|
|
What is "Refuge?" What does it mean to take "Refuge?"
While we cannot offer a full explanation of Refuge here, we can
point out some of the resources for learning about Refuge. Refuge
is, very simply put, formally making the commitment to transcend the suffering
and happiness of daily existence and taking vows and committing
to achieving liberation and enlightenment for the benefit of all
sentient beings.
To begin to understand Refuge, really meditate and contemplate
the Four Thoughts. The Four Thoughts are the skillful means that inspire us
to wish to take Refuge in the first place. These you can begin to learn a little
bit about here,
and we would recommend finding teachings and written materials on this topic, studying as deeply as you can when you begin the path. Fully understanding and realizing the Four Thoughts will lend a great stability to your practice.
Some books you might consult are Great Perfection:
Buddha in the Palm of the Hand (Gyatrul Rinpoche, Yeshe Melong Publications,
phone in US: (1) 916-926-0573) or Words of My Perfect Teacher (Patrul
Rinpoche, Shambhala
Publications). These books also go into detail about Refuge. The very
best way to understand Refuge is by attending the teachings of a qualified
master.
 In brief, one takes Refuge after meditating upon
the Four Thoughts and realizing that one wishes to make a commitment
to obtaining liberation for oneself and all sentient beings. One
takes Refuge in the Buddha as the teacher, the Dharma as the path
and the Sangha as the companions and support on the way to enlightenment.
Part of the act of taking Refuge is to renounce the temporary sufferings,
pleasures and happiness found in daily life. His Holiness Penor Rinpoche
teaches on this method of renunciation in this
article published
in What is Enlightenment? magazine.
A great part of taking Refuge is the development of faith. This is not blind
faith, but faith based on one's own observation of the truth of the teachings.
From How to Follow a Spiritual Master, (pg. 120, Ngagyur Nyingma
Institute Editorial Committee, copies available for purchase by calling
India:
(91) 8223-25-2963 or in the US: (1) 607-656-4645):
| |
"There are traditionally four stages described
in developing Faith:
1. Attraction [Vivid Faith]
2. Emulation
3. Fully-Convinced Faith
4. Irreversible Faith
Attraction gives rise to Vivid Vaith, which is
when the mind becomes attracted to the object. It may be a strong
joy or a great appreciation of the qualities we observe. We may
have visited a holy place with statues, stupas, and other representations
of the Buddha's body, speech and mind. We could also have just
met with a genuinely great Master, who has inspired us through
his invisible Blessings or read about [his or her] life [story].
Ths is still
changeable as our mind can turn to aversion as well as appreciation.
Emulation means that, going beyond the attraction,
the desire to become like the object we are contemplating is arising
within us. If we strive to become similar like supreme beings,
like the ordinary woods left in the sandal grove acquire sweet
fragrances
of sandal, we too can attain their noble qualities.
Fully-Convinced Faith and Irreversible Faith are
born out of our nascent knowledge of the qualities of the Buddhas,
bodhisattvas and our Master. The Fully-Convinced Faith becomes
irreversible, when, come what may, nothing will be able to alter
our mind or
our devotion. This is the faith we should constantly try to develop
through examination of the Teachings, and the Teacher, especially
as neither blessings nor accomplishment can ever occur in the secret
Mantra Vehicle without Irreversible Faith in one's Master."
|
As mentioned by Patrul Rinpoche, taking Refuge is the
foundation of all the practices. He says: "By simply taking Refuge, you
plant the seed of liberation within yourself. You distance yourself
from all the negative actions you have accumulated and develop
more and more positive actions. Taking Refuge is the support
for all vows, the
source
of all good qualities. Ultimately it will lead you to the state
of Buddhahood." (p.
187, Words of My Perfect Teacher, Shambhala Publications, Boston,
MA, USA, 1998).
May all beings benefit!
© Copyright 1995-2004 by Palyul
Ling. All rights reserved. Please do not reproduce without prior written
permission.
|
|
