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**eXC3Kvnn** · 11-27-2011, 10:48 AM

To anyone who reads this, I asked in the previous message if you are "more" Buddhist if you take a formal refuge with a monk or master. I think this is based out of my own fear of not being officially "Buddhist" if I take refuge alone. I am unable to take refuge officially with a monk or master.

However, I am very interested on what anyone thinks about that. So please comment if you feel like it.

Hello David,

To think that one is more Buddhist if we take a formal refuge with a monk, master, roshi, lama, or tradition or school seems to be quite wrong.

To take refuge in Buddha and his Dhamma is about your personal commitment to follow the teachings in absolute confidence. That confidence that has grown in heart and mind.

The confidence arises when having understood and having practiced the teaching, there is the experience of a more peaceful mind, a feeling of joy and happiness in our heart.

The teachings of Buddha are for all us to take refuge in them no matter of time, place and circumstances.

Traditions are important. They can give you support. A Sangha from where you can feel in good companion and sincere friendship...

But if there is no temple, no Sangha, no Guru or great teacher around by the moment... to take refuge in Buddha and his Dhamma with full confidence, in heart and in mind is what is important.

At the root of "taking refuge" is the sincere commitment you take with your teacher -the Buddha- and his teaching -the Dhamma- so to follow his path to quench suffering/stress/discomfort.

It seems that not having a Sangha and a temple at hand, by now you will need some time to get acquainted with the teachings of Buddha.

Give time to explore this place as a first step and keep in touch with us here.

What The Buddha Taught

Remember: Save some time for the practice of breathing, David, and one more for the study of the teachings.

11-27-2011, 10:48 AM	#30
eXC3Kvnn Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 404 Senior Member	To anyone who reads this, I asked in the previous message if you are "more" Buddhist if you take a formal refuge with a monk or master. I think this is based out of my own fear of not being officially "Buddhist" if I take refuge alone. I am unable to take refuge officially with a monk or master. However, I am very interested on what anyone thinks about that. So please comment if you feel like it. Hello David, To think that one is more Buddhist if we take a formal refuge with a monk, master, roshi, lama, or tradition or school seems to be quite wrong. To take refuge in Buddha and his Dhamma is about your personal commitment to follow the teachings in absolute confidence. That confidence that has grown in heart and mind. The confidence arises when having understood and having practiced the teaching, there is the experience of a more peaceful mind, a feeling of joy and happiness in our heart. The teachings of Buddha are for all us to take refuge in them no matter of time, place and circumstances. Traditions are important. They can give you support. A Sangha from where you can feel in good companion and sincere friendship... But if there is no temple, no Sangha, no Guru or great teacher around by the moment... to take refuge in Buddha and his Dhamma with full confidence, in heart and in mind is what is important. At the root of "taking refuge" is the sincere commitment you take with your teacher -the Buddha- and his teaching -the Dhamma- so to follow his path to quench suffering/stress/discomfort. It seems that not having a Sangha and a temple at hand, by now you will need some time to get acquainted with the teachings of Buddha. Give time to explore this place as a first step and keep in touch with us here. What The Buddha Taught Remember: Save some time for the practice of breathing, David, and one more for the study of the teachings.
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