[zoneouddy]

Obviously, I have no idea. When I read about taking this action I get really confused. I somewhat understand the teachings being dharma. I have no clue on the sangha part (is it referring to finding a teacher or guru?). And finally is karma just understanding cause and effect?

[chipkluchi]

Obviously, I have no idea. When I read about taking this action I get really confused. I somewhat understand the teachings being dharma. I have no clue on the sangha part (is it referring to finding a teacher or guru?). And finally is karma just understanding cause and effect?

Hi friedenbaum,

The Refuge is in the Buddha, the Dhamma/Dharma and the Sangha.

In other words we take Refuge in the historical Buddha, his teachings,(Dhamma) and the ordained Sangha. ( plus lay gurus in Tibetan Buddhism)

You can repeat the Refuge x 3 in front of a Buddha image or you can take it formally at a centre or monastery.

If you take Refuge in Tibetan Buddhism then you also take Refuge in the Guru - and the guru comes first , so actually the Refuge become fourfold. This isn't done in the Refuge of Theravada Buddhism , even though you can have a teacher in Theravada.

There's some information about the Threefold Refuge here:

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/tisarana.html

with kind wishes,

A-D

[alecaf]

Hello friedenbaum,

While we can practice the teachings of the historical Buddha it is not a bad idea to look around for the different types of traditions that offers us the refuge of the "Sangha" that can include, as told by Aloka, "the guru". Other "Sanghas" do not include "the guru" as a main refuge but the practice of group meditation (attending zazen and teishos) as happens in some Soto Zen Schools. I think that a "Sangha" is useful anytime it brings you a support for your practice when surrounded by people that share more less the main concerns, attitudes, believes and scopes about the practice of the Dhamma and giving a friendly support to each other while we are learning through the path. The Buddha is the reminder of the one who awoke to his delusion. But nothing more than that. The real refuge is your own practice. Nobody can give you the refuge that your practice brings to yourself.

[Assungusa]

Some good advice from Ajahn Sumedho on this, well worth a read


http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma2/bds.html