Taking Refuge

Taking Refuge (Tib. skyabs 'gro) is the foundation of, and entrance to, all buddhist practice. It marks the distinction between buddhist and non-buddhist.

The Objects of Refuge

• The outer objects of refuge are the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. We take refuge in the Buddha as our guide, the Dharma as the path and the sangha as our companions.
• The inner objects of refuge are the Three Roots: Lama, Yidam and Dakini.
• The secret object of refuge is the bodhichitta, the indestructible natural state which we realize through the special sublime method of the channels, inner air and essences.
• The ultimate objects of refuge, according to Dzogchen, are the three kayas within the nature of our own minds: the essence, nature and compassionate energy.

The Precepts of Refuge

Chökyi Drakpa says:

As regards the precepts and benefits of taking refuge, in terms of precepts there are three things to be abandoned, three things to be adopted and three supplementary precepts.

• Firstly, having taken refuge in the Buddha, do not take worldly deities such as local spirits as your outer refuge and do not make offerings to them. Having taken refuge in the Dharma, refrain from harming other beings. Having taken refuge in the Sangha, do not associate with non-buddhist extremists (tirthikas), or anyone whose behaviour is contrary to the teachings.

• Regarding the three things to be adopted, having taken refuge in the Buddha, you should honour and respect any representation of his body, even a tiny piece of broken statue. Having taken refuge in the Dharma, you should respect and take care to preserve the written teachings, even fragments of paper bearing a single syllable. In the past, when Lord Atisha saw a scribe putting his pen in his mouth as he wrote, he cried out, “Atsama! That’s not right!” Having taken refuge in the Sangha, even a patch of red or yellow cloth from their robes should inspire you with faith.

• As supplementary precepts, rely upon your spiritual master and practise without doing anything that violates or conflicts with his body, speech or mind. Listen to the teachings and follow the Dharma and the Sangha.