- Why do we go to the Buddha for Refuge ?

When those who believe in a god experience fear, sorrow or any disturbance they pray for help and protection. Many Buddhists ask whom they can turn to when they are confronted with insecurity. In such circumstances Buddhists can recall the Buddha to their mind and seek solace.

There is no doubt that the Buddhist concept of god is different from that in other religions but when they contemplate the supreme qualities of the Buddha, his great victories, and his calm and noble characteristics, their minds will be calmed and they will gain confidence.

Even many other religionists say god is not a person, but a force which personalized in the mind. When their minds are calmed and strengthened by focusing on this power, they are in a position to face disturbances to evaluate the problems and find the means to overcome them.

Buddhists can overcome their problems in a similar way by recalling the image of the Buddha. Naturally many of our problems are caused by the mind and  mind alone is able to solve them through understanding and confidence. That is why the knowledge of the Dhamma is important.

When the mind is strengthened through inspiration and devotion towards the Buddha, it can overcome the sense of helplessness and fear of evil spirits, of being left alone, and confidence is regained. This is what is meant by going for refuge to the Buddha.

Taking refuge in the triple gem (san-bao) is to take refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma (Buddha’s Teachings) and Sangha(ordained person). The meaning of taking refuge (gui-yi) – ‘gui’ is to reverse from black to white and become clean;  ‘yi’ is to rely. Therefore, taking refuge is to rely on or to respect the triple gem.

To take refuge in the triple gem is the basic step to become a qualified Buddhist. To head towards a happy and enlightened truth is just like a traveler heading towards a specific destination. The Buddha is our guide, the Dhamma the routes that we should follow and the Sangha our companion.

We take refuge in Buddha because Buddha has attained the perfect truth and full enlightenment and He can guide us to the right path.

We take refuge in the Dhamma because Dhamma is the road for us to travel, the bridge for us to cross the river and the steps for us to climb a mountain; it can help us avoid barriers so that we can reach our destination smoothly.

Similarly, Buddhist scriptures contain different types of precepts and steps

for practice that the teachings can help us to differentiate from the bad the  good, to drop all worries by seeking the enlightened truth within.

To take refuge in the Sangha is like having a companion during the journey when we travel. In sickness, our companion takes care of us; in depression, he encourages us. The monks are like our elders and teachers. They correct us when we think and act wrongly. They assist us to release ourselves from sufferings and head towards the paths to full enlightenment.

In other words, to take refuge in triple gem is to be like a ship lost in the ocean but with a compass, a child lost but who finally found his mother. After making a right choice, we would then fulfill our noble ideas and objectives so as to move forward to a happier life.