Tibetan Buddhist Lamrim: Refuge Practice

Finding support in religious figures, religious teachings, and the community of believers.

Where do people look for guidance and support when circumstances are challenging? For much of the last 2,500 years, many have turned to organized religion.

• Jews have God, the Bible’s Old Testament, and synagogues.
• Christians have Jesus, the Bible’s New Testament, and Christian churches.
• Muslims have Muhammad, the Quran, and mosques.
• Hindus have the deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva; holy books, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita; and temples for worship.
• And Buddhists have the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (spiritual community).

Generally, major religions instruct their followers to seek inspiration, guidance, and support from their Gods, holy books, and community of believers. In Buddhism, this is called Refuge Practice.