Explanations of the Practice -
Taking Refuge
Geshe Dakpa Topgyal
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Taking Refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha is a means of encouraging oneself to live according to the Teachings, which means living in a sound, ethical way. Living in a sound, ethical way is living according to the law of cause and effect or Karma, abstaining from the ten engative actions, cultivating the ten positive actions, and sincerely trying not to harm other sentient beings and being of help to them as much as possible.
Buddhists believe that sincerely taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha signifies that one is a Buddhist. "Sincerely" means that one sees the Buddha as the Perfect Teacher who can show us the right path, that one sees His Teaching, the Dharma, as the way to happiness and cessation of suffering, and that one see the Sangha, the spiritual community, as helpful companions to assist us along the way.
BUDDHA - means a "fully awakened one," as well as referring to the historic Buddha Shakyamuni.
DHARMA - means the teachings of the Buddha, which lead to the realization of Ultimate Truth. It also refers to the systematic spiritual transformations that one undergoes as a result of one's practice.
SANGHA - There are two types of Sangha. One refers to a group of spiritual practitioners who have not realized Emptiness and Bodhicitta. This group may include ordained monks and nuns, as well as lay practitioners. The other type of Sangha refers to an individual or individuals who have gained a realization of Emptiness and Bodhicitta. The Sangha that serves as an object of refuge is the latter.
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