Buddhism is an ancient tradition rooted in profound teachings and practices aimed at self-realization and enlightenment. At the heart of this philosophy are the Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha – which are fundamental to the spiritual practice. These jewels represent the pillars upon which all Buddhist practice is built, serving as guides for practitioners on the path to awakening. They are seen as sources of refuge, as they provide wisdom, conduct, and community.
Each of the Three Jewels holds deep and practical meaning. The Buddha represents the ideal of enlightenment and the model of someone who awakens to the true nature of life. The Dharma is the doctrine or teachings that guide practitioners on the path of truth and understanding. Lastly, the Sangha is the community of practitioners, made up of both monks and laypeople, offering support and companionship on the spiritual journey.
The words “Buddha,” “Dharma,” and “Sangha” come from Sanskrit, one of the oldest languages of India, and carry with them a transformative power of reflection. Each term has nuances that go beyond their literal meanings, reflecting wisdom accumulated over centuries. Zen Buddhism, for example, chose to preserve its teachings in Sanskrit, honoring the depth of the original words and their connection to the state of enlightenment.
In Zen Buddhism, understanding the Three Jewels is essential, as they form the foundation of the practice. The relationship between the practitioner and the Three Jewels is not merely theoretical but practical, embedded in daily life and the development of the spiritual path. By understanding and embodying the Three Jewels, a Buddhist finds the clarity needed for their own awakening while contributing to the preservation and flourishing of Buddhism.
The First Jewel: The Buddha
The word “Buddha” comes from Sanskrit, derived from the root “bud,” which means “one who has awakened.” This term, therefore, does not refer to a divine or supernatural figure but to a human being who has attained full enlightenment, awakening to the true nature of reality. In Buddhism, the Buddha is not worshiped as a god but revered as an example of an ordinary human who, through practice, discipline, and deep insight, reached a state of clarity and wisdom that anyone can achieve. The word “Buddha” symbolizes the potential that all humans have to reach the same realization.
Unlike a deity, the Buddha is an ideal that represents the highest possible human development—a state of complete wisdom and compassion. When Buddhists honor the Buddha, they are not worshiping a historical figure like the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, but rather the ideal of awakening that he embodies. The historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, was the founder of Buddhism and, as a human being, exemplified the path to awakening. His example is important, but he should not be viewed as unattainable; his life and awakening demonstrate that enlightenment is accessible to all human beings.
The Buddha, as an ideal, teaches that everyone has the potential to achieve the same spiritual realization, without relying on supernatural powers or intermediaries. His own journey shows that it is possible to awaken to the true nature of things and thus live in a fully enlightened way. The practice of Buddhism is based on the idea that everyone can follow the path of the Buddha, regardless of their background, social status, or previous beliefs.
For those interested in learning more about the historical Buddha and his journey from his birth as Prince Siddhartha to his awakening, we recommend reading the additional post on “The Life of Prince Siddhartha Until the Awakening.” Through this story, we can better understand what it means to “awaken” and how the Buddha inspires us to follow his example of enlightenment.
The Second Jewel: The Dharma
The word “Dharma” comes from Sanskrit and is derived from the root “dam,” which means “to maintain” or “to support.” In the Buddhist context, Dharma refers to the teachings of the Buddha, the law, and the doctrine that sustain the practice and spiritual journey of practitioners. It is what keeps the practitioner on the path of truth and enlightenment, offering a solid foundation for spiritual practice and development.
In Buddhism, Dharma does not merely refer to a generic word for “law” or “doctrine,” but to a specific set of teachings that the Buddha transmitted to guide human beings toward liberation from suffering. Dharma is seen as the universal truth that transcends time and space, applying to all human beings in any era or place. It includes teachings about the nature of the mind, impermanence, interdependence, and the paths to attain enlightenment.
It is important to note that, in the Buddhist context, “Dharma” is capitalized to distinguish the teachings of the Buddha from “dharmas” with a lowercase “d,” which refers to the phenomena of the world, or the temporary manifestations of reality. The dharmas in the sense of phenomena describe the characteristics and laws that govern the material and mental world, while “Dharma” with a capital letter refers to the body of spiritual teachings that guide the practitioner in the pursuit of wisdom and liberation.
Dharma is, therefore, the foundation that supports Buddhist practice, the practitioner’s journey, and the transmission of spiritual knowledge within the Buddhist community. Without Dharma, the practitioner would not have the necessary tools to understand the nature of reality and achieve enlightenment. It is the compass that guides each step on the spiritual path, helping the practitioner stay focused and aligned with the Buddha’s teachings.
The Third Jewel: The Sangha
The concept of Sangha has its roots in the time of the Buddha, and its definition has evolved over time. Originally, during the time of the Buddha, the Sangha referred to the community of enlightened beings, known as the “árya-sangha.” These were individuals who had achieved enlightenment and were on the path to helping others reach the same state. Thus, the Sangha represented an exclusive group of enlightened beings who understood the true nature of reality and followed the Buddha’s teachings.
Over time, the definition of Sangha expanded to include monks, who, following the example of the Buddha himself, dedicated their lives entirely to spiritual practice and the preservation of the teachings. This shift in the understanding of Sangha was an important step in ensuring the preservation and transmission of Buddhist doctrine, allowing it to be passed down through generations.
The significant change occurred with the Mahayana movement, about two thousand years ago, when laypeople, who had previously been seen as incapable of achieving enlightenment, were included in the Sangha. This inclusion was symbolized by the Vimalakirti Sutra, in which the main character, Vimalakirti, is a merchant living in the ordinary world, but is a Bodhisattva—someone who seeks enlightenment not just for themselves but for all beings. This Sutra is considered a milestone in expanding the role of laypeople in Buddhism, demonstrating that anyone, regardless of their social status or occupation, has the potential to attain enlightenment.
In the current context of Zen Buddhism, both monks and laypeople play important roles within the Sangha. While monks dedicate their lives fully to religious practice, living in monasteries or practice centers, laypeople also have a crucial role in supporting and growing the community. The main distinction between them is the monks’ full-time dedication to practice and instruction, whereas laypeople actively participate in the community and contribute to spreading the teachings, without necessarily living in a monastic environment.
Thus, the Sangha is essential to sustaining Buddhist practice, serving as a network of support and a community of learning. It allows practitioners to share their knowledge, support one another, and grow spiritually together, whether as monks or laypeople.
The Importance of the Three Jewels
The Three Jewels of Buddhism — the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha — are essential to the existence and functioning of the Buddhist community. They represent the pillars that support practice, learning, and the dissemination of the Buddha’s teachings. Without these three jewels, Buddhist practice would not be possible, as they are interconnected and complement each other, forming the foundation for all practitioners, whether monks or laypeople.
The Buddha, as an ideal to be reached, serves as the reference for enlightenment. He is not a figure to be worshiped solely but represents the human potential to awaken to the truth and achieve full wisdom. Through the example of the Buddha, practitioners are inspired to follow the path of awakening, knowing that enlightenment is within everyone’s reach, regardless of their origin or social status.
The Dharma, in turn, is the foundation that preserves and transmits the teachings of the Buddha. It is not just a doctrine but a living practice that guides the practitioner on their spiritual journey. The Dharma keeps the community aligned with the Buddha’s principles, serving as the vehicle that carries the teachings across generations, ensuring that the path to enlightenment remains accessible to all.
The Sangha, as the community, is the network of support that facilitates practice and the preservation of the Dharma. It not only sustains the Buddhist institution but also ensures that the Buddha’s teachings are spread effectively. The interaction between monks, laypeople, and the institution creates an environment where collective practice and the exchange of teachings are possible. The Sangha, therefore, is the context in which the Three Jewels manifest, making Buddhist practice accessible and lived by all.
Together, the Three Jewels ensure that the teachings of the Buddha not only survive but continue to be alive, dynamic, and accessible. They form the backbone of Buddhist practice, allowing the community to remain united and in constant spiritual growth.
Conclusion
The Three Jewels — the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha — are essential to the Buddhist path, and their importance cannot be overstated. They not only represent the fundamental pillars upon which Buddhist practice is based but also serve as continuous sources of inspiration and guidance for practitioners. The Buddha, as the ideal of enlightenment, shows us that everyone has the capacity to awaken to the truth. The Dharma offers us the teachings necessary to follow this path, and the Sangha provides the support and community needed to strengthen our daily practice.
Each Jewel plays a unique and indispensable role in the spiritual development of those following the Buddhist path. They remind us that the journey to enlightenment is made of small steps, guided by the teachings and example of the Buddha, and supported by the community of practitioners. Reflecting on the meaning and practice of the Three Jewels can help us understand better how they contribute to our personal journey of self-discovery and awakening.
Therefore, we invite you to reflect on how the Three Jewels are present in your own spiritual journey. How is the Buddha a model of awakening for you? How does the Dharma guide you? And how does the Sangha support your practice? By integrating the Three Jewels into your life, you will find a clearer and deeper path to spiritual fulfillment.
