Anyone who wishes to become a Buddhist and follow the Buddhist path participates in what is called a Refuge Ceremony: this marks the moment when one formally engages one’s life as a Buddhist. Refuge is taken in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha, known collectively as the Three Jewels or the Triple Gem on account of their spiritual value. One takes Refuge in the Buddha as teacher and guide, in the Dharma as the advice and teachings one commits to apply, and in the Sangha as the community of practitioners to be respected and honoured as supportive companions on the path.  Understanding what the Refuges mean is therefore quite basic to being a Buddhist.