Taking refuge

The Refuge Prayer names what a Buddhist practitioner turns towards.

In this prayer, the Buddha is the teacher, the Dharma is the teaching and its practice, and the Sangha is the community of realised practitioners who guide others. Together they are known as the Three Jewels.

The last two lines widen the prayer. The good that comes from generosity and practice is directed towards awakening for the benefit of all beings.

Clarity note. Further reading: Patrul Rinpoche, An Essential Instruction on Refuge and Bodhicitta, translated by Adam Pearcey, 2004, Lotsawa House.

Read the Refuge Prayer