What is Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem?
Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem is a Ceremony for people to commit themselves as Buddhists, following the proper practice. Taking refuge means to return and rely. Triple Gem refers to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. When we take refuge in the Buddha, we are returning from our deluded mind and relying upon an awakened mind. When taking refuge in the Dharma, we are returning from deviant views and relying upon proper views and understanding. When taking refuge in the Sangha, we are returning from a polluted mind and relying upon the purity of the mind.