Special Topics

​Taking Refuge – The First Step to Firm Buddhist Practice

During a refuge ceremony at a Buddhist monastery, refuge takers stand on their knees before the Buddha statue with joined palms, respectfully requesting the venerable to transmit the Three Refuges and Five Precepts. With the blessing from spectators, they earnestly vow to take refuge in the Three Jewels, observe the Five Precepts, and be Buddhist practitioners throughout their lives. The dignified and solemn ceremony often moves people to tears or fills them with joy. This is because, after a...

Overcoming the Eight Major Obstacles to Taking Refuge

Is being a Buddhist too lofty a goal to pursue? Some people visit places that propagate the Dharma, appreciate Buddhism and are fond of learning Buddhist teachings. However, they hesitate when it comes to taking refuge. Some are worried that by taking refuge in the Three Jewels, they will be held to higher moral standards, while others believe that finding a "prestigious teacher," is difficult without visible signs of spiritual connection. The more cautious they are, the less lik...

Buddhist Stories on the Auspiciousness of Taking the Three Refuges

Taking Three Refuges saved Śakra from suffering in the animal realm Śakra, the heavenly king who resides in the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven, often led devas in battles with asurendras (lord of asuras). However, he later took refuge in the Three Jewels and engaged in Buddhist practices. How did this happen? According to the Dharmapada Avadāna (《法句譬喻經》), during the Buddha's time, Śakra, the lord of the Devas, knew his life was about to end due to the exhaustion of his karmic rewards. B...

Taking Refuge: A Sincere Vow to Engage in Buddhist Practice

Since childhood, we have participated in various ceremonies such as first-day-of-school ceremonies, graduation and commencement ceremonies, wedding ceremonies, and funerals. Among numerous ceremonies, there is one that can bring us long-term benefits and uplift our lives–the Three Refuge ceremony. Participating in a refuge ceremony to strengthen faith in Buddhist practice Taking refuge means taking refuge in the Three Jewels—the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. It entails vowing ...

Common Questions on Taking Refuge

Q1: Some people have taken refuge in the Three Jewels, but they do not engage in Buddhist learning and practice. Are they still considered Buddhists? A: Taking refuge in the Three Jewels marks the beginning of a person's journey in learning and practicing Buddhism. After taking refuge, people can adopt the "identity" of a Buddhist. However, refuge takers who do not practice Buddhism are not true Buddhists, because the learning and practice afterwards matters more. It is simil...

Refuge Taking Rituals of Different Buddhist Traditions

For all Buddhist traditions, taking refuge in the Three Jewels is the fundamental step toward engaging in Buddhist practice. Since Chinese Buddhists hold a serious attitude towards the refuge taking ritual, one often acquires the identity as a Buddhist through participating in a group refuge ceremony. From then on, a refuge taker starts their new life as a Buddhist disciple. However, the Southern and Tibetan Buddhist traditions have different ways of holding the refuge taking ritual. So what ...

The Three Refuges Verse for Morning and Evening Services as a Reminder

The Three Refuges As I take refuge in the Buddha, I wish all sentient beings awaken to the great Path, and generate the supreme mind. As I take refuge in the Dharma, I wish all sentient beings delve into the sutras, and have ocean-like wisdom. As I take refuge in the Sangha, I wish all sentient beings live in great harmony, without any obstructions. Towards the end of daily morning and evening services, Buddhists recite the Three Refuges and conclude the ritual with the transfer o...