Special Topics

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 if one wants to formally practice Buddhism.
 
Taking refuge is the first step to enter Buddhism, as well as marking the beginning of establishing faith in Buddhism, which means starting to receive the Buddhist precepts and embarking on the path for attaining Buddhahood. After taking refuge, spiritual guides and virtuous friends, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and Dharma protectors will  guide and assist you in terms of mentality, daily life, and habits to help you strengthen your confidence and will to learn Buddhism. In addition, once you take refuge, you will also be better able to discipline and encourage yourself in the path. If you have not undergone the ceremony of taking refuge in the Three Jewels, you can still certainly learn Buddhism. If you can formally take refuge and learn how to practice Buddhism with right faith and right views, you will have more confidence when reciting the Buddha's name and Buddhist scriptures.



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 350 of Life Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation

Photos: 蔡全
Translation: 可馨 
Editing: Keith Brown, YKL