Special Topics
Q1: Does taking refuge in Buddhism automatically render me a monastic?
To formally become a Buddhist, we must first take refuge in the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The Buddha Jewel refers to those who have achieved ultimate and perfect merit and wisdom. The Dharma Jewel refers to the methods and doctrines that help us practice the Buddha path and, thus, attain Buddhahood. The Sangha Jewel refers to Buddhist renunciants, who apply the Buddha's teachings on themselves while also devoted to helping others learn and practice Buddh...
Q2: Why do we receive a Dharma name after the refuge-taking ceremony?
After the refuge-taking ceremony, the refuge master gives you a refuge name as your Dharma name. But strictly speaking, this Dharma name has no legal effect, and you don't actually use it in your daily life. There is no record about when Dharma names were first used. Shakyamuni Buddha's birth name was Siddhārtha Gautama (Pali: Siddhattha Gotama), which was still used by many to address the Buddha after he first became a renunciant and later attained Buddhahood, because ther...
Q3: Why do we take the Three Refuges?
Taking refuge prompts us to learn the Dharma and emulate the Buddha, thereby developing and uplifting ourselves, as well as strengthening our character by engaging in practice. Eventually, we will all be able to achieve completion of our merit and wisdom, with perfect compassion and loving-kindness just like the Buddha's. Taking refuge represents a vow and self-promise, which in turn serves to affirm ourselves as Buddhist disciples who are willing to rectify ourselves by following...
Q4: Who can take refuge in the Three Jewels?
Regardless of whether one is a human being, celestial being, god, ghost, or animal, all can take refuge in the Three Jewels. Buddhism welcomes all those who are resolved to take refuge in the Triple Gems. This is in the same way that all children who have reached the school age can enter elementary school, regardless of whether they be rich or poor, smart or unintelligent, good looking or ugly. In addition, regardless of whether you have already believed in Buddhism, are willin...
Q5: Will those who have not formally taken refuge in the Three Jewels have any merits when chanting Buddhist scriptures or the Buddha’s name?
According to the Buddhist scriptures, by reciting the Diamond Sutra, one will have inconceivable merits; all the Buddhas from the ten directions will protect and bless those who recite the Amitabha Sutra. As long as one recites the Buddha's name and Buddhist scriptures with devotion, one will have immeasurable merits. Although it is not mentioned in Buddhist scriptures that one must take refuge in the Three Jewels in order to obtain merits, one should still take refuge in the Triple Gems ...
Q6: After taking refuge in Buddhism, is it necessary to set up a Buddhist hall or a Buddha statue at home?
Not necessarily. But it would be ideal if there is a space in your home where you can chant Buddhist scriptures, recite the Buddha's name, and meditate with a peaceful mind. Setting up a Buddhist hall serves the main purpose of expressing respect, remembrance, and gratitude to the Buddha. The most important thing is to inspire one's confidence, devotion, and reverence. Therefore, one is not necessarily required to set up a Buddhist hall, and there are no certain restrictions a...
Q7: How does taking refuge in the Three Jewels affect our daily lives?
Even though a Buddhist practitioner has taken refuge in the Three Jewels, he or she is still a lay person. As a lay person, one should follow the norms of life for the laity. In addition, one should live an even more positive, harmonious, contented, vigorous and dynamic life than a non-Buddhist lay person would. Only then can a lay Buddhist practitioner find contentment, earn the respect of others, and have a stronger influence on non-Buddhists. The first and foremost responsibility of a...
Q8: Does one have to take refuge in the Three Jewels in order to formally become a Buddhist?
Taking refuge is just like registering as an official student of Buddhism, which means that you are ready to formally become a Buddhist, rather than merely auditing a Buddhist program without obtaining a degree. Buddhist followers can then move through a standard sequence of receiving the precepts, starting with the Three Refuges and followed by receiving the Five Precepts, Eight Precepts, Ten Precepts, and, finally, full ordination (Upasampada, in Pali). Taking refuge in the Three Jewels f...
Q9: How many times can a Buddhist take refuge?
Many Buddhists like to draw close to Buddhist masters, and thus form close Dharma affinities with several of them. Therefore, they have taken refuge in the Three Jewels more than once. According to the definition of taking refuge in Buddhism, one only needs to take refuge once in one's lifetime. However, if one can strengthen one's faith of learning Buddhism through participating in various refuge-taking ceremonies---that is, reciting the "verses for taking the Three Refuges&qu...