The ideals at the core of Buddhism are collectively known as the ”Three Treasures” or the ”Three Jewels”. These are the Buddha (the yellow jewel), the Dharma (the blue jewel), and the Sangha (the red jewel). It is by making these the core principles of your life that you become a Buddhist practitioner.
After your Initiation process, you will receive a teaching on the meaning of what the triple Gem signifies in Buddhism.
The 1st jewel is the Buddha. To take true refuge in the Buddha is not to hide in the safety of an omnipotent being. Refuge, in this case, is more like moving to a new attitude, to a new awareness of the possibility within us all. Buddha means all those who have awakened from the non-stop sleep of ignorance and blossomed into their full potential.
“The Blessed One is an Arahant, perfectly enlightened, accomplished in conduct and true knowledge, fortunate, knower of the world, unsurpassed leader of persons to be tamed, teacher of humans and devas, the Enlightened One, the Blessed One.”
The 2nd jewel is the Dharma, the spiritual path which follows the profound teaching of Gautama Buddha, and which will ultimately lead to spiritual awakening. Ethics, virtues and practices are also Dharma. Even the qualities that we develop, the positive qualities that lead us toward true reality and freedom, those are Dharma.
The Dharma is the truth of all things in the creation, always was, is and shall be valid, therefore, is the true source which can be revealed or uncovered, enabling our complete enlightenment. Also, the Dharma teaches us compassion for ourselves and others through an understanding of The Four Noble Truths and leads to a release from ignorance and fear.
The Buddha did not invent the Dharma, the Dharma is the true nature of all things in Universe.
The 3rd jewel is the Sangha, the community of those who learn that teaching, who enjoy the jewels of refuge, seek that understanding, and work to embody that Dharma. In addition, the Sangha comprises those who come together in any size group to discuss, study, recite mantras, practice meditation with an aspiration to help and be helped by that group.
Buddham Saranam Gacchami mantra complete lyrics and translation:
”Buddham saranam gacchami.
I go to the Buddha for refuge.Dhammam saranam gacchami.
I go to the Dhamma for refuge.Sangham saranam gacchami.
I go to the Sangha for refuge.”
Peace mantra meditation benefits:
This peaceful chant can be understood as an expression of gratitude for those who have helped us along the spiritual path, as well as for our own potential to awaken.
Furthermore, this Buddhist chant expresses an intention to be present to our experience as it unfolds moment by moment with an attitude of kindness and compassion for others and ourselves.
Note – this mantra is usually recited to oneself whilst bowing three times before the image of the Gautama Buddha in the Shrine, or even mornings before starting the day and night times before sleeping at home.
