4.B.2.A.2.a. Taking Refuge as the Superior Gateway for Entering the Dharma

1. Reasons for taking refuge [Teachings]
   1. Dread and caution regarding rebirth in unfortunate life forms or in all of cyclic existence
   2. Conviction or confidence in the ability of the Triple Gem to guide us
      
      
2. What objects to take refuge in
   1. Recognizing the proper objects to take refuge in [Teachings]
      1. Buddha
         1. Ultimate = Dharmakaya: the nature body and the wisdom Dharmakaya
         2. Conventional = Rupakaya (form body): the enjoyment body and the emanation body
      2. Dharma
         1. Ultimate = Arya's true cessation and true path
         2. Conventional = 84,000 Dharma teachings: the scriptures
      3. Sangha
         1. Ultimate = Arya's knowledge and liberation: true path and true cessation
         2. Conventional = individual arya or assembly of ordained beings
            
            

      [Causal and resultant 3 Refuges:

      1. Causal - those persons or things that already are the Three Jewels. They guide us by:
      • Buddha manifests in different forms to guide and teach us
      • Dharma is the actual refuge because by actualizing it, we abandon obscurations and develop qualities.
      • Sangha guides by being a good example and encouraging us.
      2. Resultant - taking refuge in the Three Jewels we'll become]
         
         

   2. Reasons they are suitable objects of refuge [Teachings]
      1. Buddhas are free from all fears of cyclic existence and self-complacent peace.
      2. They have skillful and effective means to free others from all fear
      3. They have equal compassion for all, regardless of whether we have faith in them or not
      4. They fulfill the aims of all beings whether or not those beings have helped them
      
      
      
3. Measuring the extent to which we have taken refuge; how to take refuge [Expanded Outline]
   1. Taking refuge from knowing their qualities and skills [Teachings]
   2. Taking refuge by knowing their differences [Teachings]
   3. Taking refuge by accepting them
   4. Taking refuge by not speaking in favor of other refuges
   5. Taking refuge from knowing the three ultimate objects of refuge
      
      
4. Benefits of having taken refuge [Teachings]
   1. We become Buddhist
   2. We establish the foundation for taking all further vows
   3. We can eliminate results of previously accumulated negative karma.
   4. We can quickly accumulate great positive karma
   5. We can't be harmed by humans and non-humans.
   6. We won't fall to unfortunate rebirths
   7. In general our virtuous purposes and temporal goals will be fulfilled
   8. We will quickly attain Buddhahood
      
      
5. Points for training after having taken refuge
   1. Specific guidelines [Teachings]
      1. Having taken refuge in the Buddha:
         1. do not turn for refuge in worldly deities.
         2. respect all images of the Buddha
      2. Having taken refuge in the Dharma:
         1. avoid harming any living being
         2. respect the written words which describe the path
      3. Having taken refuge in the Sangha:
         1. do not cultivate the friendship of people who criticize the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, who teach wrong views or who act unruly
         2. develop respect for monks and nuns
   2. Common guidelines [Teachings]
      1. Being mindful of the qualities, skills, and differences between the Three Jewels and other possible refuges, repeatedly take refuge in them
      2. Remembering their kindness, make offerings to them
      3. Mindful of their compassion, encourage others to take refuge
      4. Remembering the benefits of taking refuge, do so 3 times each morning and evening
      5. Do all actions by entrusting yourself to the Three Jewels.
      6. Do not forsake your refuge at the cost of our life or as a joke