What Is Refuge? In Buddhism, taking refuge is giving a meaningful direction to life. That direction is self-improvement, to overcome all our shortcomings and realize all our potentials, so that we can best help ourselves and others. The Buddhist refuge serves as a refuge, not just from boredom, hunger, or temporary stress. It's not about changing anything on the outside, because we don't need to wear special clothes or change our hairstyle. Taking refuge in Buddhism is about changing one's mood. This means a deeper understanding of what creates purpose in life, and what brings happiness now and in the future. In short, taking refuge in Buddhism will help us get rid of suffering. Buddhists often use the word "take refuge", or “taking refuge”, because taking refuge is an active process. It is a basic step when we embark on the Buddhist path. But why do we do that? When we understand human nature, that we are all looking for happiness and contentment, and that none of us want suffering, then we should look for something to help us. That is why we turn to take refuge in the Three Jewels in Buddhism. The Three Jewels are Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. We take refuge in the Buddha, because as an enlightened teacher, he not only teaches us how to come out of a meaningless existence, but also to be completely free from suffering. He taught that basically the mind is pure, and with compassion and wisdom any of our ignorance and afflictions can be eradicated forever, so that they never come back again. The Dharma is the teachings of the Buddha on how to achieve this, so when we take refuge, we will turn to and apply the means of Buddhist practice to deal with all the problems in our lives. Monks are monks and nuns and fellow practitioners in Buddhist families. Those in the Sangha who really practice the Dharma will act as role models and inspire them to continue following the Buddhist path. Our commitment does not mean that we need to live in isolation, away from friends or society. In fact, when we take refuge in the Three Jewels, we not only create a meaningful life for ourselves, but also open our hearts to others, and begin to consider what we can contribute to others. around and around the world. Once we have taken refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, we do not need to be confused anymore. Mentally, we don't have to search everywhere, and although of course we still need some level of material comfort and wealth, we won't rely on that, and imagine that it will make me happy forever. Rather, the commitment we make to Buddhist principles will relieve us of stress, and give us more time to work on what's important, which is helping us to be happy. happier and more emotionally healthy. That is why taking refuge is a continuous and active process. It is something that we must continuously practice. It's not just about believing and praying to the Buddha as if he were god. It's not like fellow practitioners can practice for you. This is why it is said that the highest refuge is the teachings of the Buddha, which is the Dharma. Even if we have strong faith in the Buddha, and have so many wise and compassionate fellow practitioners, we still won't reap the benefits of taking refuge unless we follow and use it. teachings for yourself. When we follow the main advice, which is not to harm others, engage in beneficial activities, and tame our minds, then our lives will certainly have more meaning. Although there are special rituals when we can officially begin our Buddhist journey, the real commitment must come from the bottom of our hearts. When we really start to improve ourselves, this is when we really take refuge. and have so many wise and compassionate fellow practitioners, we still won't reap the benefits of taking refuge unless we follow and use the teachings for ourselves. When we follow the main advice, which is not to harm others, engage in beneficial activities, and tame our minds, then our lives will certainly have more meaning. Although there are special rituals when we can officially begin our Buddhist journey, the real commitment must come from the bottom of our hearts. When we really start to improve ourselves, this is when we really take refuge. and have so many wise and compassionate fellow practitioners, we still won't reap the benefits of taking refuge unless we follow and use the teachings for ourselves. When we follow the main advice, which is not to harm others, engage in beneficial activities, and tame our minds, then our lives will certainly have more meaning. Although there are special rituals when we can officially begin our Buddhist journey, the real commitment must come from the bottom of our hearts. When we really start to improve ourselves, this is when we really take refuge. unless we follow and use the Dharma for ourselves. When we follow the main advice, which is not to harm others, engage in beneficial activities, and tame our minds, then our lives will certainly have more meaning. Although there are special rituals when we can officially begin our Buddhist journey, the real commitment must come from the bottom of our hearts. When we really start to improve ourselves, this is when we really take refuge. unless we follow and use the Dharma for ourselves. When we follow the main advice, which is not to harm others, engage in beneficial activities, and tame our minds, then our lives will certainly have more meaning. Although there are special rituals when we can officially begin our Buddhist journey, the real commitment must come from the bottom of our hearts. When we really start to improve ourselves, this is when we really take refuge.. Although there are special rituals when we can officially begin our Buddhist journey, the real commitment must come from the bottom of our hearts. When we really start to improve ourselves, this is when we really take refuge. Although there are special rituals when we can officially begin our journey on the Buddhist path, the real commitment must come from the bottom of our hearts. When we really start to improve ourselves, this is when we really take refuge.END=NAMO SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA.( 3 TIMES ).GOLDEN AMITABHA MONASTERY=VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST NUN=THICH CHAN TANH.AUSTRALIA,SYDNEY.27/6/2021.VIETNAMESE TRANSLATE ENGISH BY=VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST NUN=THICH CHAN TANH.