Refuge Formula
Taking refuge in the Three Jewels is central to Buddhist lay and monastic ordination ceremonies, as originated by Gautama, (The Buddha), according to the scriptures. The practice of taking refuge on behalf of young or even unborn children is mentioned in the Majjhima Nikaya, recognized by most scholars as an early text.
Taking refuge in the Three Jewels is generally considered to make one officially a Buddhist. Thus, in many Theravada Buddhist communities, the following Pali chant, the Vandana Ti-sarana is often recited by both monks and lay people:
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The Burmese Pali version, which differs from traditional Pali pronunciation (to suit the Burmese language phonology), is as follows (in the Burmese script and IPA):
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1ဒုတိယမ္ပိ and တတိယမ္ပိ are prefixed to the chant when lay members seek the refuge for the second and third times respectively.
The Cambodian version, or បទសរភញ្ញ (EN: Bot Sa-Rak-Phorgn), was written by Samdech Sangha Raja Jhotañano Chuon Nath with greater descriptions of the Three Jewels with Cambodian touch at the ending.
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The Mahayana Chinese/Korean/Japanese version differs only slightly from the Theravada:
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The prayer for taking refuge in Tibetan Buddhism.
I take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha 諸佛正法眾中尊
Until I attain enlightenment. 直至菩提我歸依
By the merit I have accumulated from practising generosity and the other perfections 我以所行施等善
May I attain enlightenment, for the benefit of all migrators. 為利眾生願成佛 |
Read more about this topic: Three Jewels
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