To fully understand the meaning of the Three Refuges, we must first understand the meaning of the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. The Supreme Being has taught in the Holy Words:
“I created the Eight Trigrams and formed the Universe and the World, thus establishing the Dharma. From the Dharma arose the Universe and all beings, including humans, thus forming the Sangha. I am the Buddha, the master of both Dharma and Sangha, establishing various religions to guide you back to unity with me.”
Therefore, Buddha represents the Creator (Dieu), Dharma represents the World (la Nature), and Sangha represents humanity (l’Humanité).
Taking refuge in the Buddha means establishing a connection with the Creator (Rapport avec Dieu). Taking refuge in the Dharma means establishing a connection with the World (Rapport avec la Nature). Taking refuge in the Sangha means establishing a connection with Humanity (Rapport avec l’Humanité).
1. TAKING REFUGE IN THE BUDDHA
We must wholeheartedly worship and have faith in the Creator, for He is the one who created the Universe, the World, humanity, and all beings. Worshipping Him expresses our gratitude for our existence, and having faith in Him acknowledges His absolute and transformative nature (*1). Beyond worship and faith, we must also follow the Heavenly Way (Thiên lý). The Creator’s boundless love for all beings, His nurturing and protection of all sentient beings, His impartial generosity and unconditional grace, serve as the ultimate moral example for us to emulate. Emulating Heaven means following the Way of Heaven.
2. TAKING REFUGE IN THE DHARMA
Living beings in the world are divided into plants, insects, animals, and humans, collectively known as sentient beings. Humans hold the highest position among sentient beings. Our interactions with fellow humans will be discussed in the section on “Taking Refuge in the Sangha.” Here, we will focus on our relationship with plants and animals, referred to as “Connecting with the World.”
a) Towards Plants: Recently, an Indian scientist named Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose demonstrated that plants also experience sensations (including pain) similar to animals and humans. He asserted that the nervous system of plants is even more sensitive than that of humans. For example, the Mimosa pudica plant quickly folds its leaves when touched, hence its French name “la sensitive,” meaning “the sensitive one.” Other plants also exhibit sensitivity, although it may be less apparent to the naked eye. This evidence suggests that plants possess a form of consciousness, an “animal soul” (âme animale).
While we rely on plants for sustenance (*2), the laws of Heaven forbid us from needlessly harming them.
b) Towards Animals: We rely not only on human society but also on the strength and assistance of animals, such as oxen for plowing, cattle for pulling, and horses for transportation. Therefore, we have a responsibility towards animals:
- We should not harm or mistreat animals, as they experience pain just like us.
- We should care for and nurture them to repay their service and labor.
- We should not take their lives needlessly, for they also possess a divine spark from the Creator, just like us (refer to the section on “Universal Love”).
3. TAKING REFUGE IN THE SANGHA
Taking refuge in the Sangha means connecting with humanity, fulfilling our responsibilities towards one another. These responsibilities encompass various levels: towards family and relatives (parents, siblings, spouse, children), towards our nation and society, and towards all of humanity. All these duties converge into what is known as the Way of Humanity (Nhơn Đạo).
The Three Refuges discussed thus far pertain to our external relationships (extérieur) and are therefore called the “Outer Three Refuges.” There are also “Inner Three Refuges” that pertain to our inner selves.
THE INNER THREE REFUGES
The Creator is the Buddha, who uses divine and mysterious means, known as the Dharma, to bestow a soul upon humanity, known as the Sangha.
Refining our essence (tinh) to become pure and light, allowing it to harmonize with our vital energy (khí), is known as Taking Refuge in the Sangha.
Refining our acquired Qi (Hậu Thiên Khí) into Primordial True Qi (Tiên Thiên Chơn Khí), and then using secret mystical practices to harmonize this Qi with our spirit (Thần), is known as Taking Refuge in the Dharma.
Refining our spirit (Thần) to become purely Yang, transforming the Yin spirit into a Yang spirit, and returning to our original essence, the “Cosmic Primordial Energy,” to unite with the primordial Buddha, is known as Taking Refuge in the Buddha.
The meaning of the “Inner Three Refuges” is profound and mystical, and only a brief explanation is provided here. Those with deeper spiritual understanding can grasp its full significance.
THE FIVE PRECEPTS
(Please refer to the dedicated book of Holy Words) (1)
(*1) Unparalleled by any Immortal or Buddha. (*2) Some dedicated practitioners adhere to a strict vegetarian diet, consuming only fruits and vegetables, taking care not to harm even plant life. They eat fruits without harming the plant and consume only the leaves of vegetables, allowing the plant to continue living. (1) Compilation of Holy Words, Volume 2: Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not engage in sexual misconduct. Do not consume alcohol. Do not lie.
THE END
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