It is not the opportune time to take refuge in the Three Jewels because I still havent gotten any sign or met a well-known master? Do you or your friend have any such doubts about taking refuge as below? 1, Taking refuge is a serious matter, somebody took refuge after he got some sign or had a specific dream so it is still not the opportune time for me. 2, If I want to take refuge, then I will certainly follow a great master. 3, Taking refuge is a serious event once in a life, so I have to be very cautious. 4, Buddha dharma stresses the causes and conditions, and there are still not completely perfect causes and conditions for me to take refuge at present. Surpassing ten hindrances about taking refuge 6, it is not the opportune time to take refuge without specific sign or great master? It is said somebody got the sign in his dream to guide him to take refuge in the Three Jewels, and thats a rare case; however there are some people think that it will be more cautious to take refuge under the guidance of a great or well-known master. The first we have to understand is that we take refuge in the Three Jewels, not in an individual; be careful not to fall into the myth of worshipping a well-known master. Learning Buddhism and cultivation are in fact personal business. Even those who were born in the era of Buddha and became Buddhas disciples cannot get assurance to accomplish arhatship. Besides, the righteous faith of Buddhism doesnt encourage pursuing the mythical response. Taking refuge is absolutely nothing mythical. The master leads you to the door, the rest is up to you. The Saint Ananda was Buddhas younger cousin and followed Buddha to become a monk and was Buddhas attendant. He had not accomplished the stage of attainment even after Buddha passed away. That means even the wisest master cannot guarantee your enlightenment and emancipation; only by your own dedication and hard work can you get the key to emancipation. Modern Chinese master Venerable Master Yin Shun said in his The Way to Buddha hood Verses: People seeking refuge everywhere, Seeking refuge in all the ten directions, Finally realize that the ultimate place of refuge Is to be found in the most auspicious three treasures. What we take refuge in and learn from are pratiṣṭhā( resting) Three Jewels, which will enlighten our Three Jewels in our original nature gradually. Some have doubts about how many times one can take refuge, and there are no rules in Buddhism. Some take refuge with family in their childhood without understanding of the meaning of taking refuge. They identify and approve Buddha dharma when they grow up so that they take refuge again. Taking refuge is to listen to the teaching of our master who guides us to take refuge and requesting him to be our witness that we make resolution to become a Buddhist and learn Buddhism. Some may take refuge repetitively out of their respect to the accomplishment and virtues of their own masters; or they may intend to reinforce their resolution to pursue the Path so that they take refuge again. All of the above are good motivations. Some take the immature causes and conditions as the excuse not to take refuge, which in fact reflects their own cowardice. They dont truly understand the meaning of causes and conditions, only see the negative aspect of them. Specifically speaking, causes and conditions are the outside environment and factors. It seems that there is a foregone conclusion, and thats a negative and passive way of thinking. They can be active and positive, too. We can make favorable conditions and environments for ourselves. If you truly intend to take refuge, you can collect relative informations through various channels such as internet. If you can be positive and active, you will certainly become the disciple of the Three Jewels joyfully with completely perfect causes and conditions! (Excerpt)
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 04:27:30 +0000