triśaraṇam[tisaraṇa] three refuges. In Buddhism, the Buddha, the dharma [dhamma], and the Order, that is, saṅgha are considered as three refuges.     The threefold formula as recited in Pāli is as follows:
Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi
The recitation is treated as an initiation in Buddhism. The English version is:"I seek refuge in the Buddha.
I seek refuge in the dhamma.
I seek refuge in the Order."

Buddhānusmṛti - A Glossary of Buddhist Terms