Buddhist refuge refers to relying on the three jewels: the Buddha, the dharma, and the sangha. To take refuge in the Buddha is to respect and rely on the one who taught the truth. To take refuge in the dharma means to accept the nature of reality. To take refuge in the sangha means to rely on the community of truth seekers. Taking refuge in the three jewels is said to give protection from fear.

The practice of taking refuge is a common daily practice for Buddhists and usually consists of reciting the refuge prayer while bowing, contemplating the meaning of the prayer, and cultivating an attitude of trust. Taking refuge is also the name of the ceremony wherein one decides to identify themselves as a Buddhist. It is often done in front of a monk or lay Buddhist as a witness. Sometimes, a small piece of hair is cut as a symbol of renunciation—just as Siddhartha cut his hair when he left his princely palace to seek the truth.

All beings rely on different things throughout their lives. By being mindful, we can notice what kinds of thoughts comfort us and what we turn to for support when we need it. Things that do not provide much help but rather distract us are sometimes called unreliable sources of refuge—since they don’t really work. Anyone can practice ordinary refuge by practicing awareness and creating a place of peace and stillness where they can rest their mind and heart.

All beings seek safety and protection. They seek ordinary refuge in their everyday experiences—in physical objects, systems, ideas, habits, and people. We can evaluate if these objects of refuge are wholesome and reliable by asking questions and keeping the eightfold path as a measure.

Reflect on a time when they took refuge in something that was not reliable. Compare what qualities make something reliable. How can we investigate reliability?

• Where do you turn when you are distressed?
• What or who do you rely on when you feel afraid?
• What are some reliable and unreliable sources of refuge in your experience?

Analyze the fundamental differences between Buddhist refuge (three jewels) and ordinary refuge practices by evaluating their effectiveness in providing protection from fear and suffering. Create criteria for assessing the wholesomeness of various refuge sources using the eightfold path as a framework, then apply these criteria to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of refuge in contemporary life experiences.