Refuge in the Three Jewels — Foundation of Vajrayana
Taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha is the foundational commitment of all Buddhist practice, including Vajrayana — the acknowledgment that liberation is possible and that a path to it exists.
The Three Jewels (Triratna) — Buddha (the enlightened teacher), Dharma (the teaching/path), and Sangha (the community of practitioners) — are the foundation of all Buddhist practice including Vajrayana. In Vajrayana, these Three Jewels are expanded to Six: the Outer Three (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha), the Inner Three (Guru, Yidam, Dakini), and the Secret Three (Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, Nirmanakaya — the three bodies of enlightenment). Taking refuge is not merely a formal declaration but a genuine turning of one's life orientation toward liberation. The refuge vow establishes the commitment to walk the path and entrust oneself to those who have walked it before.
Until enlightenment, I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. By merit accumulated through generosity and other virtues, may I attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all.
Taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha is the formal entry into Buddhist practice; Vajrayana adds the inner refuge in guru, yidam, and dakini as the living sources of the path.
Bodhicharyavatara