There are various forms of the Triple Gem:

1)The Original Triple Gem:

最初三寶

This mainly refers to Sakyamuni Buddha as the Buddha, the Four Noble Truths and the twelve links of depen-dant origination as the Dharma, and the Buddha’ first five disciples as the Sang-ha.

2)The Abiding Triple Gem:

常住三寶

Any statues of Buddha represent the Buddha. The Tripitaka represents the Dharma and all Buddhist monastics rep-resent the Sangha.

3)The Intrinsic Triple Gem:

自性三寶

This term has several meanings. Firstly, the threefold body or nature of a Buddha: 1) the Dharma body, 2）the Buddha’s reward body that enjoys the merits he attained as a Bodhisattva, 3）the Buddha’s manifestations in any form for the benefit of sentient beings yet to attain enlightenment. Secondly, our true nature has quality matched to that of the Triple Gem.



The Triple Gem possesses boundless merits. It is the purest and most com-plete of all. It is a light in the dark; a raft in the sea of suffering; a stream of rain to a burning house; and a savior to the lost and helpless. Thus, we must pay sincere respect to the Triple Gem.

【Keywords： 關鍵字】

Original Triple Gem: 最初三寶

 Abiding Triple Gem: 常住三寶

 Intrinsic Triple Gem: 自性三寶

 Merits: 功德