Three Refuges

From Buddha World

Taking refuge in the Three Jewels is central to Buddhist lay and monastic ordination ceremonies, as originated by Gautama Buddha, according to the scriptures. The practice of taking refuge on behalf of young or even unborn children is mentioned in the Majjhima Nikaya, recognized by most scholars as an early text.

Taking refuge in the Three Jewels is generally considered to make one officially a Buddhist. Thus, in many Theravada Buddhist' communities, the following Pali chant, the Vandana Ti-sarana is often recited by both monks and lay people:

Buddham saranam gacchāmi

I go for refuge in the Buddha.

Dhammam saranam gacchāmi

I go for refuge in the Dharma.

Sangham saranam gacchāmi

I go for refuge in the Sangha.

The Mahayana version differs only slightly from the Theravada:

I take refuge in the Buddha, wishing for all sentient beings to understand the great Way profoundly and make the greatest resolve.

I take refuge in the Dharma, wishing for all sentient beings to delve deeply into the Sutra Pitaka, causing their wisdom to be as broad as the sea.

I take refuge in the Sangha, wishing all sentient beings to lead the congregation in harmony, entirely without obstruction.

The prayer for taking refuge in Tibetan Buddhism.

Sang-gye cho-dang tsog-kyi cho-nam-la I take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha

Jang-chub bar-du dag-ni kyab-su-chi Until I attain enlightenment.

Dag-gi jin-sog gyi-pe so-nam-kyi By the merit I have accumulated from practising generosity and the other perfections

Dro-la pan-chir sang-gye drub-par-shog May I attain enlightenment, for the benefit of all migrators.