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Becoming a Buddhist lay practitioner means becoming a disciple of Buddhism, known as a disciple of the Triple Gem. To join authentic Buddhism and become a Buddhist, one must go through the ceremony of 'Taking the Three Refuges.' The significance of this ceremony is comparable to a king's coronation, a president's inauguration, or joining a political party. It is a solemn vow from the heart, a sincere commitment, an earnest aspiration, a spiritual rebirth, and a devout dedication. Therefore, Buddhism considers it extremely important.
The Three Refuges ceremony is simple yet dignified, primarily intended to help one wholeheartedly take refuge in and rely upon the Triple Gem, gaining pure and steadfast faith. Buddha refers to the Enlightened One, Dharma to his teachings, and Sangha to the monastic community that propagates Buddhist teachings. Taking refuge in these three can bring peace of mind and body in the present life, as well as liberation from the cycle of birth and death, ultimately leading to Buddhahood. Hence, they are called the Triple Gem, and believing in Buddhism is referred to as taking refuge in the Triple Gem.
Buddhist faith differs significantly from folk beliefs in ghosts and deities, as Buddhism requires the presence of all three gems. The Triple Gem consists of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. They are called "gems" because they are inexhaustible in both possession and use. Once received, they accompany you forever, cannot be destroyed by fire or water, cannot be stolen by thieves, provide endless benefit, and are incomparable to any worldly treasures.
The Buddha Gem refers to one who has completed their practice and achieved perfect wisdom and merit. Any being has the potential to become a Buddha, so we take refuge in all Buddhas of the past, present, and future throughout the ten directions. However, in our world's recorded history, only Shakyamuni Buddha has achieved Buddhahood.
The Dharma Gem refers to the methods and principles for practicing to achieve Buddhahood. The Dharma we know was taught by Shakyamuni Buddha, hence we call him "Our Original Teacher Shakyamuni Buddha." Today's Dharma Gem includes the Triple Canon of sutras, vinaya, and abhidharma, along with commentaries and recorded sayings of patriarchs, which guide us in how to practice and serve as our standard for practice.
The Sangha Gem refers to those who study Buddhism, help others study Buddhism, and support beings in their Buddhist practice. This includes bodhisattvas, arhats, and ordinary monks and nuns. However, ordinary people cannot recognize enlightened bodhisattvas and arhats, so most people mainly interact with ordinary monks and nuns, who form the core of the Sangha Gem in our human realm.
The Sangha Gem represents the teachers, the Dharma Gem the teaching materials, and the Buddha Gem the one who discovered and revealed these teachings. Only with all three gems present is Buddhism complete. Believing only in the Buddha Gem is no different from blindly believing in spirits and ghosts; believing only in the Dharma Gem is similar to scholarly academic study; believing only in the Sangha Gem is like having godparents – none of these alone constitutes Buddhism.
Taking refuge in the Triple Gem is like enrolling in school – it marks the beginning of studying and practicing Buddhism. Only after enrollment and becoming an official student can one attend classes; students have the duty to attend, and schools have the responsibility to teach. Therefore, the refuge ceremony is crucial, similar to marriage vows, official inaugurations, or party membership ceremonies, all requiring oaths and witnesses to show solemnity and commitment.
One can certainly study Buddhism without taking the Three Refuges, and Buddhism won't label non-refuge-takers as demons. However, those who haven't taken refuge will likely have psychological hesitations and uncertainties. In crucial moments, they might say, "I'm not really a Buddhist, so I don't need to follow Buddhist precepts." They might excuse themselves for negative actions like laziness, indulgence, sexual misconduct, lying, or petty theft, without taking preventive measures. After taking refuge, one becomes self-disciplined and vigilant, receiving encouragement and guidance from fellow practitioners and teachers, thus entering the right path in terms of character elevation, spiritual growth, and practice dedication.
Please don't think taking refuge is unimportant, or mistakenly believe you're not qualified because you don't yet understand Buddhist teachings and practice. Actually, precisely because you haven't practiced, don't know how to practice, or don't understand the Dharma, but already know that Buddhism is trustworthy and worth studying, you should quickly take refuge in the Triple Gem. Those who feel unworthy of being Buddhists need to take refuge even more urgently. After taking refuge, you'll receive assistance and blessings from good friends, Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and dharma protectors in terms of mindset, lifestyle, and habits. Therefore, taking refuge in the Triple Gem will strengthen the willpower and increase the faith of those who currently lack these qualities.
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