Three Jewels of Buddha in Buddhism: Path to Enlightenment
When we talk about Buddhism, we don’t just talk about one dharma but about one way of living. Buddha taught the world that suffering can be overcome and we can live a peaceful life. In his teachings there is one thing that is backbone for every Buddhist—Three Jewels of Buddha.
These three jewels are also called Three Treasures or Three Refuges. They are a spiritual compass. First is Buddha himself, who is a teacher, a guide who shows us the way to awakening. Second is Dharma, the truth, the path that gives us the power to change and removes the inner darkness. And third is Sangha, a supportive community that keeps us strong and mindful even in the midst of struggles.
The most special thing is that when a person takes refuge in the Three Jewels of Buddhism, he does not trust in any external object. Rather, trust the wisdom, compassion and mindfulness of your actions.
This is an inner journey where a person accepts the potential of transformation and liberation hidden within himself. Now the question arises whether these jewels really exist? Let us understand in detail: What Are the Three Jewels of Buddha?
What Are the Three Jewels of Buddha?
Understanding the Three Jewels of Buddhism is like understanding the heart of Buddha’s teachings. These jewels are not just a part of a religious ritual, but a spiritual commitment that every Buddhist makes in his life. Understanding them means understanding your journey of self-discovery and liberation.Let’s explore each jewel in detail.
1. Buddha: The Teacher
The first jewel is Buddha, who inspires us that even a human being can transform his inner darkness into light. Siddhartha Gautama was a prince who left worldly pleasures and dedicated his life to understanding the real cause of suffering. He showed that man cannot escape his suffering, but can be free from it by understanding and accepting it.
And this was Buddha’s biggest message – you do not need any miracle or supernatural power. You are your own teacher, you are your own liberator. When Buddhists take refuge in “Buddha”, they do not just have faith in a historical figure but recognize the potential within themselves.
In today’s time, “Buddha” means any wise guide, any awakened being who leads us towards the truth. Whether he is a teacher, a friend, or a moment of clarity – if he takes you away from suffering, then he is your “Buddha”.
2. Dharma: The Teachings
The second jewel is Dharma, i.e. Buddha teachings. Buddha had said – I show you the path, you will learn to walk it yourself. This is Dharma. Dharma includes all those truths which Buddha discovered during his enlightenment – like Four Noble Truths (there is suffering, there is a cause of suffering, there is an end to it, and there is
is a way to reach that end), Eightfold Path (which is a complete lifestyle guide), and Three Marks of Existence (impermanence, suffering, and no-self). But Dharma is not just an intellectual knowledge. Just like a doctor does not work by just prescribing medicine, the patient has to take the medicine himself – similarly Buddha has given us “medicine”, and that is our work.
Even today if you follow Buddhism, Dharma teaches you mindfulness, teaches you to develop compassion, and gives clarity to your life. This is a practical toolkit that is relevant in every era – be it ancient India or the modern 21st century.
3. Sangha: The Community
The third jewel is Sangha, which is a supportive spiritual community. It is said in Buddhism that living alone is difficult, but practising with a supportive group makes transformation easy and sustainable. Historically, Sangha meant the community of monks and nuns. But today it means every group that practices Buddhism –
Just like a gym buddy keeps you on the path of fitness, a Sangha keeps you on spiritual discipline.
And the greatest gift the Sangha gives is belonging. You feel that you are not alone – you are part of a larger journey.
So, if we conclude “The Three Jewels of Buddha” – Buddha (the teacher), Dharma (the teachings), and Sangha (the community) – are like a spiritual tripod. If even one leg is missing, the balance is disturbed. These three pillars guide us towards freedom from suffering, peace, a meaningful life and give a positive insights.
Why Do Buddhists Take Refuge in the Three Jewels?
There are times in life when we feel that there is no more. When surrounded by stress, grief, uncertainty, or emotional pain, a person looks for some support. At such times, the three jewels of Buddha become a real support system. These are not just religious beliefs, but practical tools that make a person strong from within. Let us see some such real-life example where people experienced transformation in their lives with the help of Buddhism, Buddha teachings, and Sangha.
Real-Life Story: Ted's Transformation Through the Three Jewels
Ted’s story is somewhat different, but can become an inspiration for all of us. There was a time when he was feeling very broken in his life – he spent many years in jail, grief, guilt and loneliness had broken him from within. But when he met Buddhism and took refuge in the three jewels of Buddha, then both his thinking and life changed. Let’s understand his journey step by step.
Buddha: The Teacher – “Recognizing the Inner Light”
When Ted was first told about Buddha’s teachings, he heard that Buddha was a person who reached enlightenment not because of some divine power but by understanding the pain within himself. This touched Ted’s heart. He thought – “If a person can move forward despite his struggles, then I too can understand my pain and transform it.” He began to accept his emotions instead of suppressing them. Every morning for a few minutes he would observe his thoughts, focus on his breath, and feel a peaceful and daydreaming place inside him.This was a new beginning for him – Buddha became his guide, reminding him: “You cannot escape your suffering, but you can overcome it by understanding it.”
Dharma: The Teachings – “Learn the way to live”
In the next step, Ted made Dharma, i.e. Buddha’s teachings, a part of his life. He incorporated meditation into his routine and made mindfulness his tool. Whenever his mind was drowned in restlessness or guilt, he observed his breath, and gently accepted his emotions. He began to follow the Five Precepts – such as not harming anyone, speaking the truth, and disciplining his habits. Slowly, he began to control his anger and develop compassion within himself. For Ted, Dharma was not a topic of a book or lecture—it became a part of his daily life. Whenever he faced a challenge, he had a practical way to calm his mind.
Sangha: The Community “Coming out of loneliness, I got the support of my own people”
The most powerful change came when Ted started becoming a part of a Sangha, a supportive community. Earlier he was alone in his grief, but when he joined the group meditation and listened to the stories of others, he felt – “I am not alone.” People in the group shared their struggles, motivated each other and supported each other in mindfulness practice. Ted shared his experiences, inspired others and slowly started feeling emotionally strong. For him, the Sangha became a family—a place where he could express his emotions without judgment, and where everyone was implementing the Buddha’s teachings together
A new turn in life
Today, Ted’s life has undergone a major transformation. Stress still comes, but he has the tools to manage it. Guilt and loneliness have given way to self-compassion and belonging. He improved his relationships, found inner peace, and developed a meaningful way to live.
His story shows that the three jewels of Buddha are not just a theory, but a practical roadmap that can help any person overcome sadness, anxiety and loneliness and live a purposeful life.