Refuge in Buddhism and Its Merit
In this era filled with uncertainties, how to gain a sense of security, and how is it related to taking refuge? How to tame your afflictive emotions, eliminate sufferings and be liberated from samsara through taking refuge? You will find the answers in this talk.
What Does It Mean by Taking Refuge in Buddhism?
Excerpt 1: What Does It Mean by Taking Refuge in Buddhism?
There are multiple meanings of taking refuge in Buddhism. It means to relieve us from pains and sorrows in this life and to liberate us from fear of samsara. More importantly, the true meaning of taking refuge is to ensure that from this life on and in all future lives, we do not suffer in samsara and will achieve the ultimate freedom.
Excerpt 2: What Are We Taking Refuge For?
In Mahayana Buddhism, we take refuge in the Three Jewels in order to release all sentient beings, rather than only ourselves, from the vicious cyclic existence.
Excerpt 3: What Do We Take Refuge In?
Firstly, we take refuge in the Buddhas, the enlightened ones who have realized the truth of all phenomena. Secondly, we take refuge in the Dharma, through which we develop wisdom to avoid causes of suffering. Thirdly, we take refuge in the Sangha, our like-minded companions engaging on the path to Buddhahood. We call these three as the Three Jewels. In Vajrayana Buddhism, we also take refuge in the guru, which results in the Four Jewels.
Excerpt 4: What Are the Precepts After Taking Refuge in Buddhism?
Venerable Atisha said there are five precepts to observe after we take refuge in Buddhism. One, even when one’s life is in danger, one cannot abandon the Three Jewels. Two, however big challenges one faces, one should simply rely on the power of the Three Jewels to resolve them. And even when one is lured by money or high status to give up his Buddhist identity, one should not surrender to the temptation. Three, always keep the Three Jewels in mind and constantly make offerings to them. Four, help others to take refuge in the Three Jewels. Five, no matter where we go, always pay homage to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Excerpt 5: What Are the Merits of Taking Refuge?
The merits of taking refuge in the Three Jewels, especially the Buddha, are unimaginable. The Lotus Sutra says, “even if with an absent mind, one offers a flower to the picture or statue of a Buddha, in time that person would come to see countless Buddhas.” In the same sutra, it also says that “if one with a joyful mind sings a song in praise of the Buddha’s virtue, even if it is just one small note, then all who do these things have attained the Buddha way.” I strongly believe that in our daily life, if we run into any difficulty or obstacle, as long as we pray sincerely to Buddha, our situation will usually improve.
What Does It Mean by Taking Refuge in Buddhism?
There are multiple meanings of taking refuge in Buddhism. It means to relieve us from pains and sorrows in this life and to liberate us from fear of samsara. More importantly, the true meaning of taking refuge is to ensure that from this life on and in all future lives, we do not suffer in samsara and will achieve the ultimate freedom.
What Are the Merits of Taking Refuge?
The merits of taking refuge in the Three Jewels, especially the Buddha, are unimaginable. The Lotus Sutra says, “even if with an absent mind, one offers a flower to the picture or statue of a Buddha, in time that person would come to see countless Buddhas.” In the same sutra, it also says that “if one with a joyful mind sings a song in praise of the Buddha’s virtue, even if it is just one small note, then all who do these things have attained the Buddha way.”
“Ultimately, taking refuge means to realize the nature of one’s own mind. But before we reach that state of realization, we take refuge in the Three Jewels, relying on the Buddha as our teacher, the Dharma our guide, and the Sangha our companion in the path to enlightenment.”
