
The Three Jewels (Episode #89)
The Way Out Is In
Intro
This chapter examines the core principles of Buddhism, focusing on the three jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. It highlights the Buddha's role as a guide through personal suffering and enlightenment, emphasizing the significance of teachers in conveying Buddhist wisdom.
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Welcome to episode 89 of The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living, a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanhâs deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives.
In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino look at one of the foundational teachings of Buddhism: the Three Jewels â the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
The Buddha is the teacher who, through his own direct experience, found the path to liberation from suffering. The Dharma refers to the teachings and practices that lead to awakening. The Sangha is the community that supports and transmits the Dharma.
Their conversation emphasizes the Sanghaâs importance as the community that keeps the Buddhaâs teachings alive and relevant; the need for communities rooted in the Dharma, with clear practices and guidelines to provide refuge and support spiritual transformation; and more.
As usual, the hosts provide examples from their own experiences, as well as stories by or involving Thich Nhat Hanh.
Enjoy!
Co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation:
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/
List of resources
Donate to support Plum Villageâs reconstruction
https://plumvillage.org/donate
Interbeing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing
Sister Chan Khong
https://plumvillage.org/about/sister-chan-khong
Sister Chan Duc
https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/sr-chan-duc
Fragrant Palm Leaves: Journals 1962-1966
https://plumvillage.org/books/1998-neo-ve-cua-y-fragrant-palm-leaves
Nalanda mahavihara
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nalanda_mahavihara
Buddhahood
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhahood
Dharma Talks: âThe Five Skandhas of Grasping and Non-Selfââ
https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/the-five-skandhas-of-grasping-and-non-self%E2%80%8B-dharma-talk-by-br-phap-lai-2018-06-08
Old Path White Clouds
https://plumvillage.org/books/old-path-white-clouds-2
âThe Fourteen Mindfulness Trainingsâ
https://plumvillage.org/mindfulness/the-14-mindfulness-trainings
Wake Up Network
https://plumvillage.org/community/wake-up-young-practitioners
Vinaya
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinaya
The Hermit and the Well
https://plumvillage.org/books/hermit-and-the-well
Quotes
âWhen we talk about the first jewel, the Buddha, we have to understand that each and every one of us has Buddha nature.â
âWhereâs my Buddha nature? My Buddha nature is my mindfulness shining in, shining out, shining near, shining far.â
âThe relationship between teacher and student is companionship on the path. If a teacher understands that his true belonging and his true continuation is his students, then he would do everything in his, her, or their capacity to transmit their wisdom. So the Buddha Jewel is to acknowledge that this tradition has a root teacher. And it comes from direct experience and embraces and embodies the awakened nature that each and every one of us has. A good teacher, a good Buddha, can allow us to touch our Buddha nature.â
âBuddhism doesnât mean ignoring your own traditional religious roots. And, as itâs not considered a religion, that Buddha nature can exist alongside your religious history. So if youâre Jewish or Christian, you donât need to say, âOh, Iâm a Buddhistâ; you can continue with your own traditions. And Thay said that itâs so important to stay rooted in your traditions, because that is your individual ancestry. And buddhahood doesnât contradict that, doesnât overlay it, but actually comes alongside it to support it.â
âOur faith drives our practice. And our practice and the insights we get from our practice drive our faith.â
âBuddha nature is ever-growing. It is very organic, it is conditioned.â