Significance of Refuge

Refuge in various spiritual traditions signifies a quest for safety and protection amidst life's challenges. In Buddhism, it involves seeking solace in a supportive spiritual community or the teachings of the Buddhas. Jainism highlights personal requests for refuge from worldly troubles, while Vaishnavism and Purana emphasize divine protection and surrendering to the will of the divine. Mahayana and Theravada also focus on the comfort derived from enlightened teachings, establishing a safe haven for practitioners navigating suffering and uncertainty.1
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Synonyms: Shelter, Haven, Sanctuary, Stronghold, Retreat, Safe haven, Protection, Asylum

In Dutch: Toevluchtsoord; In Finnish: Turvapaikka; In Spanish: Refugio; In German: Zuflucht; In Malay: Tempat perlindungan; In Swedish: Tillflykt

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'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Refuge represents a protective sanctuary rooted in the teachings of the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, offering solace from suffering and negative influences while fostering spiritual growth and community support.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) A state of seeking solace, which Santati requests from the Buddha following the traumatic event of a dancer's death.[1] (2) A safe space of practiced wisdom and enlightenment, similar to an island that offers protection from negative influences.[2] (3) The concept of seeking safety or comfort, which monk Tissa found in the Buddha.[3]

From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)

(1) A state or condition that should provide safety, which the aggregates fail to represent.[4]

From: Patipada (path of practice)

(1) The three core elements of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha, which provide protection and a basis for spiritual practice.[5]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) The act of seeking safety and protection, often associated with entering a supportive spiritual community or committing to a spiritual path.[6]

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

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.[7]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Refuge'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Refuge signifies seeking divine safety and guidance, illustrated through King Trishanku's appeal to Sage Vasishtha's sons, the gods' supplication to Vishnu, and Yogeshvari's role as a protector for devoted followers.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The state of seeking safety or shelter, particularly in relation to the divine.[8]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) a safe haven; denotes another aspect of the relationship between Indra and Shri Upendra that invokes respect.[9]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A state of safety and comfort found in surrendering to the divine will and seeking guidance.[10]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The solace or support that King Trishanku seeks from the sons of Sage Vasishtha after being turned away by their father.[11]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Jain concept of 'Refuge'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, "Refuge" embodies the search for safety, guidance, and support from a spiritual Master, as experienced by figures like Goshala, Cakrayudha, and Mrigavati during their personal challenges and hardships.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The security or protection Mrigavati seeks from Candapradyota following her husband’s death.[12] (2) The state in which Goshala seeks safety, guidance, and support by declaring the Master as his sole refuge.[13] (3) A place of safety and comfort sought by Cakrayudha from the Master to help him through worldly troubles.[14]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.