Buddhist take refuge in the Triple Gem, that is, the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.
The Buddha, referring to the historical Buddha who attained to Perfect Enlightenment, Nirvana, to Perfection through humanly possible effort.
The Dharma, the Teachings, the way that the Buddha show to us, through which we too can perfect ourselves.
The Sangha, the community of monks and nuns, who are striving, have strived and those who have attained this very Perfection, Nirvana.
Taking refuge in the Buddha, we aspire to attain the perfection he attained.
Taking refuge in the Dharma, we apply the Teachings of the Buddha in our lives to change our negative mental habits that brings rise to much stress and suffering.
Taking refuge in the Sangha, we take them as our inspiration and guide, while supporting them in what ways we can.
Buddhist take refuge in this THREE refuges, not two, not four or five.
Just as a pass along the lamp during a candle procession from one to another, this Precious Teachings, the Dharma, was passed down to us from the Buddha through the monks, nuns and lay people till today. Having benefitted from it, it is our duty to preserve this Dharma and hand it down to future generations for their welfare and benefit.
What have you done to share the Buddha’s teachings?