Taking Refuge

Often, in Buddhist circles, one hears the expression "taking refuge". A Buddhist initiate first takes refuge in the Buddha (the Enlightened One), the Dharma (the Way) and the Sangha (the Universal Fellowship), before beginning his or her study and practice. From that day forward, every Buddhist practitioner continues, usually three times a day, to take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.

This concept of taking refuge is often perceived as something we do externally -- placing our "trust" or taking refuge in someone or something else. Yet Buddhism is a philosophy in which such dualism is recognised as delusional perception. There is no separation between us and them, because there is no other.

When we take refuge, we are taking refuge in ourselves. We turn away from illusions of external sources of contentment and fulfillment, toward our ultimate potential. The practice of taking refuge nurtures that ultimate potential, so that our awareness and sight becomes clearer.

We recognise that within us is the Englightened One, the Way to Non-suffering, and we are One with the Universal Fellowship. Separation falls away as a false idea, and we are deeply content, calm and whole.

Namasté!

 

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