Can We Take Refuge On Behalf Of The Deceased?

Jan. 1 | Question: Can we take the Threefold Refuge and receive the Five Precepts on behalf of deceased loved ones? Answer: While going through the above ceremonies, we can think of ourselves as doing so with departed loved ones (or even all beings). However,...

三宝偈 Verse On Triple Gem

Dec. 19 | 依止佛陀， 依止正法， 依止圣僧， 乃真皈依。 Reliance upon the Buddhas, reliance upon their true Dharma, and reliance upon the Arya Sangha* [who teach it], is thus true refuge [in the Triple Gem]. *Noble (Holy) Sangha: The fourfold...

Refuge Haiku

Oct. 4 | Take refuge in the Buddhas and eventually also become one of the Buddhas. Take refuge in the Dharma and eventually also become one with the Dharma. Take refuge in the Sangha and eventually also become part of the Sangha.

Can Animals Take Refuge?

Jun. 27 | Question: Is it alright to get pets to take the Threefold Refuge in the Triple Gem? Although all sentient beings have Buddha-nature, can animals understand refuge? Answer: Getting animals to take refuge is done in the hope that there might be some...

What To Relate To The Triple Gem?

Oct. 24 | Question: Is there a right attitude we should have when relating to Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, the Dharma (the Buddhist teachings), the Sangha and Dharma teachers? Answer: What mentioned above included the Triple Gem (Buddhas, Dharma and Sangha),...

Are Manifestations & Mediums Of Bodhisattvas & Buddhas Around?

Feb. 20 | This article was submitted to, and published in the April-June 2014 issue of Nanyang Buddhist, the magazine of Singapore Buddhist Federation. We should respect all beings, even helpful humans, gods and ghosts. However, Buddhists only take refuge in the...

Can True Buddhists Ever Be Converted?

Jan. 19 | The Buddha’s refuge in the Dharma even after enlightenment, is itself a Dharma lesson, to always take refuge in the Dharma. – Stonepeace | Get Books A friend shared a phone group message about her long-time Buddhist relative, who recently...

The Buddha’s Advice For Vanquishing Fear

Sep. 5 | With one’s self-limited merits, mere mindfulness of oneself when dying at best leads to a limitedly blessed rebirth. – Stonepeace | Get Books In the Dhajagga Sutta on ‘Banner Protection’, which is one of the discourses compiled...

Beating A Thief With The Triple Gem

Feb. 5 | As the Buddha is the invincible teacher of the infallible Dharma to the inspiring Sangha, the Triple Gem is the indispensable refuge. – Stonepeace A lama in Eastern Tibet lived beside the Dzachu River. He received many offerings from the faithful,...

Can ‘Buddhists’ Not Believe In Rebirth?

Dec. 4 | If you do not believe in unenlightened rebirth, what are you seeking liberation from? [to be continued…] – Stonepeace There are some who do not believe in the Buddha’s teachings on rebirth, who nevertheless consider themselves to be...

Difference Between Faith & Respect

Sep. 6 | For one to take refuge, there must be respect. For one to have respect, there need not be refuge. – Stonepeace Since faith and respect are different, respect for other religions does not mean we must have faith in their doctrines. For example. I...

Is Taking Refuge A Must For Buddhists?

Nov. 29 | Question: Must one go through the Threefold Refuge ceremony to be a proper Buddhist? Why is it so important? Answer: It is best to do so formally though it is not an absolute must. It is important because to go through the short and solemn ceremony...

Differences Of Refuge And Respect

Oct. 11 | Question: Is it alright, as Buddhists, beyond the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, to pay respects to various gods and deities? Answer: If we think of asking gods for assistance before we think of the Triple Gem, it is probably a sign that we have not really...

Can A Baby Take Refuge In Buddhism?

Jul. 26 | To take the Threefold Refuge unmindfully or insincerely is to only create an imprint with little impact. – Stonepeace Buddhism does not accept the Christian notion of original sin, so Buddhists do not think infants are inherently sinful. If an infant...

A Buddhist By Any Other Name Is Just As Buddhist?

Mar. 23 | Paradoxically, names help us to differentiate, as much as to associate. ~ Stonepeace When we were born into this worldly life, we are given worldly names (though they can be spiritual in nature too). When we decide to become Buddhists and have taken...