Taking refuge is the key expression of commitment to Buddhism. If you want to identify as a Buddhist in a more formal way, you can take refuge by saying the refuge prayer: “I go for refuge to Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.” When we take refuge, we are committing ourselves to peace and the path to that inner peace. The Buddha is the teacher, and the Sangha (spiritual community) assists you in your practice, but the real refuge is the jewel of the teaching, because experience of the teachings protects our mind and solves our problems. 

 

You are now at the end of life; 

You’re headed for Yama’s presence 

With no resting place along the way, 

No provisions for the journey. 

Make an island for yourself. 

Be quick in making effort. Be wise. 

Unblemished, with corruption removed, 

You will experience birth and old age no more. (Verse 238)

—Buddha, The Dhammapada

 

Links and References

Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp.62.

Je Tsongkhapa. Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, Volume 1. Pages 206-208. Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Co.