Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa

namo = homage

tassa= to him(Buddha)

bhagavato= worthy one

arahato= without any defilements

sammaa sambuddhassa= The fully self enlightened

Homage to him the worthy one the one without any defilements the fully self enlightened

The Triple Gem

The Buddha, Dharma and Sangha are called the Triple Gem because they represent qualities excellent and precious like a gem. Once we recognize these unique qualities after careful consideration and are confident that the Triple Gem can lead us towards happiness and Enlightenment, we take refuge in it. Therefore, it is not out of mere faith, but with an open-minded attitude and enquiring spirit that we begin practicing the Buddha’s Teaching. It is one of the major practices of mental “reflection” in Buddhism, we reflect on the true qualities of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. These qualities are called the Mirror of the Dhamma in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta and help us attain the true “mind like a mirror”.

Buddha

The word “Buddha” means the “Fully Enlightened One”, or the “Awakened One”. It is the title given to those who have attained supreme and perfect Enlightenment. Buddhists acknowledge the Buddha as the embodiment of the highest Morality, deepest Concentration, and perfect Wisdom.

Dhamma

The Dhamma is the Teaching about the nature of life. This Teaching of the Buddha is contained in the collection of scriptures called the Tripitaka. These consist of the sermons (Sutra Pitaka) taught by the Buddha, the disciplinary rules of the monastic community (Vinaya Pitaka) and the philosophy and psychology of Buddhism (Abhidharma Pitaka).

Sangha

The Sangha that a Buddhist takes refuge in is the community of Noble Ones who have led exemplary lives and attained extraordinary insight into the true nature of things. Their lives and achievements show others that it is possible to progress on the path to Enlightenment.

BUDDHAM SARANAM GACCHĀMI

DHAMMAM SARANAM GACCHĀMI

SANGHAM SARANAM GACCHĀMI

To the Buddha, I go for refuge.

To the Dhamma, I go for refuge.

To the Sangha, I go for refuge.

DUTIYAMPI BUDDHAM SARANAM GACCHĀMI

DUTIYAMPI DHAMMAM SARANAM GACCHĀMI

DUTIYAMPI SANGHAM SARANAM GACCHĀMI

For a second time, to the Buddha, I go for refuge.

For a second time, to the Dhamma, I go for refuge.

For a second time, to the Sangha, I go for refuge.

TATIYAMPI BUDDHAM SARANAM GACCHĀMI

TATIYAMPI DHAMMAM SARANAM GACCHĀMI

TATIYAMPI SANGHAM SARANAM GACCHĀMI

For a third time, to the Buddha, I go for refuge.

For a third time, to the Dhamma, I go for refuge.

For a third time, to the Sangha, I go for refuge.

Benefits of Taking Refuge

Taking the Threefold Refuge is the first step on the path to Enlightenment. Thereafter, through Good Conduct and Mental Development, self-mastery, Wisdom and Compassion is achieved. Even if Enlightenment is not achieved in this life, one who takes refuge in the Triple Gem is more likely to have favorable conditions for attaining Enlightenment in a future life.