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We\u2019re always going to refuge to something to solve our problems or alleviate our suffering. We\u2019ve been doing this our whole life. We might take refuge in drugs, wealth, another person or food. But these are \u2018false refuge\u2019 because they do not provide lasting satisfaction and can even cause more problems. Buddhism speaks of another type of refuge. Traditionally, taking refuge in Buddhism means to turn to\xa0 the 3 jewels to solve our problems and pain:

dharma (the teachings),

sangha (spiritual community)\xa0

Buddha (the source of the teachings)

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Going for refuge to the three jewels is the way one becomes a Buddhist, if they are interested in that label. In Tibetan, another term for a Buddhist is nangpa, meaning \u201cinner being\u201d. One becomes an inner being by creating a source of happiness inside, and they also solve their problems inwardly. I believe this means anyone, of any religion, can be an inner being. Just as someone who is Jewish or Muslim or Christian would go to the therapist and rely on their advice to solve some of their problems, anyone can use Buddhism to solve their problems and make their mind a source of happiness.

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There is a three point system to check whether what you are turning to for refuge is false refuge or real refuge. Real refuge will do the following:

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1. It doesn\u2019t create any unwanted side effects or more problems.\xa0
2. It addresses the real source of the problem.
3. It creates peace in the mind.

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When we engage in the mindfulness practice offered in this episode, we try to solve some recurrent problem in our life by going for refuge\u2014putting the teachings of Buddha into practice. We might respond with real refuge by developing compassion, practicing patience, or observing how our mind is creating the problem.\xa0

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We can also check and mindfully observe when we are taking false refuge. What are we doing now that is false refuge, and does it have unwanted side effects or cause more problems? I bet it does! Each of us will have to discover the real refuge\xa0 solution for ourselves. It is always a noble response. When you identify what it is that would be true refuge, you can look the subject up in previous podcast episodes or you can message me if you have a question. Instagram @buddhism.with.joann.fox or Facebook Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

But when someone going for refuge\xa0

To the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha\xa0

Sees, with right insight,\xa0

The Four Noble Truths:\xa0

Suffering,\xa0

The arising of suffering,\xa0

The overcoming of suffering,\xa0

And the Eightfold Path\xa0

Leading to the ending of suffering,\xa0

Then this is the secure refuge;\xa0

This is the supreme refuge.

By going to such a refuge\xa0

One is released from all suffering. (190\u2013192)*

\u2014Buddha, The Dhammapada

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References\xa0

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The Dhammapada, by Buddha. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 50.\xa0

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Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 1. Pages 297-301. Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor.