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Buddhists: Taking refuge without a Dharma Teacher?
I know some Modern-Theravada websites have said that it's pertinent for some to take refuge in the Triple Gem (and become a Buddhist) by stating the proper prayers in front of a Buddha Image.
I'm wondering, are there any Mahayana Buddhist schools or groups, that allow for the individual Buddhist to do this taking refuge without a Dharma Teacher? Could you send me some links to these groups?
Thanks!
Danie:
I'm afraid that's not the question I asked. I KNOW there are some groups of Buddhists that allow for a Taking Refuge sans-Teacher, to become a Buddhist. However, these are Theravadin (for the record, there's a number of Bhiksu that also believe this that are not Modern Theravada). My personal feelings are to Mahayana Buddhism. I am therefor asking if there are any.
If you don't think there are, just don't answer.
Sati:
Thank you very much for your answer!
Just to be clear, by saying we can take refuge anywhere and at anyplace, are you talking about the act of refuge that counts oneself as a Buddhist?
Sorry, I'd just like to make sure before getting my hopes up and researching this more =]
3 Answers
- SatiLv 61 decade agoFavorite Answer
The purpose of refuges is to provide reliable sanctuary and protection so one can let down their guard in order to gather strength and wisdom. One can take refuge at anytime in anyplace. Its how the individual incorporates refuge in life that is most important. A teacher only helps show the way. If you truly wish to take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, the following link may be of some assistance: http://www.plumvillage.org/practice/mp3/102-the-th...
- Anonymous1 decade ago
Anyone can take refuge without a Dharma Teacher. You take refuge in the triple gem and not the teacher. In the tantric schools we take refuge daily and specifically before any practice that we do.
Most of us repeat this at least once in the presence of a teacher, and usually a Lama. The reason for this is not that the refuge that you take on your own is not good enough, but simply that when you take the refuge with the teacher, you establish a link with the teacher and he is there to assist you: In this life and hopefully in the next as well.
I am not going to give you any specific links, since I do not believe that there is ANY Buddhist schools/lineages that says you can not take refuge without a teacher. It is simply more beneficial if you establish a karmic link with a teacher, especially if he is a lineage holder.
Source(s): Tantric Buddhist - Anonymous5 years ago
If you were born a Jew because your mother was a Jew, then you will always be considered as a born Jew. But if you change religion from Judaism to Buddhism, you will no longer be considered JewISH, but more of an apostate Jew who has gone to another religion. You wouldn't be able to participate in any Jewish community customs such as making a minyan, etc. At least not in the Orthodox community. You'd always be welcomed back to Judaism though, if you ever decided to return. There were so many Jews in the 1960s and 70s that went Buddhist there was even a name for it. "Jew-Bu" lol. Many of them have returned to Judaism via the Baal Tshuvah movement over the past ten years or so.
