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Taking Refuge in Buddhism
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Taking Refuge in The Buddha, The Dharma, The Sangha, and Evaluation
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Taking Refuge“Trying to learn Buddhism without taking refuge is to be a
bystander and not a participant.”1
What Does it Mean to ‘Take Refuge’ in Buddhism?
Trusting and recognising the possibility of one’s own enlightenment. You find refuge In The
Dharma (teaching) where you find the hopes to move towards enlightenment. The Sanga
too, allows Buddhists to share their journey.
“Those who refrain from taking refuge, but insist upon calling
themselves Buddhists, may glean some benefit from the teachings,
but the essence of Buddhism will always elude him. Taking refuge
is a required process, not an option.”2
The Meaning of ‘One is One’s Own Master, One’s Own Refuge’3:
The Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha are important sources of support and guidance for
Buddhists, we must ‘tread the path ourselves.’ – “…while taking refuge in the Buddha,
Dhamma and Sangha is a way of expressing one’s reliance on these three principles…one is
ultimately placing one’s own reliance and trust in one’s own awakening potential.”
Supreme happiness is found within us – we must take refuge into ourselves.
The Analogy of The Traveller:
A traveller who wants to visit a distant city (Enlightenment) where he has never been, will
need a guide to lead him towards his destination (Buddha), he will need a path to follow
(Dhamma), and he may also wish to have a travelling companion (Sangha).
The Three Refuges is The Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. The Buddha is the guide to lead
you to the goal of the rest of Buddhists. The Dhamma is the rules of good conduct to help
Buddhists avoid bad actions and to overcome difficulties. The Sangha is companionship and
a way for Buddhists to gain encouragement in the search for Enlightenment.
The phrase bellow allows Buddhists to show that they consider The Three Refuges as
important:
1
Master Shen Yeng
2
Master Shen Yeng
3
Dhammapada, 380
, “I go for refuge in The Buddha, I go for refuge in The Dhamma, I go
for refuge in The Sangha”4
It is said everyday (as part of worship) and when people convert to Buddhism.
How to ‘Take Refuge’:
A ceremony where one ‘takes refuge’ by repeating the formula above three times, in the
presence of Buddhists monks (Bhikku) and / or nuns (Bhikkuni). This formula is often
repeated a times of devotion to restate one’s commitment. In Tibetan Buddhism a refuge
name is given, and lock of hair may be taken.
Difference between Bhikkus in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism’s:
In Theravada Buddhism, many young men become a Bhikku for a short while, but will later
leave to settle down and get married. Whereas, in Mahayana Buddhism, becoming a
Bhikku is a life commitment.
Taking refuge is “the key expression of commitment to
Buddhism.”5
The Buddha
Theravada Understanding – Historical Buddha:
- Respect and gratitude for the historical person who taught The Dhamma.
- Ultimate teacher and guide.
- An example of a human being who achieved Enlightenment.
- His life is an example to follow.
- Supreme embodiment of the wisdom and Enlightenment that we too can achieve
(role model).
Mahayana Understanding – Buddha ideal:
- ‘Three bodies document’ / Trikaya; focuses on the idea or ‘essence’ of ‘Buddha’ rather
than just the actual person Shakyamuni Buddha (the historical founder of Buddhism.
- Taking refuge in The Buddha nature (absolute knowledge) rather than a specific
figure.
- Mahayana Buddhists think we all have a Buddha nature and the capacity to realise
Buddhahood, meaning again refuge in The Buddha is also refuge in ourselves.
4
The Khuddakapantha, Pali Formulation
5
Peter Harvey
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