What causes one to take refuge?

Since the precious human body is necessary for the achievement of liberation, we must understand its fragility. And also understand that when the human body is destroyed, one automatically goes through rebirth. 

And we have no idea and no way to know where or as what we are going to be born.

Therefore, through understanding this, we give rise to fear of the sufferings of  samsara. That fear is what inspires us to seek authentic sources of refuge from the sufferings of samsara. 

His Holiness, 17th Gyalwang Karmapa

Ogyen Trinley Dorje

From teaching on 
Torch of Certainty and commentary by Jamgon Lodro Thaye 

at 31st Kagyu Monlam