Tiếng Việt
Phúc Nguyễn (along with Tiêu Dao Tử) would like to share knowledge about the Three Refuges and Five Precepts in Theravada Buddhism after researching, compiling, and accumulating information. We hope it will bring benefits to those who are fortunate enough to read this article. Namo SakyaMuni Buddha!!!
I. The Three Refuges – Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem
The Three Refuges: The Beginning of the Path to Liberation in Theravada Buddhism
In Theravada Buddhism, the path to liberation begins with the Three Refuges (Pali: Tisaraṇa), which means “taking refuge in the Triple Gem.” This is the starting point for anyone who wishes to embark on the path of study and practice according to the Buddha’s teachings.
The Three Refuges consist of:
- Taking refuge in the Buddha (Buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi) – Relying on the Buddha, the Fully Enlightened One, who discovered the path to end suffering and guided beings along that path. Taking refuge in the Buddha does not mean asking for blessings from him, but rather following his example to strive for enlightenment oneself.
- Taking refuge in the Dhamma (Dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi) – Relying on the Dhamma, the true teachings of the Buddha, which help beings understand the nature of suffering, its causes, and the path to liberation from suffering. The Dhamma is not only scriptures, but also the path of practice leading to liberation.
- Taking refuge in the Sangha (Saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi) – Relying on the Sangha, the community of genuine monastics who are preserving, practicing, and transmitting the Dhamma. The Sangha is a community of those who have been and are on the path to liberation, helping and guiding others in their practice.
Taking refuge in the Triple Gem is not just a ritual but a transformation in consciousness, marking the beginning of a more meaningful life, directed towards liberation.
II. The Five Precepts – The Ethical Foundation for Lay Buddhists
After taking refuge in the Triple Gem, a lay Buddhist will practice the Five Precepts (Pali: Pañca Sīla), five fundamental ethical principles that help protect a pure mind and accumulate merit. These are five things that the Buddha encouraged all who wish to live a wholesome life to follow:
1. Abstaining from killing (Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi)
- Avoid killing or harming the lives of any sentient beings, from humans to the smallest animals.
- Practice loving-kindness (Mettā) towards all beings, cultivate a mind of joy and equanimity, and avoid creating bad karma.
2. Abstaining from stealing (Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi)
- Avoid taking what is not given, do not cheat or deceive.
- Cultivate a mind of generosity, contentment, and respect for the property of others.
3. Abstaining from sexual misconduct (Kāmesu micchācārā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi)
- Avoid sexual misconduct such as adultery, abuse, or harming others through lust.
- Live mindfully in relationships, practice restraint and fidelity in love.
4. Abstaining from false speech (Musāvādā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi)
- Avoid false speech, malicious speech, divisive speech, or offensive language.
- Cultivate truthful, beneficial, timely, and compassionate speech.
5. Abstaining from intoxicants (Surāmeraya majjapamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṁ samādiyāmi)
- Avoid alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants that cloud the mind and create opportunities for unwholesome actions.
- Cultivate mindfulness in every thought and action to keep the mind clear.
The Five Precepts are not coercive rules, but principles that help lay Buddhists live a peaceful life, avoid creating bad karma, and move closer to the path of enlightenment. By upholding the precepts, the mind becomes pure, life becomes joyful, and suffering is reduced.
III. The Significance of the Three Refuges and Five Precepts in Spiritual Practice
In early Buddhist teachings, the Three Refuges and Five Precepts are not only the foundation of morality but also a means for lay practitioners to create a conducive environment for practicing the Dharma.
- The Three Refuges help us identify the right path, providing a solid foundation on our spiritual journey.
- The Five Precepts help purify our body, speech, and mind, creating a strong moral foundation for developing meditation and wisdom.
When a person lives according to the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, life becomes lighter, less troubled, and more meaningful. These are the first steps on the path to liberation, ending the cycle of birth and death, as the Buddha taught.
IV. Conclusion
The Three Refuges and Five Precepts are a solid moral and spiritual foundation in early Buddhism, helping lay practitioners build a virtuous and peaceful life, and move closer to the path of liberation.
Practicing the Three Refuges and Five Precepts is not just a formal action, but an internal transformation that helps each person illuminate themselves, thereby spreading compassion and wisdom to all beings.
“To cease from all evil, To cultivate good, To purify one’s mind, This is the teaching of the Buddhas.” (Dhammapada, verse 183)
V. Questions about the Three Refuges in Theravada Buddhism
1. What are the Three Refuges?
🔹 The Three Refuges are taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, the first step for a person to begin practicing according to the Buddha’s teachings.
2. Why take refuge in the Triple Gem (Three Jewels)?
🔹 Taking refuge in the Triple Gem helps us have a correct path to follow, avoid falling into wrong views, and live a more meaningful life.
3. Does taking refuge in the Triple Gem mean becoming a monk or nun?
🔹 No. Taking refuge in the Triple Gem is only a vow to live according to the Buddha’s teachings. Lay practitioners can still live a normal family life but aim for goodness.
4. After taking refuge, is it necessary to change one’s name?
🔹 It is not mandatory. Some people may be given an additional Dharma name to remind them of their path of practice, but the important thing is the internal transformation of the mind.
5. Can people of other religions take refuge?
🔹 Yes, if they sincerely want to learn and practice the Buddha’s teachings without conflicting with their current beliefs.
VI. Questions about the Five Precepts in Theravada Buddhism
6. Are the Five Precepts mandatory?
🔹 Not mandatory, but keeping the Five Precepts will help make life more peaceful and avoid creating bad karma.
7. If one accidentally breaks a precept, will they be punished?
🔹 No one will punish you. The consequence of breaking a precept is the karmic result of the unwholesome action. If you accidentally break a precept, repent and try to keep the precepts better.
8. Does not killing mean one must be a vegetarian?
🔹 Not necessarily. Early Buddhism does not require lay practitioners to be vegetarian, but encourages reducing killing and cultivating compassion.
9. Does not stealing mean one cannot borrow?
🔹 No. This precept only forbids taking what is not given. Borrowing with consent does not break the precept.
10. What does sexual misconduct mean in the Five Precepts?
🔹 It refers to wrongful sexual behavior such as adultery, abuse, or non-consensual relationships that cause suffering to others.
11. Does not lying mean one cannot joke?
🔹 No. Harmless jokes do not break the precept. But lying to deceive or harm others creates bad karma.
12. Why are alcohol and intoxicants prohibited?
🔹 Because they cloud mindfulness, easily leading to wrong actions, creating bad karma for oneself and others.
VII. Practical Questions about the Three Refuges and Five Precepts in Theravada Buddhism
13. Can one take refuge online?
🔹 Taking refuge is usually done directly with a monk (Bhikkhu), but if there are no conditions, some traditions may allow taking refuge remotely. What is important is still the sincere vow.
14. Can one renounce taking refuge after taking it?
🔹 No one forces you, but if you renounce the Three Refuges, you will lose a solid foundation for practice and easily get lost in life.
15. Is it difficult to keep the Five Precepts?
🔹 It may be difficult at first due to old habits, but if you persevere, you will find your mind more peaceful and your life less troubled.
16. Do the Five Precepts apply to non-Buddhists as well?
🔹 Yes. The Five Precepts are not only for Buddhists but also universal ethical principles that help anyone live a better life.
17. Can one keep four precepts and omit one?
🔹 Yes, but to have a completely peaceful life, one should try to keep all five precepts.
18. What are the benefits of keeping the Five Precepts?
🔹 Helps avoid troubles, reduce bad karma, increase good karma, create merit, and have a peaceful life.
These questions reflect the practical concerns of many people when learning about the Three Refuges and Five Precepts in Early Buddhism. Whether you are a beginner or have been practicing for many years, the important thing is to always strive for goodness, practicing step by step to transform yourself and live more peacefully.
💡 “Righteous conduct leads to happiness, unrighteous conduct leads to suffering.” (Dhammapada, verse 178)
