We are gathered together to witness [names] taking the three refuges.
In Buddhism when we go for refuge, we are leaning in to what is reliable in an unreliable world.
We entrust ourselves to the Buddha: Shakyamuni Buddha, who set the Dharma-wheel turning; Amitabha Buddha, who assures us of our place in their Pure Land; and all the other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout space and time. We are inspired by their example, consoled by their loving presence, and nourished by their wisdom. We remember that we are accepted by them, just as we are.
We entrust ourselves to the Dharma: the teachings of the Buddhas, and the teachings of things-as-they-are. We find Dharma in the sutras, and in the teachings of those who followed the Buddha. We find Dharma in the world and in all living things. We keep our eyes, our ears and our hearts open, always going beyond what we think we know.
We entrust ourselves to the Sangha: the community of people who follow the Buddhist path. We can include in our community those from other spiritual traditions. We lean into our community to help us to learn about ourselves, to help us keep our focus on our spiritual path, and to support us when times are difficult. We remember that all humans have both bombu-nature and Buddha-nature.
As Shinran says, once we entrust ourselves to Amitabha we are grasped, never to be abandoned.
Is it your wish to take refuge in the three jewels?
Now please repeat after me.
- For refuge I go to the Buddha
The one who is awake and full of love - For refuge I go to the Dharma
All that guides us to wisdom and compassion - For refuge I go to the Sangha
Those who live in the Buddha’s light
Please bow.
- A second time, for refuge I go to the Buddha
The one who is awake and full of love - A second time, for refuge I go to the Dharma
All that guides us to wisdom and compassion - A second time, for refuge I go to the Sangha
Those who live in the Buddha’s light
Please bow.
- A third time, for refuge I go to the Buddha
The one who is awake and full of love - A third time, for refuge I go to the Dharma
All that guides us to wisdom and compassion - A third time, for refuge I go to the Sangha
Those who live in the Buddha’s light
Please bow.
You have now taken refuge in the three jewels. Welcome to the community of Buddhists all around the world.