Taking Refuge and Dharma Class Etiquette

Dharma Class Etiquette

The following are some common sense guidelines and general suggestions regarding etiquette when attending teachings in most Buddhist Centers. This is mainly aimed at showing respect for the Buddhist teachings in general, creates an environment where all those attending can focus on the teachings being provided, and helps to engender self-discipline amd mutual respect while you participate in formal teachings and group practices.

Please see further information at dharma_class_etiquette.html 

Taking Refuge in Buddhism, and becoming Buddhist 

Shakyamun Buddha taught that spiritual practice can create a refuge from suffering and ignorance experienced in human existence. In this Buddha was both a teacher and a guide, and he personally set the example for the qualities of compassion and wisdom that define Enlightenment. "Taking Refuge" is a practice common to all Buddhist traditions around the world and dates back to the first teachings given by the Buddha himself.

Taking refuge in the Buddha and his teachings, one should now seek to further this knowledge and refute wrong views.

The Dharma are the instruction and original teachings provided by  Buddha, and as such provide the path for inner realizations to make "Enlightenment" possible for all who follow its teachings. Having taken refuge in the Dharma, we should apply its method and teachings, and we should not cause harm to sentient beings.

By taking refuge in the Sangha, we obtain support from those that already have achieved enlightenment by these same methods.

 

As a buddhist one should respect all the objects that represent the buddha's teachings and scriptures, be this sacred images, a simple piece of tsa tsa;, or even down to a single letter or syllable from the teachings. One should try to seek the guidance of learned and appropriate spiritual teachers who practice and uphold the Buddha's teachings; and we should study, reflect upon, and practice this sacred Dharma to the best of our ability and with sincere effort. Having entered the gateway of the teachings of the Victorious One, one should not let these human senses and emotions run rampant toward sense objects, but cherish the buddha's methods to awaken and develop our own innate buddha nature.

Please see further information at taking_refuge_in_buddhism.html