What does it mean to 'seek refuge in the Three Jewels?

Taking Refuge. The meaning of taking refuge in the Three Jewels is explained somewhat differently by the various schools of Buddhism. The Theravada teacher Bhikkhu Bodhi said,. "The Buddha's teaching can be thought of as a kind of building with its own distinct foundation, stories, stairs, and roof. read more

) means to recognize that there is an ultimate reality and that there are teachings available to me to help realize this truth. To go to the Sangha for refuge (Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.) means to rejoice in the fact that there are others who have practiced, who continue to practice, and who will support me in my own practice. read more

To become a Buddhist is to take refuge in the Three Jewels, also called the Three Treasures. The Three Jewels are the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The formal ceremony of Ti Samana Gamana (Pali), or "taking the three refuges," is performed in nearly all schools of Buddhism. read more

To take refuge in something requires two things 1) fear and 2) faith. Fear in something that we wish to be protected from, and faith that the object in which we take refuge can protect us from that which we fear. So in order to properly take refuge in the three jewels we must first properly generate fear of samsara. read more