Can someone explain the "Refuge" in Buddhism.?

Question

I think its actually called "Refuge in the htree jewels". WHat does this mean and what do you do exactly.

Im very curious today.

Answer 1

The Three Jewels are also referred to as 'The Three Refuges'. This means that the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha offer protection from the fickle and unstable world we live in. A common formula recited by someone wishing to become a Buddhist and by Buddhists more generally is:

I go for refuge to the Buddha
I go for refuge to the Dhamma
I go for refuge to the Sangha.

The Three Jewels and The Three Refuges remind us that the Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangha are very precious. This is because they offer us the opportunity to work towards enlightenment. At the same time, they offer us protection from being swept along by samsara, its delusive attractions and its suffering.

"To take refuge in the Buddha is to take refuge in someone who has let go of holding back just as you can do. To take refuge in the dharma is to take refuge in all the teachings that encourage you and nurture your inherent ability to let go of holding back. And to take refuge in the sangha is to take refuge in the community of people who share this longing to let go and open rather than shield themselves.

Six points of training:

1. Take refuge in the Three Jewels, do not seek the source of your happiness and problems outside yourself.
2. Offer the first part of food or drink to the triple gem, by blessing it before eating or drinking by reciting "Om Ah Hum".
3. Encourage others to become inner beings (Buddhists) and to take refuge; but only when one is asked for advice.
4. Recite the refuge prayer 3x in the day and 3x in the night.
5. Follow the example of the Three Jewels, rely on them as the only trustworthy refuge objects.
6. Never lose faith in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.

Answer 2

A refuge is a place where people go when they are distressed or when they need safety and security.There are many types of refuge.When people are unhappy,they take refuge with their friends,when they are worried and frightened,they might take refuge in the belief in an eternal heaven.But,as the Buddha says,none of these are true refuges because they do not give comfort and security based on reality.

Buddhist take refuge in:The Buddha,Dhamma and Sangha.
Taking Refuge in the Buddha is a confident acceptance of the fact that one can become fully enlightened and perfected just as the Buddha was.Taking refuge in the Dhamma means understanding the Four Noble Truths and basing one's life on the Noble Eightfold Path.Taking Refuge in the Sangha means looking for support,inspiration and guidance from all who walk the Noble Eightfold Path.Doing this one becomes a Buddhist and thus takes the first step on the path toward Nibbana.
Hope this help.

Answer 3

Refuge in the 3 jewels ?

also known as

Namo Guru Bhay (to take refuge in Guru)
Namo Buddhaya
Namo Dharmaya
Namo Sanghaya

1st of the 3 Jewels means Buddha (the state of enlightenment when one is no longer attached to the 6 realms of the world)

6 realms consists of
-Hungry Ghost
-Hell
-Animal
-Demi Gods
-Gods
-Human

Taking refuge in buddha means taking refuge someone who is free from this 6 realms to bring you to another paradise without suffering

Taking Refuge in the Dharma or the teachings of Buddha also known as the truth, we should take refuge in the teachings because we need the wisdom to be out of this 6 realms

Taking refuge in the Sangha (monk) means to take refuge under the person who spreads Buddha's teachings.

Just that Simple, But before we take refuge in the 3 jewels, (for varjayana) we shall take refuge in our Guru 1st as he will be the one guiding us and training us and make us ready for enlightenment.

Please visit my blog is you want to know about the Ceremony of taking refuge from a Guru

http://www.tsondruegyatso.blogspot.com