What does it mean when a Buddhist takes refuge in the Triple Gem?
A basic requirement for a person to become a Buddhist is to take refuge in the Triple Gem, namely the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. There are levels of taking refuge in the Buddha. At one level the Buddha simply means the Buddha image which may be taken as a reminder or indicator of the historical Buddha who provides inspiration for all Buddhists to follow the path He had taken to enlightenment. The Buddha at a deeper level would mean Buddhahood, the highest spiritual quality which is available to all of us, if we follow the path the Buddha has shown. Dhamma also may be understood in different levels. It is often understood to mean the canonical body of the teachings of the Buddha. However, more profoundly, it means the highest truth realised by the Buddha, who said that “One who sees Dhamma sees me, and one who sees me sees Dhamma.” That is to say, when one realises Dhamma one become enlightened. The Sangha could again be understood in different levels, generally it means ordain
