The Refuge Ceremony

Taking Refuge is often related to our desire to find shelter when it begins to rain. The Buddhist shelter from the rain of problems and the pain of life is threefold: the Buddha, his teachings (Dharma), and the spiritual community (Sangha). Taking refuge means that we have some understanding of suffering, and we have confidence that the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha (the "Three Jewels") can help us.

The analogy of sickness is often used; Buddha is the doctor; Dharma is the medicine; Sangha is the nurse; we are the patient; the cure is taking the medicine, which means putting the Buddha's teachings into practice. Taking refuge is like deciding to follow the doctor's advice.

Refuge Vows

At least one of the following vows must be adopted during the ceremony at Thubten Dhargye Ling. Although it is best to take these vows and thus commit ourselves to the path we have chosen, it is important that we do not take those vows which we cannot keep.

1. No killing: refers to both humans and animals.
2. No stealing: not taking what is not given.
3. No sexual misconduct: refers usually to committing adultery.
4. No lying: refers usually to not lying about spiritual attainments, but can include all lying.
5. No intoxicants: refers traditionally to alcohol, but anything robbing clarity of mind (like drugs) is usually included.