Three Jewels

The Three Jewels (S. ratnatraya [alt. triratna]; P. ratanattaya [alt. tiratana]; T. dkon mchog gsum; C. sanbao; J. sanbō; K. sambo 三寶), or triple gem, refers to the principle objects of veneration in Buddhism.

The Three Jewels are:　

• the Buddha
• the Dharma
• the Sangha

The key practice or ritual that establishes oneself as a Buddhist is to take refuge in the Three Jewels. In the context of taking refuge, the Three Jewels are generally understood as follows:

• the Buddha refers primarly to Gautama Buddha
  • Within the Sanskrit tradition, the Buddha can also refer to other buddhas, or to Buddhahood
• the Dharma refers to the buddhadharma, teachings of the Buddha
• the Sangha refers to the arya sangha (those who have reached a high level of realization)