The Triple Gem

~~Understand the purpose of taking refuge. According to Buddhism, the first noble truth is that life is suffering. This means that all of life including the parts that we generally think of as pleasant are in some way fundamentally unsatisfying. Buddhists deal with this state of suffering by taking refuge.

~~Take refuge in the Buddha. Buddha generally refers to Siddhartha Gautama, but in some cases can refer to any one of many beings throughout history who have achieved a state of enlightenment, or Buddhahood. These beings exist in a state of perfected love and harmony, and serve as an example to anyone who wishes to become a Buddhist. In some traditions the Buddhas are also considered to be able to respond to the prayers of their followers by providing aid.

~~Take refuge in the dharma. The Dharma is the teaching of Buddha on how one should practice in order to achieve enlightenment. Taking refuge in the dharma means studying it and applying it in one's own life, especially when facing challenges.

~~Take refuge in the sangha. The sangha is the religious community, particularly the ordained monks and nuns. Anyone who wishes to become a Buddhist should use this community as a resource, because the sangha is entirely devoted to the Buddhist teachings and lifestyle.

~~When you have made your decision and decided to take refuge, repeat the following three times: "I take refuge in the Buddha, I take refuge in the dharma, I take refuge in the sangha." If you like, you may be able to do this in an official ceremony with a Buddhist teacher and community. After you first take refuge, you should commit to repeating this process at least once every day.

~~Begin a meditation practice, if you don't already have one. Meditation is a very important part of dharma. Try to spend at least some time sitting quietly and clearing your mind of all thoughts. Meditation is simple to explain, but takes a lot of practice. If you have trouble getting started, consider taking a meditation class.

~~Be aware of the five noble precepts. These are the five major lifestyle directions provided by Buddha. You are not required to follow these rules in order to become a Buddhist, but you will probably want to if you are serious about following the teachings. The five precepts are: do not kill, do not steal, do not be sexually irresponsible, do not lie, do not use intoxicants.

~~Continue studying the dharma and deepening your understanding of Buddhism.


The Prayer

Namo Buddhaya
Namo Dharmaya
Namo Sanghaya

I go for refuge to the Buddha,
I go for refuge to the Dharma,
I go for refuge to the Sangha.

or, the Tibetan (Mahayana) version:

Until I am enlightened,
I go for refuge to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
Through the virtue I create by practising giving and the other perfections,
may I become a Buddha to benefit all sentient beings.

Source

More on the Triple Gem


1. PHYSICAL APPROACH :
This implies the acts of, for instance, paying obeisance to the Buddha's image, a Bhikkhu or monastery whenever the Buddhists see one, whether on the way or while passing a monastery. These reflect the docile or manageable condition of their minds.

2. VERBAL APPROACH :
Buddhists declare themselves as such through the recitation of the passages 'Buddham.gif (73 bytes) Saranam.gif (73 bytes) Gaccha.gif (845 bytes)mi; Dhammam.gif (73 bytes) Saranam.gif (73 bytes) Gaccha.gif (845 bytes)mi; Sangham.gif (73 bytes) Saranam.gif (73 bytes) Gaccha.gif (845 bytes)mi, which mean, I go to the Dhamma and the San.gif (66 bytes)gha as Refuges.' They also recite other Scriptural passages and to engage in Dhamma talks or discussion.

3. MENTAL APPROACH :
It is the willingness to accept the Buddha's Teachings that a Buddhist is rightfully said to be following the Buddha's Path. This application of the Buddha's and His disciples' practices are both a refinement of the mind and the development of its intellectual aspect. What results therefrom is the ability to see things as they really are, with the consequent reduction and then removal of Defilements (Kilesa). Such practices are, for instance, dispensing charity, observing the Five or Eight Precepts (or more) and clothing the mind with the Four Brahmaviha.gif (845 bytes)ra (Divine States) viz. Loving-kindness, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy and Equanimity. These will enable the aspirants with faith in the Buddha, Dhamma and San.gif (66 bytes)gha to have the condition of their minds more refined and their wisdom intensified.

Source