It is customary to pay homage to the Buddha, recite the Three Refuges, and take the Five Precepts when visiting temples or before meditation. During One Dharma Forum’s international retreats, we recite the stanzas in the ancient language of Pali followed by The Three Refuges, a beautiful English version offered by Plum Village founded by the renowned Zen master, Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh.
When chanting at home, you may recite by yourself or with the recording available below.
Homage to the Buddha
Repeat 3 times
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammā Sambuddhassa.
Honour To The Blessed One, The Worthy One, The Fully Enlightened One.
The Three Refuges
Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Dutiyam pi Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Dutiyam pi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Dutiyam pi Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Tatiyam pi Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Tatiyam pi Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
Tatiyam pi Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi.
I go to the Buddha for refuge.
I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
I go to the Sangha for refuge.
For a second time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
For a second time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
For a second time, I go to the Sangha for refuge.
For a third time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
For a third time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
For a third time, I go to the Sangham for refuge.
The Five Precepts
Pānātipātā veramaṇī sikhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
Kāmesu micchācārā veramaṇī sikhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
Musāvādā veramaṇī sikhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
Surāmeraya Majjapamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.
I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
The Three Refuges
In English
Text source: Plum Village
I take refuge in the Buddha,
the one who shows me the way in this life.
I take refuge in the Dharma,
the way of understanding and of love.
I take refuge in the Sangha,
the community that lives in harmony and awareness.
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Dwelling in the refuge of Buddha,
I clearly see the path of light and beauty in the world.
Dwelling in the refuge of Dharma,
I learn to open many doors on the path of transformation.
Dwelling in the refuge of Sangha,
shining light that supports me, keeping my practice free of obstruction.
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Taking refuge in the Buddha in myself,
I aspire to help all people recognize their own awakened nature,
realizing the Mind of Love.
Taking refuge in the Dharma in myself,
I aspire to help all people fully master the ways of practice
and walk together on the path of liberation.
Taking refuge in the Sangha in myself,
I aspire to help all people build Fourfold Communities,
to embrace all beings and support their transformation.
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