Episode 129 - Ultimate Refuge

Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

In this episode, we look at the meaning of going for refuge. Typically when we think of refuge, it means a source of protection. Refuge is comfort and safety in the storm. The way a person becomes a Buddhist is by going for refuge to the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Someone enters into Buddhism by seeking a solution to their pain or problems in the Dharma, or the teachings. The refuge we speak of is actually the experience of finding a solution to our suffering through the practice of a teaching. The other two Jewels of Refuge are Buddha--the source of the teachings--and Sangha, the spiritual community that supports our practice.

We have been seeking temporary refuge since we first cried in pain or hunger. The first thing we turned to for refuge was our mother. When we were suffering and could not yet speak, she tried to discover the source of our pain and solve it for us. Since then, we have adopted so many sources of refuge. Some things we have come to turn to in an effort to alleviate our pain may even cause us more confusion and pain.

We can distinguish between temporary refuge and ultimate refuge. Ultimate refuge meets certain criteria:

1. It doesn’t cause any unwanted side effects or more problems
2. It makes us feel peaceful
3. It predictably makes us feel peaceful everytime we turn to it
4. It addresses the real cause of the problem

We can check whether something is temporary refuge by examining how we are trying to solve a certain problem or feel better in a situation. For example, if someone is uncomfortable in a social situation and drinks a lot of alcohol to quell their anxiety-- it may cause a lot of unwanted side effects, from a hangover to some regrettable behavior. By contrast, ultimate refuge is when we turn to wisdom to help us solve our problem or feel better. For example, if a close family member irritates us, we might try to look at the situation differently and develop compassion for them. Everytime we feel compassion for them in a circumstance that would normally annoy us, and our mind remains peaceful rather than upset, we have sought an ultimate refuge. Ultimate refuge, life Refuge in the Three Jewels, is turning inward to solve our problems. We become an inner being, with the tools to transform any external situation.

Always wide awake

Are the disciples of Gotama

Who constantly, day and night,

Are mindful of the Buddha. (296)

Always wide awake

Are the disciples of Gotama

Who constantly, day and night,

Are mindful of the Dharma. (297)

Always wide awake

Are the disciples of Gotama

Who constantly, day and night,

Are mindful of the Sangha.

--Buddha, The Dhammapada

If you are interested in learning how you can work with JoAnn Fox as a Life/Spiritual Coach, visit https://buddhismforeveryone.com/coaching

References and LinksBuddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 75-76