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L I F E S T Y L E ·· T H R E E R E F U G E S Introduction |
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| INTRODUCTION | BUDDHA | DHAMMA | SANGHA | SUMMARY | ||
 Taking Shelter |
Together with the Five Precepts the Three Refuges forms the basic definition of what a Buddhist is. To the question "How do I become a Buddhist" the answer is simply "Take the precepts and refuges." The form of the ceremony is relatively simple and is repeated regularly at most formal gatherings using the traditional Pali formula. As Buddhism is about questions, the first one here
might be "What is a refuge?" As human beings we are sensitive and vulnerable. There are no end of dangerous things in the world. We get sick. Our bodies are soft. So we build houses, hospitals, have police and we pass laws trying to make our environment safe. ·· A good society offers a refuge ·· |
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This is O.K.
for the body but what is our refuge for the heart and mind? Sometimes
we can be safe in our bed and still be afraid; we can be with a group
of people and still feel lonely. Things can get pretty stressful. Where
can we go to 'shelter' from the difficulties and dangers of
the heart? Where can the mind take shelter? In the context of the Three Refuges a refuge is an 'environment' or a set of lifestyle principles that one can trust. They act like a safe container in as much that living one's life according to these principles gives a protection to 'the heart.' The first step is to learn what they are; so that their meaning is clear and it is understood what a commitment to following them means. The Three Refuges are (in the Pali language) |
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| INTRODUCTION | BUDDHA | DHAMMA | SANGHA | SUMMARY | ||