Significance of Taking refuge
Taking refuge, a significant concept across various spiritual traditions, denotes seeking support and guidance from a higher power or spiritual community. In Jainism, it involves finding solace in a spiritual master or philosophy. Vaishnavism emphasizes shelter in divine presence. The Purana highlights reliance on deities for protection. In Mahayana Buddhism, it marks commitment to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, symbolizing a pivotal spiritual moment. Theravada underscores this commitment through declarations made during ordination, essential for spiritual security.
Synonyms: Seeking shelter, Seeking safety, Taking shelter, Seeking asylum, Hiding
In Dutch: Toevlucht nemen
In Finnish: Pakenemassa
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Taking refuge'
Taking refuge in Buddhism involves seeking spiritual protection and guidance from the Triple Gem—Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha—marking a commitment to the Buddhist path and serving as a cornerstone of the practitioner's spiritual journey.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The act performed by the individual as part of the ordination process, showcasing their commitment to the Buddhist path.[1] (2) The declaration made by a novice during the pabbajja ordination, expressing faith in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Samgha.[2] (3) The act of seeking safety and guidance in the Blessed One, the Dhamma, and the Bhikkhus, formalized by the first lay-disciples.[3] (4) The act of the merchants expressing their commitment to the Blessed One and the Dhamma by seeking his guidance.[4] (5) A declaration made by the candidate during the ordination process, indicating their commitment to the Buddhist path.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The formal act by which Rahu decides to follow the Buddha, signifying his commitment to the teachings.[6] (2) The act of seeking protection in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha as a means to attain spiritual security.[7] (3) The act performed by Prince Bodhi of formally committing himself to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.[8] (4) The act of seeking spiritual protection and guidance from the Triple Gem, which is essential for becoming a lay devotee.[9]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The act of committing oneself to the Buddha, the Teaching, and the Community, marking the beginning of a devotee’s spiritual journey.[10]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) The initial act of committing to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha as the central tenets of one’s faith in Buddhism.[11]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Causing non-believing parents to establish faith in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.[12]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) The act of Anatha Pindika declaring his commitment to the Buddha, the Truth, and the Order, signifying his acceptance as a disciple.[13]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The act of seeking safety and comfort in the Buddha, the Law, and the Order, considered essential for a Samana.[14]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Known as Sharanagamana, it involves seeking protection and guidance in the Buddhas and their teachings.[15] (2) The act of formally declaring one's commitment to the Buddha, Dharma, and Samgha as part of the ceremony.[16] (3) Taking refuge is the act of committing oneself to the teachings of Buddhism by formally accepting the Buddha, Dharma, and Samgha as one's spiritual guides.[17] (4) The act of committing oneself to the Buddhist path by seeking safety and guidance in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.[18]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) One should begin to practice taking refuge, developing bodhicitta, and offering confession as part of their spiritual journey.[19] (2) The act of acknowledging and relying on the dharma, which involves a commitment to the truths of cessation and the path rather than suffering and its origination.[20]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Refers to the act of committing oneself to the Buddha's teachings and community, often marking a pivotal moment in a practitioner's spiritual journey.[21] (2) The act of seeking guidance and protection from the Triple Jewel (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha), which is available to all beings regardless of their past.[22]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The act of committing oneself to the path of Dharma, often performed through visualization and intention.[23] (2) The act of seeking safety or support, often associated with spiritual or religious traditions.[24] (3) The foundational practice essential for all paths, where individuals seek safety or spiritual grounding.[25] (4) A foundational practice in Buddhism, signifying the commitment to rely on the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha for spiritual support.[26]
Hindu concept of 'Taking refuge'
Taking refuge in Hinduism involves seeking protection and guidance from deities like Vishnu and Varuna, emphasizing reliance on divine support, meditation, and the pursuit of spiritual safety through higher authorities.
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) To seek safety, protection, or comfort in the Supreme Lord, indicating reliance on divine support.[27] (2) The act of surrendering oneself to the grace and protection of the Lord.[28]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The act of seeking shelter or support from a higher spiritual entity represented by the lotus feet.[29]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The concept of seeking shelter in divine presence, as expressed by participants during the Gundica-yatra.[30]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The act of seeking safety or spiritual guidance by relying on a higher power or deity.[31]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Seeking safety or support in the divine presence as a higher authority or ultimate goal.[32]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The act of seeking protection and guidance from Vishnu, suggesting reliance on divine support.[33]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The act of surrendering oneself completely to Parabrahman for guidance and support.[34]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The act of seeking protection from a higher power, either Prajapati or Death, before singing.[35]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Seeking protection or guidance from a deity, such as Varuna, through meditation and recitation.[36]
Jain concept of 'Taking refuge'
Taking refuge in Jainism involves seeking solace in a spiritual master and embracing teachings that promote non-attachment, providing both safety and support through the community and philosophy rooted in Jain principles.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A practice of seeking safety or solace in a spiritual master or philosophy, as Abhaya did with Vira.[37]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Seeking protection or support from the teachings or community that embody the principles of non-attachment.[38]
The concept of Taking refuge in local and regional sources
"Taking refuge" metaphorically signifies seeking support and solace in God during challenging times, highlighting a reliance on divine strength and comfort amidst hardship, as emphasized by regional sources.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A metaphorical expression indicating reliance on God for support and solace during difficulties.[39]