The Importance of Taking Refuge and Receiving Empowerments

Some people believe that it is not necessary for a Buddhist to take refuge in a vajra master as long as he maintains good thoughts, chants the Buddha’s name, and pays homage to the Buddha. However, in order to truly practice Buddhism, one needs to go beyond such superficial practices and engage in the “cultivation of the mind.” “Cultivation of the mind” is a long term training process that requires the guidance of a genuine vajra master. By taking refuge in a vajra master, one will obtain the blessing and energy of the lineage transmission, which are the keys to a successful practice.

In Vajrayana Buddhism, the refuge empowerment has great merits. Within an instant, an ordinary person is elevated to become a Buddhist disciple. The refuge empowerment signifies the great compassion of the Buddhas, who bestow a Mind-seal upon one. It also establishes the connection between one and the dharma, allowing one to progress from an initiate to an acharya. After one completes the ritual of refuge empowerment, one formally enters into the role of a "potential Buddha” who cultivates to reach Perfect Enlightenment.

Also, in Vajrayana Buddhism, one must first receive an empowerment from a vajra master before one can practice a particular sadhana. Without the lineage empowerment from the guru or a vajra master, one will absolutely not be able to experience “spiritual union” with the buddha, bodhisattva, or deity of the respective sadhana practice.

Therefore, to practice the True Buddha Tantra as transmitted by His Holiness Living Buddha Lian-sheng Sheng-yen Lu, one must first take refuge in him and receive the specific empowerment for each sadhana from him or from an authorized True Buddha School vajra master.

Why Should One Take Refuge in His Holiness Living Buddha Lian-sheng?
          
• H.H. Living Buddha Lian-sheng is a sage who has attained total liberation from fears and emotional afflictions.
• He is a great miracle worker who is able to relieve others of their suffering.
• He is a sage whose compassion and vows to provide salvation encompasses all beings.
• He is an enlightened being who understands all aspects of theories and practices within the vast domain of Buddhadharma, and he can give one the most effective and skillful guidance.

Those who have not taken refuge may want to first commit themselves to the chanting of the Padmakumara Heart Mantra. The chanting of the Padmakumara Heart Mantra may help one to gain spiritual insight, and one may then decide to take refuge later. The short version of Padmakumara Heart Mantra is: “Om, gu-ru lian-sheng sid-dhi hum.” The long version is: “Om ah hum, gu-ru-bei, ah-ha-sa-sa-ma-ha, lian-sheng sid-dhi hum.”

Prerequisites to Taking Refuge in the True Buddha School

Taking refuge is an important undertaking in life. It is a commitment to spiritual cultivation and an aspiration to live a more reasonable and more noble life. One should have full confidence and faith in the successful outcome of one’s practice.

One should get to know Living Buddha Lian-sheng through his writings and teachings and have sincere reverence in him.

Anyone, regardless of one’s religion, can take refuge in True Buddha School and study the True Buddha Tantra.