How is Buddha important as one of the three jewels of refuge?

The Buddha, Dharma and Sangha (community) are the three jewels of refuge in Buddhism. Buddhism does not ask for blind faith, but provides real faith in the refuges we are able to take as we live and practice. Relying on the Buddha within we are, ourselves, the Buddha. Like the relationship of a plant and the earth, when we take refuge in Buddha, Buddha takes refuge in us.