What must be done to ensure going for refuge is effective?

It is insufficient to merely recite the words of the vow of refuge. It is necessary that we actually entrust ourselves without reservation to the Three Jewels. If we do so, it is certain that the Three Jewels will protect us. 

Although we may experience the results in this life of our karmas or actions from previous lives, and it may cause us to wonder if the power of ability to protect us of the Three Jewels has somehow been weakened, if we persevere and continue to entrust ourselves to the Three Jewels, it is certain that we will be protected fully in future lives. 

If on the other hand, as soon as something slight goes wrong for us, we think "Oh, the Three Jewels lack compassion" or we turn elsewhere, divination, medical treatment, or so-on, these are signs of small mindedness. The temporary appearance of the protection of the Three Jewels not being evident is simply a result of our own failing to pray to them with sincerity. It is impossible that the Three Jewels could lack blessing. 

His Holiness, 17th Gyalwang Karmapa

Ogyen Trinley Dorje

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

at 31st Kagyu Monlam

Session 2