Introduction: What does it mean to "Take Refuge"?

In everyday life, we take refuge when we seek shelter from a storm or a safe place during a difficult time. In Buddhism, Taking Refuge is the formal way someone becomes a Buddhist. It isn't about hiding from the world; instead, it's about finding a reliable "safe harbor" in the Three Jewels to help navigate the challenges of life and the cycle of Samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth).

For your OCR A Level exam, you need to understand what these Three Jewels are and why they are significant for a Buddhist's spiritual journey. Don't worry if this seems a bit abstract at first—we will break it down Jewel by Jewel!

The Three Jewels (Tiratana)

Buddhists take refuge in three things, often called the Three Jewels or the Triple Gem. These are the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. A helpful way to remember how they work together is the "Medical Analogy":

  • The Buddha is the Doctor (the one who diagnoses the problem).
  • The Dhamma is the Medicine (the cure for suffering).
  • The Sangha are the Nurses (those who help you take the medicine).

1. The Buddha (The Teacher)

The first Jewel is the Buddha. For Buddhists, taking refuge in the Buddha means accepting him as the ultimate teacher and a "role model."

Key Points:

  • It is an acknowledgment that a human being achieved Nibbana (Enlightenment) and that others can do the same.
  • Buddhists do not usually see the Buddha as a God who saves them. Instead, they see him as a guide who shows the way.
  • By taking refuge, a person commits to following the Buddha's example of wisdom and compassion.

2. The Dhamma (The Teaching)

The second Jewel is the Dhamma (or Dharma in Sanskrit). This refers to the teachings of the Buddha and the underlying "Truth" of how the universe works.

Key Points:

  • The Dhamma includes the laws of reality, such as the Three Marks of Existence (which you will study in another chapter).
  • Taking refuge in the Dhamma means putting the teachings into practice. It’s not just about "believing" them; it’s about living them.
  • In The Questions of King Milinda (a key text for this section), the Dhamma is described as something that protects the practitioner. Just as an umbrella protects you from rain, the Dhamma protects the mind from greed, hatred, and ignorance.

3. The Sangha (The Community)

The third Jewel is the Sangha. Traditionally, this referred specifically to the monastic community (monks and nuns). However, in a broader sense, it can mean the whole community of Buddhists.

Key Points:

  • The Sangha provides a supportive environment for practice. It is much harder to follow a spiritual path alone than with others.
  • Monks and nuns preserve the Dhamma and teach it to the "lay" community (non-monastics).
  • Taking refuge in the Sangha means valuing the wisdom of those further along the path and contributing to the harmony of the religious community.

Why is Taking Refuge Important? (AO1)

Taking refuge is considered the first step of the Buddhist path. It serves several purposes:

  • Commitment: it marks the transition from being someone interested in Buddhism to being a practicing Buddhist.
  • Direction: It gives the practitioner a clear focus. In the chaos of Samsara, the Three Jewels act as a compass.
  • Protection: It is believed that by following the Three Jewels, one avoids creating negative Kamma (Karma) and moves closer to liberation.

Did you know? In many Buddhist traditions, the ceremony involves repeating a formula three times: "To the Buddha I go for refuge; to the Dhamma I go for refuge; to the Sangha I go for refuge."

Evaluation: Points for Discussion (AO2)

In your exam, you need to be able to analyze and evaluate these concepts. Here are some "big questions" to consider for your essays:

Is one Jewel more important than the others?

Some might argue the Dhamma is the most important because, as the Buddha said before he died, "the teachings will be your teacher." However, others argue the Buddha is vital because, without him, the Dhamma would never have been discovered in our age. Others still say the Sangha is crucial because, without a community to preserve the teachings, the Dhamma would have been lost centuries ago.

Is "Refuge" just a mental state?

Does taking refuge require a formal ceremony, or is it simply an internal shift in how you see the world? For students looking for higher marks, consider whether a person can be a Buddhist if they respect the Dhamma but don't participate in the Sangha (this is a common debate regarding "Buddhism in the West").


Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't confuse "Refuge" with "Worship." When a Buddhist bows to a statue of the Buddha, they aren't asking the statue for favors like a god. They are showing respect for the "Jewel" of the teacher and the potential for enlightenment within themselves.

Quick Review: Key Takeaways

1. The Three Jewels: Buddha (Teacher), Dhamma (Teaching), Sangha (Community).

2. The Goal: To find a safe way out of Samsara and the suffering of Dukkha.

3. The Text: The Questions of King Milinda illustrates how these concepts provide protection and clarity.

4. The Action: Taking refuge is a commitment to practice and live by Buddhist values, not just an intellectual agreement.


Note: For more on the life of the person who started this path, see the chapter on "The Buddha". To understand what the Dhamma teaches about reality, see the chapter on "The Three Marks of Existence".