Despite having gone through the ceremony twice over the span of years, I only recently understand the idea behind “going for refuge”. Perhaps my intellectualizing and harboring anti-religious tendencies contributed to these belated epiphanies. Still, I suddenly find the idea to be much more meaningful now after experiencing the full nature of the act, versus simply reading about it, listening to concepts about it, empty participation, etc.
According to merriam-webster, our textbook definition of refuge is:
- shelter or protection from danger or distress
- a place that provides shelter or protection
Initially, this concept was hard for me to reconcile against many traditional Buddhist ceremonies; a lot of bowing/prostrating and sing-songy chanting. Despite my initial resistance, I participated in the ceremonies out of respect for the tradition and curiosity that I may eventually see something. Thankfully I did.
Going for refuge simply means having a point of reference, an anchor, when life gets turbulent. In many methods of meditation, when the body/mind gets distracted we are encouraged to come back to our point of focus (breath, pose, symbol, sound, etc.). Only now, I see that going for refuge allows us a similar function; coming back to the three jewels when the body/mind gets distracted in daily life. So far, I see the three separate refuges as:
- Going for refuge to the Buddha: Taking the historical Buddha’s example as one to follow; going to refuge toward his example.
- Going for refuge to the Dharma/Dhamma: Seeing and relying on the truth; using the principles set forth in the pitakas / sutras as a compass for navigating difficult and perilous situations.
- Going for refuge to the Sangha: Making and maintaining good friendship with all beings; promoting and living the Way with all people; bringing the truth of the Dharma/Dhamma to your interpersonal relationships on all levels and simply living the way.
Just a reflection to share.
A decent first post too ^_^