Buddha is a Sanskrit term which refers to the fully enlightened one who has awakened to universal truth, and who, with total wisdom and unreserved compassion, can help others to attain enlightenment.
In Sanskrit, the word dharma carries different meanings. In the present context, it refers to the teaching of the Buddha, which is compiled in the Tripitaka. Those who cultivate wisdom in accordance with the Dharma will undoubtedly realise the Truth and attain ultimate liberation.
The Sanskrit term Sangha means a harmonious community. Here, it refers specifically to the community of monks or nuns. Two characteristics of the Sangha are consensus on their principles and harmony in daily affairs. The former refers to their common objective in severing from defilement with a view to eventually attaining enlightenment. The latter refers to their common acceptance of the following six guidelines by which they abide to ensure collective discipline in their actions, words and thought :
1. To establish mutual understanding and reach unity of thought.
2. To establish a just system and attain equality for all.
3. To establish fair distribution and be in economic equilibrium.
4. To establish common interests and attain an open mind.
5. To establish peace and comradeship through cordial speech.
6. To establish harmonious interaction so that there is no infringement on personal liberty.
The Sangha is beneficial to the individual in that it facilitates moral training and spiritual cultivation. It is beneficial to others in that it upholds rightful Dharma and helps to liberate all beings.
To the Buddhist follower, the Buddha is like the saviour, Dharma the incredible medicine, and the Sangha the tutors. All three play important roles in the liberation of sentient beings, and none is dispensable. Just as the Buddha were the doctor, Dharma the prescribed medicine, and Sangha the nurse, a patient cannot fully recover in the absence of any one of them. The Buddha, Dharma and Sangha can help to liberate us from our daily afflictions.
Compared to the precious jewels of our material world, the Triple Gem can therefore be considered as the treasure of our spiritual existence. They are the gems that will guide us towards emancipation from the cycle of life and death.
Further explanations with reference to the analogy between the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha with the Triple Gem are depicted in the Sutras as follows :
- Rarity - just as worldly valuables are not acquired by the poor, those who have not accrued enough blessings through past karma do not have the fortune of encountering the Triple Gem.
- Purity - just as humans value the sparkling clarity of precious jewels, so the Triple Gem is also valued for its purity.
- Power - just as precious jewels have the power to remove negative elements, so the Triple Gem embraces the potential for the six transcendental powers.
- Adornment - just as precious jewels can be ornamental, the Triple Gem can dignify and purify the practitioners.
- Excellence - just as the precious jewels are ranked the best in worldly materials, the Triple Gem stands high above all things worldly.
- Integrity - just as precious stones are not subject to change even under the most drastic conditions, the Triple Gem remains unaffected by the eight worldly phenomena of gain, decline, destruction, fame, praise, scorn, suffering and joy.
