Buddhism Basics

Refuges and Precepts

The Meaning of Taking Refuge
The Five Precepts (Pañca Sīla)

The Meaning of Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem

In the world of Buddhism, we speak of 'taking refuge' or 'going
for refuge' in the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha).
What does this mean? Do Buddhists look to the Triple Gem
to protect them from harm, in the same way that followers of
other paths look to a deity to protect them? In a word: no.
'Taking refuge' may be understood as 'accepting guidance.' If
we look to the Triple Gem for guidance--with the Buddha and
Sangha as examples to follow and Dhamma as a Path to follow--
then our lives will be lived in ways that create less suffering for
ourselves and those around us. Therein is our protection: in the
conforming of our lives to the Triple Gem. To quote the Blessed
One: "Protecting oneself, one protects others; protecting others,
one protects oneself."

When we take refuge in the Buddha, it isn't simply the personage
of the historical founder of Buddhism that we consider. The principle
of Enlightenment (or Awakening) is itself our refuge. Similarly, the
Dhamma isn't simply books of the Buddha's teachings--it is the Path
leading to Enlightenment which is our refuge.

Regarding the Sangha, there is a popular misconception in the West that
the term refers to any congregation or other community of Buddhists.
But a true Sangha functions as an inspiring example, worthy of reverence,
in order to offer us true spiritual guidance. An ordinary group of Buddhists
may include individuals whose beliefs and/or behavior barely conform to
the Dhamma. Should we take refuge in those who may mislead us?

Furthermore, the Sangha that is our refuge isn't merely a group of monks
and nuns--it is a community of those who are following, or have followed
the Path and have realized any of the stages of Awakening along the way.
To quote from the well-known description of the Sangha, found in numer-
ous Suttas, and chanted daily in temples and homes throughout the world:


"The Disciples of the Blessed One have practiced well, are
of upright conduct, have practiced diligently, have practiced
properly; that is, the four pairs of persons, the eight kinds of
individuals; these are the Blessed One’s Disciples: worthy
of offerings, worthy of hospitality, worthy of gifts, and worthy
of respect--an incomparable field of merit for the world."


The Five Precepts (Pañca Sīla)

1. PĀNĀTIPĀTĀ VERAMANĪ SIKKHĀPADAM SAMĀDIYĀMI.
I undertake the precept of training to abstain from taking life.

2. ADINNĀDĀNĀ VERAMANĪ SIKKHĀPADAM SAMĀDIYĀMI.

I undertake the precept of training to abstain from taking what is not given.

3. KĀMESU MICCHĀCĀRĀ VERAMANĪ SIKKHĀPADAM SAMĀDIYĀMI.

I undertake the precept of training to abstain from sexual misconduct.

4. MUSĀVĀDĀ VERAMANĪ SIKKHĀPADAM SAMĀDIYĀMI.

I undertake the precept of training to abstain from falsehood.

5. SURĀ MERAYA MAJJA PAMĀDATTHĀNĀ
VERAMANĪ SIKKHĀPADAM SAMĀDIYĀMI.

I undertake the precept of training to abstain from intoxicants,
which give occasion to heedlessness. ²


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