What is Refuge?
The meaning of Refuge becomes deeper and deeper as one proceeds along the Buddhist path and its real depth and magnitude is only known at enlightenment. To put it very simply, to take Refuge is to turn decisively towards the most powerful, sublime, true and meaningful force in the entire universe, seeking its strength, protection and guidance. These will be necessary in order to successfully rid one’s mind of confusion and suffering and to attain the peace, wisdom and qualites of enlightenment. This process – of connecting profoundly with the absolute – begins formally with the ceremony of ‘Taking Refuge’ and is thereafter developed through study and meditation to become a deep inner strength. It is also a commitment to the Buddhist path. By taking the Refuge ceremony, one becomes a Buddhist. From then on, the inner confidence and support that comes from taking Refuge daily forms a psychological basis for all the work of self-knowledge and transformation of the Buddhist ‘path of peace’
