What does one have to do to genuinely go for refuge?

For going for refuge to be fully authentic, it must possess four attributes:

The first is an understanding of the qualities of the Three Jewels, as described, for example, in the Sutra of the Recollection of the Exalted Three Jewels.

The second is to understand the superiority or difference of the Buddha, as opposed to other teachers, the Dharma as opposed to incorrect paths, and the Sangha as opposed to the communities of other traditions.  

The third, is to be fully committed to going for refuge with an attitude free from reservation, based on one's understanding of the qualities and superiority of the Three Jewels.

And the fourth is, even at the cost of one's life, never to seek any source of refuge other than the Three Jewels. 

His Holiness, 17th Karmapa

Ogyen Trinley Dorje

What does it mean to really take refuge in the Dharma?

When we take refuge in the Dharma, we are taking refuge in all of the truth of the path and the truth of cessation.

We need to investigate whether we are putting the truth of the path and the truth of cessation into practice. 

It is not enough that we say "I take refuge in the Dharma, I take refuge in the Dharma."



His Holiness, 17th Gyalwang Karmapa
Ogyen Trinley Dorje

What is needed in order to successfully go for refuge?

"What is most important is to understand the meaning of taking refuge, and to take refuge with strong and intense feelings that accompany doing so.

It is very important that taking refuge be a practice and a part of our daily life ongoing."

His Holiness, 17th Gyalwang Karmapa

Ogyen Trinley Dorje

How do I find a qualified spiritual teacher?

"In many sutras and tantras, with regard to reliance upon spiritual friends, it is very hard to find a spiritual friend or master who is perfect, who possesses every quality and lacks any flaws. 

But it is sufficient to rely on a spiritual friend who has the most qualities and the least flaws."

His Holiness, 17th Gyalwang Karmapa

Ogyen Trinley Dorje

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

Why do Dharma teachings frequently mention having a human body?

"The recognition of pervasiveness of suffering depends upon one gaining a precious human body, with its freedoms and resources. 

And also, one must recognize the fragility and impermanence of that human body, that the human state is like a butter lamp that is running out of fuel."

His Holiness, 17th Gyalwang Karmapa
Ogyen Trinley Dorje

What is required in order to achieve enlightenment?

"While our ultimate purpose is the achievement of enlightenment, the achievement of that depends on our giving rise to an authentic and intense desire to be free. This desire to be free depends upon a recognition of the pervasiveness of suffering in samsara."

His Holiness, 17th Gyalwang Karmapa
Ogyen Trinley Dorje

What would increase our trust in our practice?

Trusting in practice

"If one's practice is based on combination of both hearing and reflection, one will have much greater trust in the practice."

His Holiness, 17th Gyalwang Karmapa
Ogyen Trinley Dorje

What Dharma should we listen to?

"We need to select those aspects of Dharma that are both helpful and practical."

His Holiness, 17th Gyalwang Karmapa
Ogyen Trinley Dorje

How do we know if we are Buddhist or not?

"It is not sufficient for us to simply include ourselves among the ranks of Buddhists and adopt the name or title of a Buddhist. 

To be included in the ranks of Buddhists, we need to be developing and bringing about a good or extraordinary result."

His Holiness, 17th Gyalwang Karmapa

Ogyen Trinley Dorje