Significance of Refuge
Synonyms: Shelter, Haven, Sanctuary, Stronghold, Retreat, Safe haven, Protection, Asylum
In French: Refuge; In Dutch: Toevluchtsoord; In Finnish: Turvapaikka; In Spanish: Refugio; In German: Zuflucht; In Malay: Tempat perlindungan; In Swedish: Tillflykt; In Polish: Schronienie; In Portugese: Refúgio; In Italian: Rifugio
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Refuge'
In Buddhism, Refuge signifies seeking safety through the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, offering protection and comfort. It embodies a spiritual commitment and a state of solace from suffering, akin to an island safeguarding against negativity.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) The merchants Tapussa and Bhallika sought refuge in the Lord and dhamma, marking them as the first lay-disciples.[1]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A refuge is what Prince Yuvanjana sought, a place or state of being where old age could not attack him, indicating his desire for spiritual security.[2] (2) Refuge is what the banished young man felt he had no other place for, except returning to his teacher to seek pardon.[3]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) Refuge was taken by Anatha Pindika the householder in the Blessed One, the Truth, and the Order, signifying his commitment.[4]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) When there is no way out and one cannot find any other, one must try and think of how to help themselves.[5] (2) The three core elements of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha, which provide protection and a basis for spiritual practice.[6]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Prince Abhaya begged of the Buddha to be his this, the Dhamma to be his this, the Sangha to be his this.[7]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A state of seeking solace, which Santati requests from the Buddha following the traumatic event of a dancer's death.[8] (2) A safe space of practiced wisdom and enlightenment, similar to an island that offers protection from negative influences.[9] (3) The concept of seeking safety or comfort, which monk Tissa found in the Buddha.[10]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A state or condition that should provide safety, which the aggregates fail to represent.[11]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Refuge is something provided by bodhisattvas to those without a place of safety, as part of their practice of giving protection from fear.[12]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Beings can find refuge in their actions, as these deeds ultimately determine their experiences and destinies.[13] (2) After Buddha's departure, individuals can be their own refuge or take the Dharma as their refuge, with no other refuge.[14]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Nirvana is also this, because it is well beyond all fears of the world.[15]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) The act of seeking safety or protection in the teachings of the Buddhas, which is a fundamental aspect of Buddhist practice.[16]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) This is a preliminary step taken before other practices, indicating a seeking of sanctuary or guidance in a spiritual context.[17] (2) The act of seeking safety and protection, often associated with entering a supportive spiritual community or committing to a spiritual path.[18]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Refuge was sought by the devotees in the Buddha, whom they understood as their ultimate protection and guide.[19] (2) A place or person offering safety and protection from danger or fear, provided by a helpful friend during times of distress.[20]
Hindu concept of 'Refuge'
In Hinduism, "Refuge" signifies seeking divine safety, exemplified by Vishnu's protection, the comfort of surrendering to divine will, and the support from deities like Yogeshvari, illustrating various dimensions of divine relationships and guidance.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The role Rama played for Lakshmana, who gave up hope and was overcome by grief upon seeing him lying on the earth.[21] (2) The solace or support that King Trishanku seeks from the sons of Sage Vasishtha after being turned away by their father.[22]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A source of protection and security, which for women, is solely their husband.[23]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refuges are mentioned in the context of the ocean addressing God Hari as the destroyer of their afflictions.[24]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) According to the provided text, thou art our only refuge, we, our lives and all, depend on thee.[25]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Refuge is a central theme, as the Nagas seek refuge with Avikshit, prompting Avikshit to defend them against Marutta, highlighting the importance of protecting those who seek protection, even from enemies.[26]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The deities and human beings and Gandharvas and Pitris and Uragas and Rakshasas and even immobile beings—all resort to a tank full of water as their refuge.[27] (2) A state of safety and comfort found in surrendering to the divine will and seeking guidance.[28]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Refuge is what Nanmukan, Aran, and the devas lacked, leading them to pray to the Lord, and it is also what His vassals seek at Tirumokur.[29] (2) It describes the hallowed city as a place of safety and solace, where one can find shelter and comfort, especially in the presence of the divine being.[30]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The Lord is the only Refuge for those seeking solace and deliverance, being truly merciful and capable of helping all beings.[31]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Refuge is the state of being protected and safe, as sought by the animals and people from Lord Govinda amidst the harsh weather conditions.[32]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) a safe haven; denotes another aspect of the relationship between Indra and Shri Upendra that invokes respect.[33]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The state of seeking safety or shelter, particularly in relation to the divine.[34]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) It is the need for protection and shelter from the dangers and torments faced.[35]
Jain concept of 'Refuge'
In Jainism, Refuge signifies the quest for safety and guidance, as exemplified by Mrigavati’s protection after loss, Goshala’s reliance on the Master for support, and Cakrayudha's search for comfort amidst worldly challenges.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A place or person offering safety, which King Siddhartha provided to those seeking it.[36] (2) A refuge was what Megharatha represented for the two former cocks, who acknowledged that without him, they would have faced a worse fate.[37] (3) The refuge is sought by the Mlecchas after facing defeat and hardship, leading them to seek protection from Bharata, and this act of seeking refuge signifies their submission to Bharata's authority and their acceptance of his rule.[38] (4) The security or protection Mrigavati seeks from Candapradyota following her husband’s death.[39] (5) The state in which Goshala seeks safety, guidance, and support by declaring the Master as his sole refuge.[40]
The concept of Refuge in local and regional sources
Refuge, in this context, signifies seeking protection and solace in "The Mother." The author trusts in this figure for a positive resolution, relying on her for safety and support.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Having taken refuge in Him with body, soul, and Atman, there is a sense of trust that He will not abandon him after guiding him throughout life.[41] (2) The Refuge is sought by those whose aspirations lead them to seek a spiritual life, and to abandon altogether the worldly pursuits of possession, fame, or power.[42] (3) Refuge is sought in "The Mother", which the author relies on for protection, trusting that everything will resolve favorably.[43]
The concept of Refuge in scientific sources
Refuge, in this context, does NOT refer to a safe haven. Instead, regional sources define it as a location where government agencies experienced conflicts despite available information.
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) Refuge is a perceived sensory dimension associated with environments offering places to sit and observe others, often found in areas with many bushes, and it was highly perceived in partly-closed green spaces, closed green spaces, and blue spaces.[44] (2) Refuge describes places where potential risks might be concealed, and promotional efforts aimed at women should focus on designing spaces that evoke lower levels of refuge alongside improvements in prospect.[45] (3) The main effects on migrants relate to the right to admission to Chile, the right to legalize their residency status, the right to receive refuge, and the right to non-return to their country of origin, according to the text.[46]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) Refuge is a sensory dimension related to the feeling of being in enclosed and safe places, which contributes to the overall perception of security within the neighborhood setting.[47] (2) A state or quality associated with authenticity, competency, and aestheticism, which provides a sense of protection or shelter, sometimes surpassing the efficiency offered by technological solutions.[48] (3) Refuge is a spatial characteristic that provides a specific place where visitors can feel secure and protected from potential negative changes occurring in the surrounding environment.[49]
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) A state of safety or protection offered by the ideology mentioned above for the first wave of arrivals against various external circumstances beyond their sphere of influence.[50] (2) Also known as kyab dro, this is in the Three Jewels and is one of the five Foundational practices involving 100,000 repetitions.[51]
Classical concept of 'Refuge'
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) A place of safety, the lamb sought refuge in a temple in an attempt to avoid being eaten by a pursuing wolf.[52] (2) A place of safety sought by the deer to escape the threat of hunters, but it turned out to be a deadly trap because of a predator.[53]
From: The Argonautica (English translation)
(1) No shrines, no tower of defense, no other refuge is paid heed, indicating a reliance solely on the help and protection of others.[54]