The Meaning of Refuge in the Buddhist Tradition

by Lama Tasha Star

In this short teaching, Lama Lena clearly explains the true meaning of Outer, Inner, Secret, and Ultimate refuge in the Buddhist tradition of Dzogchen.

When we take refuge, we are ultimately saying, “I take refuge in my own mind’s innate, natural, emptiness-clarity”, says Lama Lena, “and there’s the simplicity of it. This is refuge. You’re not joining a cult, or a sect, or even an ‘ism’ unless you want to. You are taking refuge in Thus Gone, in the Going, and the Goers…and all that is created by that.”

This talk was given during a week-long Dzogchen retreat at The Dharma Centre of Canada on August 5, 2019, before offering a refuge ceremony at the request of her students.

The refuge prayer in Tibetan and English, is available HERE

Listen/Download the audio of this teaching HERE

Traditionally, dharma teachings are offered free of charge and students offer a donation (dana) as they are able to. If you benefited from this teaching and have the means, please offer dana through the link here: lamalenateachings.com/give-dana

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