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Taking Refuge

sierrareefsierrareef
edited November 2009 in Buddhism Basics
I am ready to take refuge in the 3 Jewels, but I'm not sure how to proceed. Is it a solo ceremony where I just declare that I'm taking refuge, or is there a formal process?

Comments

  • Inji-gyoInji-gyo
    edited November 2009
    That is wonderful Reef, but why? Why do you want to take refuge?
  • ThoughtOfThoughtThoughtOfThought
    edited November 2009
    I'm sure you can do it both ways. The thing about taking refuge is, even when you've had a ceremony, you still might not take refuge. The ceremony is a symbol of your commitment to taking refuge, but it doesn't guarantee that from that point forward, you are taking refuge.

    You don't even need a ceremony, if you don't want one. If you want to take refuge, take refuge! Any sort of ceremony is simply a symbol. ;)
  • sierrareefsierrareef
    edited November 2009
    Why is a tough question to answer.

    I would probably have to tell my somewhat lengthy story for it to make sense to you but suffice it to say that I am ready to acknwledge that Buddhism is my chosen path. It has been my chosen path for quite some time. I have not previously taken refuge because I was dealing with a personal tragedy and because I thought I needed to become a "super" Buddhist to take refuge, but I no longer think that.

    I also previously chose not to take refuge because I feared I would fail and I respected the path too much to allow that possibility. Now, my perspective has changed. I don't think there is failure on this path. There is either progression, or the lack thereof, but no failure.

    I have been on a Buddhist path toward enlightenment for a couple of years now, but I have no idea how long that path is and I don't care. It is a path I love and a path I trust. It is a way of life that I want to formally acknowledge.

    Maybe it's an ego thing - me wanting to prove my dedication to me. :)

    All the more the reason for me to follow the Buddha's teachings.
  • ValtielValtiel Veteran
    edited November 2009
    I also previously chose not to take refuge because I feared I would fail and I respected the path too much to allow that possibility.

    The Path is about trying, therefore failing is impossible. No one upholds the precepts flawlessly.

    Taking refuge is a personal commitment to the Dhamma. Therefore, you've already taken refuge. If you would like to have a formal ceremony, look for local Sanghas. The formal ceremony means nothing on its own, though.
  • Inji-gyoInji-gyo
    edited November 2009
    Very nice. Not having a ceremony or formal refuge doesn't make you a worse Buddhist then the next person, the inverse is also true. However taking a formal refuge is a great opportunity to learn more about the temples in your area and meet fellow Buddhists. Also I wouldn't pass up the chance to have a formal teacher! Do a quick search for temples in your area, and come back her for advice on finding the right teacher/temple!
  • AriettaDolenteAriettaDolente Veteran
    edited November 2009
    Taking refuge is not something you do once, and then go on. It is something you do from moment to moment. Making a personal commitment to the path of Buddhism is admirable, but it is what you do afterward that really matters.
  • sierrareefsierrareef
    edited November 2009
    Thank you all.
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