Los Three Refuges o Tisarana It is one of the fundamental practices of Buddhism and lies at the heart of the spiritual life of Buddhist practitioners in all their traditions.. Also known as the Triple Jewel or the Three Jewels, The Three Refuges represent the Buddha, the religion (the teachings of the buddha) and the Sangha (the community of practitioners). Taking refuge in these three jewels symbolizes the practitioner's commitment to the Buddhist path and their aspiration to achieve liberation from suffering..
The origin of the Three Refuges dates back to the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, who lived around the 5th century BCE in what is now Nepal and India. After achieving awakening under the Bodhi tree, The Buddha dedicated the rest of his life to teaching others the path to liberation. These teachings, known as the Dharma, were transmitted to his disciples, who formed the first Buddhist community or Sangha.
The notion of taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha arose as a way to express confidence and faith in the path that the Buddha had taught. For the first disciples, the Buddha was the enlightened teacher who showed them the way, the Dharma represented the universal truth and the Sangha was the community that provided mutual support in practice.
Over time, This formula was formalized in the act of take refuge and became a central practice in all Buddhist schools. When taking refuge, Practitioners commit to following the teachings of the Buddha and trusting in the Triple Jewel as a guide in their spiritual life..
Recitation of the Three Refuges is a daily affirmation for millions of Buddhists around the world. The act of taking refuge is considered the first step on the Buddhist path, since it implies recognizing the importance of the Buddha, his teachings and community in one's life. The traditional formula, recited in Pali, is the following:
- Buddham saranam gacchami (I take refuge in the Buddha)
- Dhammam saranam gacchami (I take refuge in the Dharma)
- Sangham saranam gacchami (I take refuge in the Sangha)
Each line is recited three times, which reinforces the commitment and meaning of the refuge. It is important to understand that this refuge is not taken as an act of blind faith in an external or divine power., but rather as a conscious orientation towards the principles that guide the practitioner towards awakening.
He Buda symbolizes the teacher who discovered the path to liberation and who shows that every being has the potential to achieve awakening. It's not just about the historical Buddha, but about the capacity that we all have to wake up. The Buddha thus becomes the representation of the wisdom and compassion that lie latent in our deepest being..
He Dharma refers to the teachings of the Buddha, which reveal the universal truths of existence, like the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. Following the Dharma, practitioners can cultivate wisdom, the ethics and concentration necessary to free oneself from suffering.
The Sangha is the community of people who, inspired by the teachings, they commit to practicing together the path to liberation. Traditionally, The Sangha was composed of monks and nuns, It is currently considered that the lay community is also an essential part of the Sangha.
Taking the Three Refuges is not just a formal act, but a continuous process of deepening commitment to the Buddhist path. The Three Refuges act as a spiritual compass, helping the practitioner face life's difficulties with clarity and serenity. By trusting in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha, the practitioner has constant guidance in his daily life.
- Refuge at the Buddha: This does not imply a devotion to an external figure, but trust in the potential inherent in all beings to achieve awakening. Taking refuge in the Buddha is remembering that liberation from suffering is possible and within everyone's reach..
- Refuge in the Dharma: The teachings of the Buddha are the path that leads to the cessation of suffering. By taking refuge in the Dharma, Practitioners commit to studying and applying the teachings in their lives, developing virtues such as compassion, generosity and wisdom.
- Refuge in the Sangha: The spiritual community provides support on the path to awakening. The Sangha offers the right environment for practice, since it facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experiences. Taking refuge in the Sangha also implies a commitment to the harmony and well-being of the community..
As the practitioner deepens his or her understanding and experience of Buddhism, the Three Refuges take on a deeper meaning. Taking refuge is not a single act, but a process that is constantly renewed in daily practice. In times of difficulty, The Three Refuges offer an anchor that allows the practitioner to remain firm on the path and face the vicissitudes of life with equanimity..
The act of taking refuge also has a transformative value. Taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha, the practitioner opens up to a new way of living, a life based on the search for truth, compassion towards all beings and the effort to overcome suffering. This commitment, which begins with the recitation of the words “I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha”, becomes a force that guides the practitioner towards a life of inner peace and wisdom.
Los Three Refuges They are the core of Buddhism and its practice. Take refuge in the Buddha, The Dharma and the Sangha not only symbolize the beginning of the Buddhist path, but it is also a constant reminder of the purpose and direction in the spiritual life. It is a commitment that invites the practitioner to trust their own original nature., wake up, to follow the teachings that lead to the cessation of suffering and to be part of a community that supports and accompanies along the way.
By understanding the importance of the Three Refuges, Practitioners can deepen their relationship with Buddhist teachings and find in them a genuine refuge from the difficulties of everyday life.. Taking refuge is, an act of trust on the path of wisdom, compassion and liberation.