Part 3 The Triple Gem (Ti-ratana)

1. THE BUDDHA :

The one who is self-enlightened, having realized the Noble Truths. He is the founder of the unexcelled Buddhism, being perfect in the threefold virtue as follows :

The Virtue of Wisdom -- This implies His Enlightenment through His own efforts, which means the supreme knowledges of all things as they really are. Such Knowledges of his are unchangeable and timeless.

The Virtue of Purity : His mind is absolutely purified, freed of all passions or pollutions, there being for Him no desire for nor aversion to anything or anybody, no attachment nor hatred towards all sentient beings.

The Virtue of Compassion : His compassion is of the purest nature, thereby being unilateral i.e. for the sake of the benefit and happiness of sentient beings themselves. Convinced of how beings are helplessly caught in the ocean of sufferings, He undertook the mission of helping them out of their plight.

2. THE DHAMMA :

Having been enlightened into the so-called 84,000 Dhamma-khandha (Aggregates or items of Dhamma), He shouldered the task of disseminating parts of the Dhamma of His discovery that would be conductive to beings' happiness, progress, peace and security. His teachings being based on the listeners's tendency and maturity, He knew how to teach them part of the Dhamma that suited their capacity for practice. This so that they could be blessed with peace, progress and prosperity for their lives.

3. THE SANGHA :

This implies the Buddha's disciples, of whom there are four kinds viz. Bhikkhu (monk), Bhikkhun (nun), male lay disciples (Upsaka) and female lay disciples (Upsika). The term SAGHA particular refers to those disciples who have through their earnest practice, realized any of the Four Grades of Path and Fruition called Sotpana (Stream-winner), Sakadgm (Once-returner), Angm (Non-re-turner) and Arahant (Fully Liberated one). These are called Ariyasagha (Noble Disciples).

Other Bhikkhus who have not yet attained any of the Four Grades of Path and Fruition are called Sammatisagha. They have shouldered the task of following the disciplinary rules and studying the Buddha's Teachings. They are free to leave the Bhikkhuhood and thus become lay disciples whenever they want to.

Realization of the Triple Gem (literally from the vernacular to approach or go to the Triple Gem as Refuge) is what is expected of Buddhists and can be done in the following manners :

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 'Buddha Sarana Gacchmi; Dhamma Sarana Gacchmi; Sangha Sarana Gacchmi, which mean, I go to the Dhamma and the Sagha 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 Brahmavihra (Divine States) viz. Loving-kindness, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy and Equanimity. These will enable the aspirants with faith in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sagha to have the condition of their minds more refined and their wisdom intensified.