taking refuge

in the 3 jewels

I took refuge when I converted to Buddhism several years ago. I’ve also taken Bodhisattva vows as well. Needless to say, I repeat my refuge vows each and every day. Three times as per His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

With a wish to free all beings
I shall always go for refuge
to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
until I reach full enlightenment.

Enthused by wisdom and compassion,
today in the Buddha's presence
I generate the Mind of Full Awakening
for the benefit of all sentient beings.

As long as space endures,
as long as sentient beings remain,
until then, may I too remain
and dispel the miseries of the world.

Generating the Mind for Enlightenment by JetCityOrange

For more information about these vows, please read this passage from “Mind in Comfort and Ease: Living the Great Perfection”, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, ISBN: 978-0861714933

I take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
Until I attain Enlightenment.
By merit accumulations from practicing generosity and the other perfections
May I attain Enlightenment, for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Until I am enlightened,
I go for refuge to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
Through the virtue I create by practising giving and the other perfections,
may I become a Buddha to benefit all sentient beings.

The Way of the Bodhisattva by JetCityOrange

Bodichitta Prayer:
  Until I reach enlightenment, I take refuge in all the Buddhas,
  And in the dharma, and all the noble sangha.
  By the merit of accomplishing the six perfections
  May I achieve buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Q: What's the most unique thing about me?
    a.) I'm a Cleveland ex-pat
    b.) I'm a Black man in high tech
    c.) I'm a Dharma bum
    d.) all of the above
A: all of the above