Refuge-taking Ceremony

One word, faith. There is so much we don't know, haven't experienced, wisdom yet to be realized. In these situations, faith is all we have.    After a little over a year at Dharma Drum Mountain and contributing weekly to the English Meditation and Discussion group, I have no doubt in the teachings of the Buddha. I strive to live in accordance with the Dharma because I believe that by doing so, the quality of my life will improve.    I am grateful for the support, encouragement and opportunity to practice that I receive from the Sangha. It is an incredibly valuable part of spiritual practice and its reason for being included in the Three Refuges is clear.   Each of the Five Precepts was chosen to help those on their spiritual path. Not abiding by them would impede progress and likely cause suffering to themselves and others.    I see taking the Three Refuges and Five Precepts as a commitment to oneself. A statement of belief in the Dharma and Buddhist practice, a declaration of trust in the path out of suffering. It is an intention that from this point forward, each step taken will be towards liberation.     By : Jeremy Bieber, Dharma Drum Mountain Los Angeles Center