A REFUGE IN THE TRIPLE GEM : A FUNDAMENTAL MORAL CONSCIENCE FOR BUDDHISTS

Abstract

This academic article aims to present the significance of refuge observing in the Triple Gem for Buddhists, which will lead to a proper and effective understanding and practice of the Buddha’s teachings. Building a mental refuge requires faith called Saddhā accompanied by the right wisdom called Paññā. Buddhists should not believe in wrong things or rely on other belief without Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. Belief in Buddhism should be based on wisdom, not blind faith or reliance on inauspicious rituals. Faith with wisdom is considered wholesome mental states called Kusala-citta, which will result in righteous thoughts, speech, and physical actions. Cultivating faith and wisdom will help Buddhists become the right believers who correctly and effectively practice the Buddha’s teachings, leading to happiness for oneself, others, and society as a whole. Correct refuge must possess the following qualities: 1) it is noble, 2) pure virtue, 3) it guides life towards morality (Sīla), and 4) it eliminates fear of the unknown, freeing one from ignorance (Avijjā) and leading to liberation. In contrast, incomplete refuge leads to delusion, is ignoble, impure, lacks wholesome mental states, results in an immoral life, and generates fear.