Affirming refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Saṅgha, repeated three times, to nurture attentiveness, inquisitiveness, and receptivity when learning, reflecting, or practicing in line with the words of the Buddha.

KP 1  Saraṇattaya - The Threefold Refuge

Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa.

Homage to the Blessed One, the |Arahant::a worthy one, a fully awakened being, epithet of the Buddha [arahant]|, the perfectly Awakened One.

Buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi,
Dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi,
Saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi.

I go to the |Buddha::Awakened One [buddha]| for |refuge::help, safety, shelter, protection [saraṇa]|,
I go to the |Dhamma::teachings of the Buddha that point to the nature of reality, the ultimate truth [dhamma]| for refuge,
I go to the |Saṅgha::The community of monks and nuns practicing in line with the Buddha’s teachings. In the broader sense, this is the community of disciples who have realized the noble path and fruition through the Buddha’s teachings [saṅgha]| for refuge.

Dutiyampi buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi,
Dutiyampi dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi,
Dutiyampi saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi.

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.

Tatiyampi buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi,
Tatiyampi dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi,
Tatiyampi saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchāmi.

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.

Qualities:

Inquisitiveness

Inquisitiveness

The faculty of investigation that probes into phenomena, testing what is wholesome and unwholesome. It examines the teachings and one's own experience to discern truth from falsity.

Also known as: considering, curiosity, inquiring, testing
Pāli: vīmaṃsā
View all discourses →
Recollection of the Buddha

Recollection of the Buddha

A mental quality of reflecting on the qualities of the Buddha, which counters doubt and strengthens faith.

Also known as: recollection of Buddha, mindfulness of the Buddha, reflection on the qualities of the Buddha
Pāli: buddhānussati, buddhānusmṛti
View all discourses →
Recollection of the Dhamma

Recollection of the Dhamma

A mental quality of reflecting on the qualities of the Dhamma, which counters doubt and strengthens faith.

Also known as: recollection of Dhamma, mindfulness of the Dhamma, reflection on the qualities of the Dhamma
Pāli: dhammānussati, dhammānusmṛti
View all discourses →
Recollection of the Sangha

Recollection of the Sangha

A mental quality of reflecting on the qualities of the Saṅgha, which counters doubt and strengthens faith.

Also known as: recollection of Saṅgha, mindfulness of the Saṅgha, reflection on the qualities of the Saṅgha
Pāli: saṅghānussati, saṅghānusmṛti
View all discourses →
Respect

Respect

A mental attitude of reverent attentiveness that values goodness and wisdom in oneself and others. It steadies conduct and opens the mind to learning and humility.

Also known as: reverence, veneration, regard, admiration, appreciation, deference, honour, attentiveness
Pāli: gārava, sakkāra
View all discourses →

Last updated on December 13, 2025