Taking Refuge

What’s Refuge?

Taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha is the first step on the Buddhist path. It’s an acknowledgement that Buddhism is the spiritual path for you to end not only the uncertainty and suffering of this life, but the suffering of future lives.

As Lama Yeshe said:

“To take refuge means ‘to rely upon’. We rely upon the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha–they are a saviour, a liberator. We do not rely upon the Buddha image but upon the Buddha nature. You put the essence of this inside your heart. That way you become Buddha, you become Dharma, you become Sangha.”

Refuge is taken in a formal ceremony presided over by a qualified teacher and involves the taking of a life-long vow not to kill. Additional lay vows not to steal, engage in sexual misconduct, lie or take intoxicants can also be taken if you wish.

If you are interested in a participating in a refuge ceremony please contact our Spiritual Program Co-ordinator at spc@hayagriva.org.au or our Centre on 9367 4817

Read a talk given by Lama Yeshe at a refuge ceremony