The Three Jewels of Buddhism

There are many items that are sacred within theThe second of the Three Jewels of Buddhism is
dharmic religion of Buddhism, but the Three Jewels ofDharma, and the Gachchami for this is Dhammam
Buddhism are the very cornerstones of this religionsharanam gachchami, which means "I go to the feet of
and its beliefs.Dharma, the Eternal Law". The word Dharma literally
Several parts of Buddhism make up the core of thistranslates into "the Teaching", and it is the laws and
religion. They include the Four Noble Truths and theteachings that were handed down to Buddha's
Eightfold Path, both of which are beliefs that werefollowers by Buddha himself. In the Theraveda tradition,
developed by the Buddha when he was enlightenedDharma consists only of these laws, but in Mahayana
by meditation. The Three Jewels of Buddhism areand Tibetan Buddhism, there are other parts of
similar, but they can also be seen as the three thingsDharma that are recognized. These include not only
that Buddhists actually "give" themselves to in order toKangyur (the teaching of the Buddha) but also
belong to this religion. The Three Jewels are Buddha,Tengyur (the commentaries of Buddhist practitioners).
Dharma and Sangha.The third Jewel is Sangha. Sangha translated into
The Three Jewels are also known as theEnglish literally means "the Community", and the
"Gachchamis". The first of these, Buddha, is stated asGachchami for Sangha is Sangham sharanam
Buddham, sharanam, gachchami and means "I go togachchami, which means "I go to the feet of the
the feet of the Awakened One". The Buddha, asSangha, the Awakened One's community". In Tibetan
referenced in this jewel, can be taken to mean theBuddhism, Sangha is used to refer to all of the people
historical Buddha, or to mean the Buddha's nature orwho practice Buddhism and use the Buddha's
ideal within everyone. Buddha can also be taken toteachings to benefit themselves and others. In other
mean Buddhahood or the attainment of Buddhahood,sects of Buddhism, such as Theraveda, Sangha
meaning finding the pinnacle of your spiritual and lifemeans the community of practitioners and devotees
potential. The name the Three Jewels or the Threethat have fully realized the nature of their mind -
Gems also comes from the Buddha, who was known"Realized Sangha" as well as those who are working
as the Diamond Mind.towards that goal "Ordinary Sangha".