Page 189 - Popular Deities of Chinese Buddhism (Illustrated) and Symbols

act upon this, if we sincerely follow the path that has been trod-

den by the Buddha, then we are really going for Refuge to the

Buddha — the First Refuge.

he harma

Going for Refuge to the Dharma is to accept it as the path that

leads to Enlightenment. It is also the path of human develop-

ment for it is the Teaching about the nature of life. It is pure by

nature and bright like a light that destroys the darkness of Igno-

rance. It consists of the Truths as taught by the Buddha who has

discovered and practised them in his lifetime so it is the Way of

cultivation. Dharma is whatever helps us to be wise and compas-

sionate, whatever helps us to lead a pure and beneficial life, a life

of harmlessness towards all other living beings.

he angha

Finally the meaning of the Refuge in the Sangha. When go-

ing for Refuge to the Sangha we should not think of Refuge-

going to the community of monks and nuns for though some

of them are noble, a good number are still worldlings practicing

Dharma. Among the lay community too, there may be those

who are Noble. e noble monks, nuns and laity together form

the Noble Order which, as it is made up of those who are able

teachers of the Dharma, is truly a secure Refuge. In practical

terms the Sangha Refuge means that it is the duty of those who

are capable to help the other to know more about the Dharma.

is is what is meant by the Sangha Refuge.

 