The Three Jewels - also known as the Three Refuges or Triratna - are the three things at the centre of every Buddhist's life. A person formally becomes a Buddhist by "taking refuge" in them, reciting:

"I take refuge in the Buddha. I take refuge in the Dharma. I take refuge in the Sangha."

1. The Buddha

The Buddha is the enlightened one - usually meaning Siddhartha Gautama, but also the awakened nature in everyone. Buddhists do not worship the Buddha as a god; they honour him as a teacher and an example.

2. The Dharma

The Dharma is the body of teachings the Buddha gave, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. It is described as a raft - useful for crossing the river of suffering, but to be set down once the journey is finished.

3. The Sangha

The Sangha is the community of monks, nuns and lay followers who keep the Dharma alive. Buddhists rely on the Sangha for teaching, support and friendship on the path.

The image of a jewel reminds Buddhists that these three are rare, valuable and protective. Just as a traveller in a storm seeks shelter, a Buddhist in the storms of life takes refuge in the Three Jewels.

Y9 Buddhism

The Three Jewels