority for adherents. The literal meaning of the word 'Buddha' means, awakened one, which also suggests that the enlightenment of the Buddha was a 'wake up' sign for the world with more zeal for light and enlightenment with an exemption from ignorance and delusion. In Theravada Buddhism, the Buddha is honoured as a special human being who, when confronted with the palpable suffering in the world and convinced that there had to be something more, sought and won enlightenment.


The Dhamma
The Dhamma refers to the code of conduct, or the doctrine. After the Buddha attained enlightenment, he had two options before Him - Either to keep the Divine knowledge of the truth to Himself, or to enlighten ever other beings, and not surprisingly, he opted for the later. The teachings propounded by the Buddha are known as the Dhamma in Pali or Dharma in Sanskrit language. The Dhamma comprises all the essential doctrines of Buddhism - The Four Noble Truths, Samsara, Karmaa, Rebirth or the cycle of birth and death etc. These teachings were first committed to writing in the Pali Canon in about the 1st century BCE.


The Sangha
Another jewel, the Sangha, a monastic community founded by the Buddha is highly revered. A Sangha gives special impetus to the monks and nuns as they make the Buddha's teachings the focus of their lives, devote their lives to meditation and welfare of other beings. They exemplify the Buddhist life par excellence providing example, guidance and inspiration to others as well.
However, a common formula recited by someone wishing to become a Buddhist and by Buddhists more generally is:
» I go for refuge to the Buddha
» I go for refuge to the Dhamma
» I go for refuge to the Sangha
» I go for refuge to the Dhamma
» I go for refuge to the Sangha

The Three Jewels and The Three Refuges remind us that the Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangha are very precious. This is because they offer us an opportunity to work for the enlightenment. At the same time, they offer us protection from being swept along by Samsara, its delusive attractions and its suffering.