Meditation resources

Refuge prayers

Universal form

I take refuge in Wisdom
I take refuge in Compassion
I take refuge in Non-clinging Awareness
May I develop the six perfections
And awaken speedily for the sake of all living beings

This expression from Tarchin Hearn.

Traditional Tibetan Refuge Prayer

SANG GYE CHHÖ DANG TS'HOK KYI CHHOK NAM LA
JANG CHHUP BAR DU DAK NI KYAP SU CHHI
DAK GI JIN SOK GYI PAY SÖ NAM KYI
DRO LA P'HEN CHHIR SANG GYE DRUP PAR SHOK

Until I reach enlightenment, I take refuge in all the Buddhas
And in the Dharma and all the noble Sangha.
By the merit of accomplishing the six perfections
May I achieve buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.

This prayer was written by Atisha, a famous Indian teacher of the 11th century who emigrated to Tibet. It came to us through Kalu Rinpoche. Thanks to Catherine Rathbun and Franca Leeson for this expression of the traditional prayer.

Refuge

I take refuge in Buddha, Heart Mind
I take refuge in Dharma, laws within and laws without
I take refuge in Sanga, my body and the body of friends

who love me, exhort me and cajole me
to tread with footsteps of awareness

on the Path to Wisdom.

Catherine Jetsun Yeshe
Toronto 1998