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TEACHINGS | EASTERN HORIZON 19

However, this does not mean that
one can conveniently take Refuge
as insurance from being born in the
lower realms and not care about
living ethically. Living life according
to the law of karma is the other
form of insurance. Remember
however, that taking Refuge
provides coverage for only one life
and that life/one’s consciousness
continues on and on and does not
just finish in 2 lifetimes. The kind of
rebirth and the kind of life we have
now and will have, is all determined
Tulku Tenzin Phuntsok Rinpoche Geshe Tenzin Zopa with Lama Zopa
by one’s own karma. Therefore we
Rinpoche, Bendigo, Australia, April
need to prevent rebirth in lower
2018.
realms and for this, we need to
engage in 3 higher trainings which
beings with morality, which in turn great. Without irreversible faith in forget about the Buddha – then we
starts with Refuge. the Triple Gem and when our mind create the causes to face suffering
& reliance on the Triple Gem is and troubles will start to surface
What are the objects of refuge? very shaky, we will not be a sturdy in our lives. Even if the Buddha is
Buddha, Dharma and Sangha container to hold the blessings of front of us holding a wishfulfilling
(known as the Triple Gem). Having Refuge. The Buddha is always there jewel, we cannot receive that help
taken Refuge in the Triple Gem, we to bless and help, always holding because we have not created the
should not take refuge in spirits, out a ring to us but if we do not causes to receive it. Also, we should
ancestors, worldly gods etc…These throw our hook to connect to him, not ask for things that we cannot
may be able to grant some form of how are we to receive blessings? handle. Example, one may be able
temporary support but these beings to manage RM100 but can one
themselves are stuck in samsara, so Sometimes our prayers and wishes responsibly manage RM1million?
how can they truly help us? These are self-centred or have an intent to So there is no point asking for
can be objects of our respect but harm others. The Buddhas blessings RM1 million. Boudha Stupa in
not objects of Refuge. As Buddhist cannot be used in this way. So how Kathmandu, Nepal has a reputation
practitioners, every object can be an does one ask for Buddha’s help? By of being able to fulfil one’s wishes.
object of respect but not an object thinking this way, “May I actualise I always make prayers there but
of Refuge. Our Refuge lies solely in fully enlightenment for not only I never pray for things like being
the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. myself but for every single living transformed into a rainbow-body by
This we need to differentiate and be being. For that, I need to have my 2010 nor for RM1million. Instead, I
clear about. material needs taken care of so that always pray for a greater inspiration
I will not be distracted in practising to practice Dharma and that wish
Having taken refuge, one needs to dharma to benefit others”. Then one has always been fulfilled.
respect all images of the Buddha should do one’s best to be helpful
as a real, living Buddha, including at all times but if upon gaining How should we view the Refuge
a small picture of the Buddha. By success, we forget about practising Objects namely the Buddha,
having this attitude, when we pray Dharma, about helping others or we Dharma and and Sangha?
and seek help, the effect will be