Devotion to the Three Treasures

The Precious Three are the basic elements that Shakyamuni Buddha taught his disciples as the spiritual foundation of Buddhism: “the Buddha”,” the Law”, and “the Sangha”. Because of their supreme value, they are also called the Three Treasures.

“The Buddha” is Shakyamuni Buddha

"The Law" means the universal truths,

“The Sangha” is the community of fellow believers who seek the same teachings as his disciples.

In the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, the Buddha also refers to the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni, the ultimate truth of the Universe, to which Shakyamuni Buddha was enlightened. Buddha is present always and working everywhere. Buddha is protecting and guiding each one of us so that we are able to open and realize the Buddha wisdom

People find it difficult to seek the Law and to practice it in complete isolation. They are apt to become lazy and fall into evil ways. But they can steadily advance by teaching, admonishing, and encouraging each other. So Shakyamuni Buddha taught us to regard the Sangha as one of our mental foundations.

The things on which we must depend spiritually are the Three Treasures: the Buddha, the Law, and the Sangha. If we depend spiritually upon the Buddha, his teachings and the community of believers, we can faithfully practice the Righteous Law in our daily lives. Therefore Buddhists always take refuge in the Three Treasures.