What is Buddhism?

Be it considered a philosophy, a way of life, or a religion, Buddhism is none-the-less a spiritual path as diverse and as influential in the East as Christianity is in the West. Both traditions are founded on the teachings and life example of what each considers to be "the greatest teacher who ever lived."

Buddhism is known as the middle way of wisdom and compassion. The "Three Refuges" or "Triple Jewel" include the Buddha (teacher), the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community). This spiritual path was founded over 2500 years ago in northeast India by a prince of the Sakya clan whose given name was Siddhartha Gautama.

What are the "Three Jewels" of Buddhism? "I take refuge in…"