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Synopsis The Three Jewels are living symbols, objects of commitment and devotion in the life of every Buddhist.  The Buddha Jewel: symbol of Enlightenment, particularly as embodied in siddhartha Cautama, the man who discovered the path to human perfection.  The Dharma Jewel: symbol of the path itself, the teachings and practices that help each individual towards Enlightenment. The Sangha Jewel: symbol of the fellowship enjoyed by those whose lives are based on the quest for Enlightenment.  To understand the Three Jewels is to understand the central ideal and principles of Buddhism.  To have some insight into them is to touch its very heart.  It is astonishing that, although there have appeared in print numerous accounts of the life and teachings of the Buddha, both popular and scholarly, not a single work of importance has been dedicated to the Three Jewels as such.  The present work, originally written as a series of articles for the Oriya Encyclopedia, is designed to remedy this deficiency.