2A

Question 1

Quote: Ajahn Sumedho on the three refuges

Answer 1

‘Just about every Buddhist tradition includes taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. These three provide a focus for our commitment and for our reflections on the practice’

Question 2

Quote: how the Buddha regards the Dharma

Answer 2

‘Profound, hard to see, hard to understand, peaceful, sublime, beyond the sphere of mere reasoning, subtle, to be experienced by the wise’

Question 3

How Buddhists take refuge

Answer 3

There are two main ways: a refuge ceremony and reciting the refuge formula each day

Question 4

The Three Refuges

Answer 4

The Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha

Question 5

The refuge formula

Answer 5

‘I take refuge in the Buddha, I take refuge in the Dharma, I take refuge in the Sangha’

Question 6

Taking refuge in the Buddha (as teacher)

Answer 6

Expressing gratitude and respect for his enlightened teaching
Theravada Buddhists acknowledge his historical role in communicating the Dharma
It is important because if it were not for the Buddha, then neither the Dharma nor the Sangha would exist

Question 7

Taking refuge in the Dhamma (as guidance)

Answer 7

An undertaking to study, practice and embody the Buddha’s teachings
Developing fundamental trust in the teachings and a personal commitment to understanding and practicing them
It is important because the scriptures are the core of the religion

Question 8

Taking refuge in the Sangha (as companions through life)

Answer 8

Honouring the role and authority of the monastic community
Members of the Sangha are worthy of respect and ‘gifts’ which generates virtue and merit
It is important because it preserves and passes on the Dharma from one generation to the next