The Meaning of 'Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem'

26 December 2008

This Wednesday’s study group session was preceded by the weeding of the temple gardens (as a form of motive meditation) by six of our members, which will now become a weekly event.

The focus of this weeks study group was the video ‘Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem’ which began at 7pm. There were approximately fifteen members including two from the BLIAYAD who enjoyed the experience of learning more about taking Triple Gem.

The video aimed to give our members a better understanding of the Triple Gem Ceremony which twelve of our members will participate in on January 1, 2009. Eleven of these members will be participating in the Triple Gem Ceremony for the first time, whilst one member will be renewing their commitment to the propagation of Humanistic Buddhism. We also have one member participating in the Triple Gem ceremony in June 2009.

For those participating in the upcoming Triple Gem ceremonies, a study class will be held where the Venerable Miaoyu will further clarify the meaning of the Triple Gem, and will also explain the procedures involved in the ceremony.

The venerable also encourages members to join in the pilgrimage which precedes the Triple Gem Ceremony, as it is an opportunity for those participating to cleanse bad karma and interact with the Great Buddha.

Both the ceremony and the pilgrimage will be a chance for members to gain a deeper understanding of, and commitment to, Humanistic Buddhism and the Great Buddha, and also to obtain Dharma joy.

Lastly, in June of next year, all members will have the opportunity to participate in the taking of the Five Precepts.