Three is a major power number.

This is consistent among civilizations throughout history and of course, nature. Try gently smushing a banana and you will see how it naturally divides into 3.

One of the first teachings I received from Rimpoche (Tibetan master) was about the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. We often begin our practice by chanting:

Namo Buddha

Namo Dharma

Namo Sangha

This means I take refuge in Buddha, I take refuge in Dharma, I take refuge in Sangha.

Here, the Buddha represents the teacher, the Dharma are the teachings and the Sangha is the community of fellow practitioners.

The feeling that arises within me as I chant this is one of profound gratitude. I am so thankful for all of my teachers and the teachings they have shared which have shaped my entire life.

And, of course, my dear Dharma friends who offer support, honesty, good cheer and a shoulder to cry on. Being part of something bigger than me gives me a kind of ballast.

The Three Jewels offer me a structure and support, a view for how to move forward on any given day.

Cyndi Lee

*Cyndi Lee is a teacher of mindful yoga, a combination of Tibetan Buddhist practice and yoga as exercise. She has an international reputation and is the author of several books on her approach.