Refuge (Buddhism)

Refuge ( Skt. त्रिशरण , triśaraṇa ^IAST ( trisharana ); pali : tisarana ) is a formula of an oath vow in Buddhism , pronounced at the initiation by monks and nuns, as well as lay people who want to join the teachings of Buddha ^[1] .

To take refuge means to join the Sangha (community of Buddhists). Taking refuge in Buddhism is a ritual performed upon entry into a Buddhist community. This ritual - an analogue of pronouncing a confessional formula in theistic religions - pronouncing a formula in which Triratna is recognized as a refuge (Sanskrit: “triratna”, Pali: “Tiratna” - “three treasures”) : Buddha , his teaching (dharma) and the community (sangha). For taking refuge, for someone who has decided to devote his life to the study of Buddhist dharma, to become a follower of Buddhism, it may be enough to pronounce the formula for taking refuge in the presence of three monks or even lay Buddhists, or if there are no Buddhists nearby, the neophyte can accept the Dharma (teaching Buddhas) independently, for example - in front of the Buddha statue or even without it. Taking refuge is an initiative (initiatory) act, the meaning of which is very important in Buddhism.

The process of taking refuge consists in three times repeating the well-known ^[2] formula:

I seek refuge in the Buddha.

I seek refuge in the Dharma.

I seek refuge in the Sangha.

O Gracious, accept us under your protection from now until the end!

- ^{[2] [1]}

and is the moment of admission to the sangha - to the brotherhood of professing Buddhism ( Buddha Dharma ). This formula is recorded in Khuddak-nikai - one of the sections of the Buddhist canon, written about 100 BC. e. the tongues have fallen and, as Buddhists believe, representing the words of the Buddha himself. In Vajrayana ( Tantric Buddhism ), another member is added to the described formula: “I come to the Guru as a Refuge” ^[1] ..

Another feature of Vajrayana is the addition of the traditional Three Sanctuaries with the concept of “internal Sanctuaries”, otherwise referred to as the “three roots”: the teacher ( guru ), the deity of contemplation ( yidam ) and the defenders of the Teaching, often replacing the original formula ^[1] .

Before taking refuge, one must be familiar with the basics of Buddhism. It is assumed that one who takes refuge is familiar with the basics of Buddhism, and will observe five simple vows of a secular follower of Buddhism ( upasaki ):

- Do not kill.

- Do not steal.

- Prevent improper sexual behavior (adultery, etc.)

- Prevent misconduct in speech (do not slander, do not slander, etc.)

- Do not consume intoxicants.