The Buddhist Refuge celebration marks a practitioner’s first step on the path to enlightenment. Up to now when life has been hard, we have turned for refuge and comfort to a relative, money, sex, or drugs. With Buddhist Refuge, we learn to seek comfort in the Three Jewels. The Three Jewels are: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The Buddha are the enlightened beings – and ultimately us – who have the wisdom to lead a pure life. The Dharma is the wisdom that they embody – and that ultimately we will embody too. The Sangha are the ordained teachers that help us reach these conditions – and that we ultimately will have inside. During the Refuge ceremony, the most important thing to have is a sincere wish to discover and practice the teachings, to discover that the solution to our problems is inside of us. In this way, we become “inner beings” that see our happiness as under our own control. In that sense, in Lama Yeshe’s words, Refuge becomes more of an attitude towards our own life, rather than a ritual.

Click here for a teaching from Lama Yeshe about the deeper meaning of refuge.

We are pleased to announce that Venerable Robina Courtin has kindly agreed to offer Refuge in the Three Jewels followed by the Five Lay Vows. First she will give a brief teaching on the meaning and benefits of this step on the spiritual path, which leads us to ultimate liberation, thereby leaving suffering behind and attaining happiness. 

You are warmly invited to participate in this ceremony where you will receive Refuge vows. It’s recommended to offer a khata and optionally give dana to the teacher to create further merit.