Taking
refuge in the Three Treasures is a pivotal activity of Buddhism. What is taking
refuge? What are the Three Treasures, and what does taking refuge in the Three
Treasures imply?
We have faced many difficult situations in our lives. Some
of these situations we were able to handle skillfully, and often we wish we had
acted differently. All of us have wondered how these situations arise and how
we can best move through them. We are fortunate to have the leisure to examine
our lives, and to choose our priorities. But what convictions guide the choices
we make?
We find ourselves facing this question as we move through our daily
lives and relationships. The choices we make, the convictions behind them, influence
every aspect of our lives.
Because this is a difficult area, many people have
looked to religion, philosophy, and other disciplines for guidance. Some of us
look to Buddhism; what does Buddhism offer?
Buddhist teaching begins with the
Four Noble Truths: the truth of duhkha, the truth of the origin of duhkha, the
truth of the cessation of duhkha, and the truth of a path leading to the cessation
of duhkha.
"Suffering" is the most frequent translation for the Sanskrit
term "duhkha" but this doesn't convey its full flavor. Duhkha also implies
that circumstances come together, change, and disappear. Situations and feelings
are transitory; they are incapable of providing enduring satisfaction. The first
truth recognizes that duhkha is part of our lives.
The second truth says desire
or craving - "thirst" - is the origin of suffering. The third truth
says that there is an end to suffering; i.e., the condition of suffering can dissolve.
The fourth truth says there is a path we can follow that will dissolve suffering.
This is the Eightfold Path. The elements of this path are Right View, Right Thinking,
Right Speech, Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness,
and Right Concentration.
Here is another place where we need to be careful
about terminology. "Right" in the Eightfold Path is not the "right"
that is the opposite of "wrong." The Sanskrit term "samyak,"
which is usually translated as "right," has the connotation of wholeness,
completeness.
To walk the path of Buddhism is to study the Four Noble Truths.
From this seed Buddhism flowers into a vast body of teachings and practices to
inspire our lives.
While Buddhism can be studied in many different ways, the
heart of Buddhist teaching is realized by taking refuge in the Three Treasures
- Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
Buddha is the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni.
Dharma is the teaching of Buddhism. Sangha is the community of practitioners.
This definition of the Three Treasures is a common starting point for exploring
Buddhism.
Taking refuge begins with faith. Without faith that refuge can be
found, we cannot find refuge. To find refuge we must look for refuge. Looking
for refuge ends when we trust the refuge we find. Taking refuge means finding
guidance, nourishment, shelter, and peace in the midst of our confusion and difficulty.
All paths within the Three Treasures reveal Buddhism. Reading the teaching
of the Buddha, listening to a Dharma talk, or visiting a practice center are all
expressions of taking refuge. To learn more about Buddhism we investigate the
areas of Buddhism that interest us. It becomes part of our daily life.
We
are encouraged to test our faith by applying our understanding. We can use any
of the Three Treasures to aid us; each time we are taking refuge. It is through
our experience of using Buddhism as a refuge we discover its genuineness, "Does
it really work?"
Trusting, testing, trusting, testing
gradually
we become clear. Some sanghas offer a specific ceremony, Taking Refuge in the
Three Treasures, as a public expression of our embracing Buddhism.
This ceremony
demonstrates our commitment to Buddhism as our chosen path. This faith does not
require extensive knowledge about Buddhism. What is essential is that we come
to Buddhism and allow Buddhism to come to us. It is our doing refuge, not our
knowledge of Buddhist teaching, which distinguishes a life of Buddhism from a
life of scholarship or philosophy.
A ceremony is valuable declaration of our
commitment. It is similar to a wedding ceremony to announce the commitment between
two people. Beyond the wedding ceremony there is the ongoing daily relationship
that is vital if the marriage is to thrive. It is the same with taking refuge.
We take refuge over and over again.
If our refuge is to be durable, if it
is to aid us in the many difficulties we encounter in life, we must return to
it frequently. If we want to deepen our understanding, we must practice our understanding.
Studying the life of the Buddha, reading the sutras, and practicing together with
other sangha members are natural expressions of our desire to deepen our understanding.
Each time we take refuge a new understanding is born. This understanding enables
us to meet the challenges of daily life. We manifest our understanding in everyday
life. This is the path of Buddhist practice. In the Zen tradition there is great
emphasis on manifesting exactly what we know or understand. Without this commitment
to manifest our understanding, our refuge will be limited. Through repeatedly
taking refuge and refining our understanding, we cultivate wisdom and compassion
in our own lives.
Inevitably troubles and confusion will challenge our faith.
This is a critical juncture. Buddhism can be a true refuge for us if we turn to
it in our moments of deepest need.
Through repeating refuge, turning to Buddhism
in our lives, our appreciation of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha ripens. We move from
seeing them outside and apart from ourselves to realizing they are qualities active
in our lives. Buddha's enlightenment may seem beyond us, but hints of Buddha's
wisdom and compassion can be felt whenever we embrace his enlightenment. The Dharma
is not just a collection of books and practices, but also the living principle
of our immediate situation. The Sangha is more than a group of practitioners;
it is everyone, everything we meet in full relationship.
Our understanding
of the Three Treasures grows to embrace our world. The many commitments, responsibilities,
and relationships of our lives can all be fulfilled through taking refuge. With
this activity compassion and wisdom come alive.
Whenever we find ourselves
apart from our situation, apart from our relationships, we can take refuge in
the Three Treasures. Taking refuge guides us into relationship, dissolving the
distance between our world and us. Space disappears and we find our home every
place we go.