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" to remind oneself once again of being a follower of Buddha and returning to initial aspiration to Buddhahood---then taking refuge in the Three Jewels more than once is also praiseworthy. 


Extended reading: 

Q1: Does taking refuge in Buddhism automatically render me a monastic?

Q2: Why do we receive a Dharma name after the refuge-taking ceremony?

Q3: What do we take the Three Refuges?

Q4: Who can take refuge in the Three Jewels?

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?

Q6: After taking refuge in Buddhism, is it necessary to set up a Buddhist hall or a Buddha statue at home?

Q7: How does taking refuge in the Three Jewels affect our daily lives?

Q8: Does one have to take refuge in the Three Jewels in order to formally become a Buddhist?

Q9: How many times can a Buddhist take refuge?


Resource: Issue 353 of Life Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Photos: 蔡全
Translation: Pin-an Chen (陳品安)   
Editing: Keith Brown, 可馨