Question 62: WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF TAKING REFUGE IN BUDDHISM?

Answer: To take refuge and become a follower of Buddhism, you would follow these steps:

• Choose a spiritual teacher (master) whom you trust and respect, someone who possesses the right qualities to guide you in the teachings of Buddhism over time.
• After expressing your sincere wish to take refuge in Buddhism, your master will set a time and place to conduct the refuge ceremony.
• During this ceremony, you will be guided to recite the Three Refuges: to take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings), and the Sangha (the community of the Buddha’s enlightened disciples). This means committing your life to seek refuge in, learning from, following and practicing according to these Three Noble Jewels of the universe: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
• You will also be given the Five Basic Precepts, which are the foundational ethical guidelines for lay disciples in Buddhism.
  • Do not kill or harm living beings (and instead, protect and nurture life). 
  • Do not steal (and instead, be generous and help others),
  • Do not engage in sexual misconduct (and instead, be loyal and faithful in your relationships)
  • Do not lie or speak harmful words (and instead, speak truthfully and share the Dharma with others)
  • Do not use intoxicants (and instead, maintain a healthy body and mind).
• During the refuge ceremony, your master will provide some fundamental teachings to guide your practice.

From this moment on, you are officially a disciple of the Buddha, establishing a positive connection with the Buddha’s Dharma for countless lifetimes to come.