The Three Refuges
How
do you recite the first refuge in Pali ?
Buddham saranam gacchami.
What does it mean ?
To the Buddha I go for refuge.
How do you recite the
second refuge in Pali ?
Dhammam saranam gacchami.
What does it mean ?
To the Dhamma I go for Refuge.
How do you recite the third refuge in Pali ?
Sangham saranam gacchami.
What does it mean ?
To the Sangha I go for refuge.
How do you recite the Refuges for the second time ?
We add dutiyampi, which means secondly.
How do you recite the Refuges for the third time ?
We add tatiyampi, which means thirdly.
Recite the Tisarana formula three times.
Buddham saranam gacchami
Dhammam saranam gacchami
Sangham saranam gacchami
Dutiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami
Dutiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami
Dutiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami
Tatiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami
Tatiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami
Tatiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami
What do you recite before taking the Refuges ?
We recite thrice : "Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa".
What does it mean ?
It means : "Homage to Him, the Holy One, the Pure One, the Fully Enlightened One.
Why do you recite this formula ?
We recite this Pali formula as a mark of respect to the Buddha.
Is there a shorter form also ?
Yes, Namo Buddhaya.
What does it mean ?
Homage or honour to the Buddha.
Can anyone become a Buddhist ?
Anyone who develops faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha can become
a Buddhist.
Are there any rites to observe ?
No, there are no special rites to observe.
What is the name given to a Buddhist ?
Upasaka to males, and Upasika to females.
What does the Pali term mean ?
It means one who associates with the
Triple Gem or the Three Refuges.
