Three Jewels facts for kids

The Three Jewels, also known as the Three Treasures or Triple Gem, are super important in Buddhism. They are like three special guides that Buddhists look to for help and wisdom. This act of looking for guidance is called taking refuge.

The Three Jewels are:

• Buddha: This means The Enlightened One or Awakened One. It can refer to Shakyamuni Buddha, who was a real person, or it can mean the special "Buddha nature" that everyone has inside them.
• Dharma: This is The Teaching. It means all the wise lessons and truths that the Buddha shared to help people understand life and find peace.
• Sangha: This means The Community. It refers to the group of people who follow the Buddha's teachings. It especially includes those who have reached a high level of understanding, like Enlightenment. These wise people can help others on their own path to understanding.

What are the Three Jewels?

The Three Jewels are central to being a Buddhist. They represent the core beliefs and practices. When someone "takes refuge" in the Three Jewels, they are making a promise. They promise to follow the path of the Buddha, learn the Dharma, and be part of the Sangha community.

The Buddha: The Awakened Teacher

The first jewel is the Buddha. For many, this means Gautama Buddha, who lived a long time ago. He was a prince who gave up his royal life to find true happiness. After much searching, he became "enlightened" under a tree. This means he woke up to the truth about life and suffering. He then spent his life teaching others what he had learned. The Buddha is seen as the ultimate guide because he showed the way to end suffering.

The Dharma: The Path to Wisdom

The second jewel is the Dharma. This is the collection of all the Buddha's teachings. It's like a map that shows you how to live a good life. The Dharma explains things like why we suffer and how we can find peace. It includes ideas such as the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. These teachings help people understand themselves and the world around them. They guide people to be kind, wise, and peaceful.

The Sangha: The Supportive Community

The third jewel is the Sangha. This is the community of people who practice Buddhism. It includes monks, nuns, and everyday followers. The Sangha is important because it offers support and guidance. Being part of a community helps people stay on their path. It's a place where people can learn from each other and share their experiences. The Sangha also includes those who have reached a high level of spiritual understanding. Their wisdom helps inspire and guide others.

Images for kids

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  Gautama Buddha giving his first teaching in a deer park. He is shown with his right hand turning the Dharmachakra, a symbol of the Dharma, next to the Triratna symbol.

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  An ancient artwork showing people honoring the Three Jewels.

See also

In Spanish: Refugio (budismo) para niños