A Prayer Request to the Three Jewels for Protection

“I take Refuge in the Buddha. I take Refuge in the Dharma. I take Refuge in the Sangha.” This prayer request to the Three Jewels for Protection was recited by those who took the vows of Refuge. They were bestowed this past weekend at the Central Khurul by Geshe Lharampa Jagba Gyatso. The teacher first told those gathered in great detail about the Buddha, about his path, about the Teaching, which is based on “not causing harm to other living beings, and, of course, about the Monastic Community, which teaches each of us how to properly follow the chosen path.

The Venerable Geshe Jagba Gyatso told those gathered about the virtues we cultivate within ourselves thanks to the vows bestowed to the Three Jewels, about the main reasons for taking Refuge, and about the benefit for each of us… 

✅ For example, one who has taken these vows and keeps them pure will definitely not be reborn in the three lower realms

✅ the Refuge vows of the Three Jewels become the foundation for taking other vows

✅non-virtuous karma will be suppressed and gradually diminish, and it can ultimately be purified

✅ those who have taken the Refuge vows are called Buddhists

✅ a reduction of negative, afflictive emotions 

✅ the beginning of the path to attaining Enlightenment 

The teacher especially emphasized that it is important to take the vows not only for oneself and one’s personal happiness, but in order to bring benefit to all living beings. He also noted that every action we perform brings a result🙏