The Three Refuges
Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem
A traditional Pali chant of taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha — the Triple Gem — recited three times as a declaration of faith.
Verses
I go to the Buddha for refuge. I go to the Dhamma for refuge. I go to the Saṅgha for refuge.
Verse 1
For the second time, I go to the Buddha for refuge. For the second time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge. For the second time, I go to the Saṅgha for refuge.
Verse 2
For the third time, I go to the Buddha for refuge. For the third time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge. For the third time, I go to the Saṅgha for refuge.
Verse 3
Worship Guidelines & Chanting Benefits (Phalashruti)
Daily or auspicious lunar days (Ekadashi, Purnima, Pradosham)
Brahma Muhurta (4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) or Evening Dusk (Sandhya)
Ghee lamp (Deepa), Incense (Dhoopa), Fresh flowers & Water offering
- Peace of mind, spiritual upliftment, and harmonious energy in the home
Background
This chant, known as the Tisarana or Three Refuges, is preserved in the Pali Canon as the first text of the Khuddakapatha (Khp no. 1) and is a foundational practice in Theravada Buddhism, which is one of the oldest surviving Buddhist traditions. In the first chapter of the Vinaya Mahavagga, the Buddha allows monks to give the going forth and full ordination by having the candidate say this threefold refuge, once, a second time and a third time (SuttaCentral pli-tv-kd1, section 9). It is traditionally recited at the beginning of Buddhist ceremonies, meditation sessions, or as a daily affirmation by both monastics and lay followers. The Pali language is an ancient Indian language in which the earliest Buddhist scriptures were preserved. The chant is considered a simple yet profound expression of turning to the Buddha, his teachings, and the community for guidance and spiritual support.
About this Text
Composed by: Gautama Buddha · Founder of Buddhism · c. 5th–6th century BCE, Northern India/Nepal
Born Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini, he attained enlightenment and spent the rest of his life teaching the Dhamma across northern India. His discourses (Suttas), preserved orally for generations before being written down in the Pali Canon, form the doctrinal foundation of Buddhism.
Did You Know?
Meaning of the Three Refuges
The verse translates to 'I go to the Buddha for refuge,' 'I go to the Dhamma (the Buddha's teachings) for refuge,' and 'I go to the Sangha (the community of monks and nuns) for refuge.' These three are called the Triple Gem in Buddhism.
Why it is repeated three times
Chanting the refuge three times in one session is a traditional way to emphasize sincerity and commitment. Each repetition marks the first, second, and third utterance, as seen in the verses labeled Dutiyampi (second) and Tatiyampi (third).
Language and origin
This is a Pali text, the ancient language of the Theravada Buddhist scriptures. It is believed to date back to the time of the Buddha himself, who taught the formula of taking refuge as a core practice for lay followers and monastics alike.
The role of each refuge
The Buddha is the teacher who showed the path; the Dhamma is the path itself (the teachings and practices); and the Sangha is the community that preserves and follows the path. Taking refuge in all three is a declaration of trust and a commitment to follow the Buddhist way of life.
Buddha
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