Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
June 16, 2023

On June 11th, Vancouver Fo Guang Shan Temple (V.I.B.P.S) held the "Triple Gem Refuge Taking Ceremony" where 26 individuals made the commitment to become formal Buddhist practitioners. The oldest participant was 83 years old, while the youngest was 7 years old. They took the vow in front of the Buddha, pledging to rely on the Triple Gem of the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha throughout their lifetimes. The ceremony was solemn and dignified.

Many children participated in the ceremony with their parents, as both generations gathered together to take refuge in the Triple Gem, hoping to pass down their faith.

Venerable Chueh Chu gave a Dharma talk on the meaning of taking refuge. Venerable Chueh Chu explained that taking refuge involves wholeheartedly relying on the Triple Gem of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha and receiving their blessings. The enlightened and accomplished "Buddha" represents the teacher, the Buddha's "Dharma" provide the methods for practice, allowing individuals to return to their pure nature, and the "Sangha" refers to those who continue the Buddha's wisdom and teachings.

Besides, taking refuge also carries the meaning of "turning back." Venerable Chueh Chu pointed out that taking refuge is the process of turning back to our original pure nature by relying on the Triple Gem, and thereby transforming our habitual patterns.

Regarding the question of whether "taking refuge is necessary for learning Buddhism," Venerable Chueh Chu explained that taking refuge is similar to a student enrolling in school. By completing the registration process, the student obtains official student status and is eligible to receive a degree or diploma. Without taking refuge, one can be considered an auditor or observer, but not a registered student eligible for the full benefits of learning.

Venerable Chueh Chu stated that by establishing one's own faith, one can begin to receive and embrace the teachings of Buddha's Dharma, and embark on the path to enlightenment. After taking refuge, one will receive guidance and assistance from virtuous mentors, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma protectors in various aspects of mindset, lifestyle, and habits. This support helps strengthen one's faith and determination in learning Buddhism, and also provides a better understanding of self-discipline and self-examination.

Yan Nan Yu, who has been immigrated to Canada for over a decade, expressed that she had been studying Buddhism at home for several years but had not found a suitable temple or the right conditions for taking refuge. Now, she finally has the opportunity to become a formal Buddhist practitioner, and she is extremely delighted. She also expressed gratitude to Venerable Master Hsing Yun for establishing temples overseas, providing overseas Chinese people with the opportunity to learn Buddhism.

The Buddhist practitioners took refuge in the Triple Gem. photo／The Life News Agency

At the end of the ceremony, Venerable Chueh Chu advised the attendees that as Buddhists, they must firmly believe in cause and effect, establish right mindfulness and right views, protect the temple, and observe the Five Precepts in the future, even join the Buddha's Light International Association(BLIA) to increase their blessings and wisdom.