Refuge (Buddhism)

Refuge (Buddhism)

Buddhists "take refuge" in, or to "go for refuge" to, the Three Jewels (aka the "Three Refuges"). This can be done formally in lay and monastic ordination ceremonies.

The Three Jewels general signification is:　

• the Buddha;
• the Dharma, the teachings;
• the Sangha, the community of (at least partially) enlightened beings, often approximated to community of monks and nuns (Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis).

In Vajrayana, practitioners (sadhakas) can visualize the refuge tree, and to aid this interior viewing, the refuge tree is typically depicted on scroll paintings (thangka) or murals.