Taking refuge in the Triple Gem—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—is one of the foundational practices of Buddhism, whether approached through the Mahayana or Vajrayana traditions. This act is more than a ritual; it is a profound commitment to transformation, relying on the wisdom of those who have journeyed this path before us and finding the courage to embrace it ourselves.
Why Do We Take Refuge in the Buddha?
The Buddha is often referred to as the “Awakened One.” When we take refuge in the Buddha, we acknowledge him as a teacher who shows the way to awakening. His teachings remind us of a crucial truth: we must rely on ourselves. The Buddha famously advised his followers to “be a lamp unto yourself,” highlighting that while he can guide us, the journey requires our own effort.
In this sense, taking refuge in the Buddha is also an act of taking refuge in our own potential. We honour the awakened nature within ourselves, trusting that we, too, can discover liberation.
The Dharma: The Path to Truth
The Dharma is the collection of teachings that lead us toward truth. It is the map that the Buddha left for us, guiding us to understand the nature of reality and the causes of suffering. Taking refuge in the Dharma means committing to this path of self-inquiry, ethical living, and meditation.
But the Dharma isn’t just words in a book or chants in a temple. One of my pet peeves in modern Buddhist practices is how cerebral they can feel—as though understanding the texts or memorising concepts makes someone a seasoned practitioner. Just like yoga isn’t about mastering the poses, meditation isn’t about intellectualising the teachings. Both yoga and meditation meet in the body, and that is where transformation occurs.
This winter let’s focus on standing pose practices to connect with the true support we have within ourselves. The hips and legs hold untapped potential for grounding, stability, and strength, reminding us that the Dharma is lived and felt—not just thought about.
The Sangha: A Community of Support
The Sangha is the community of practitioners who explore this path alongside us. Taking refuge in the Sangha is not just about joining a group or finding camaraderie; it’s about recognising the power of collective intention. The Sangha reflects the energy of those who support us and those we support in return.
In the Mahayana tradition, the Sangha includes all beings striving toward awakening. In the Vajrayana tradition, it expands to include the enlightened beings, yogis, and dakas and dakinis who have dedicated themselves to this path. Taking refuge in the Sangha is a reminder that we’re not alone in our journey.
The Vajrayana Perspective: Magical Promises
In the Vajrayana tradition, taking refuge also involves invoking the blessings of those who have mastered these practices before us. When we take refuge, we’re calling upon the promises of yogis, teachers, and practitioners who devoted their lives to cultivating bodhicitta—the awakened heart and mind that desires liberation for all beings.
Bodhicitta is the foundation of all Buddhist practice. It is the aspiration to awaken not just for ourselves, but for the benefit of others. By taking refuge in the Triple Gem, we ask these past practitioners to bless our journey and inspire us to spread the Dharma with integrity, compassion, and wisdom as the world continues to evolve.
Why I Believe in Taking Refuge
At its core, taking refuge is an act of humility and empowerment. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to do this alone, but it’s also a call to recognise the strength and wisdom we already have. I take refuge because I believe in the transformative power of these teachings—not just in the mind but in the body, where real change happens.
As practitioners in the modern world, we’re carrying these ancient teachings forward, weaving them into the fabric of our lives. By taking refuge, we honour the path of those who came before us while stepping boldly into our own.
This winter, as we ground ourselves in the support of standing poses and the strength of our legs and hips, let’s also ground ourselves in the promise of the Triple Gem. Through the Buddha’s example, the Dharma’s wisdom, and the Sangha’s support, we can cultivate the courage to transform ourselves—and, in doing so, contribute to the transformation of the world.
Reflection for Refuge
• “I take refuge in the Buddha, trusting my own potential for awakening.”
• “I take refuge in the Dharma, embodying the teachings in my daily life.”
• “I take refuge in the Sangha, knowing I am never alone on this path.”
May this winter be a time of deep connection, grounding, and growth as we align with the promises of the Triple Gem and the limitless potential within ourselves.
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