Formally taking refuge
21 Following in the Buddha's Footsteps
Venerable Thubten Chodron 
Volume 4 Following in the Buddha's Footsteps 
Sep 13, 2024 Part of an ongoing series of teachings based on the book Following in the Buddha's Footsteps, the fourth volume in The Library of Wisdom and Compassion series by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron.
- Considerations for taking refuge
- Developing the buddhist worldview
- Rebirth and emptiness
- Taking refuge in a ceremony
- Importance of having faith or trust or confidence in the three jewels
- Motivation for taking refuge
- Deepening our refuge continually
- General guidelines of refuge
21 Formally Taking Refuge (download)
Contemplation points
- How has the way that you relate to the Three Jewels changed over time? Describe this in terms of each of the causes for refuge described in the text.
- What are the reasons shared behind why His Holiness the Dalai Lama encourages those who are interested in Buddhism but don’t necessarily have all the traditional causes for refuge to take it if they wish? What are the benefits of taking refuge even if you don’t hold a conviction in emptiness or rebirth?
- Why is a belief in rebirth and emptiness eventually necessary to develop realizations on the entire path?
- What are the benefits of taking refuge in a ceremony? What does it clarify for the Buddhist practitioner?
- Contemplate each of the nine general guidelines for a practitioner after taking refuge. How does each serve to deepen refuge in the Three Jewels? What benefits might arise in your own and others’ lives from practicing in this way?
Venerable Thubten Chodron
Venerable Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners. She is well known for her warm, humorous, and lucid teachings. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1977 by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India, and in 1986 she received bhikshuni (full) ordination in Taiwan. Read her full bio.
