BLIA (North Island) NZ - English Sub-Chapter Member’s Journey ‘Home’

Rebecca, BLIA (North Island) NZ English Sub-Chapter member took the Three Refuges on 21 October witnessed by 4 Venerables. She shared with us her experience and thoughts:

"Taking refuge has been one of the most significant moments of my life. The experience was so overwhelming that I find it difficult to find words to convey my feelings.

I feel honoured and am deeply grateful to Venerable Abbess Manshin for conducting a special ceremony for me, a moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

The ceremony was very powerful. I remember experiencing feelings of love, security and hope. These feelings grew stronger and stronger with every spoken vow until they grew so intense that I was almost completely overcome by them. Suddenly, I felt a great surrender, an intense uprising of faith, and, in that moment, I knew that I was completely supported by the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha, as if suspended in mid air by three giant strings that can never be broken. This feeling felt wonderful, comfortable and familiar, like I had travelled many tumultuous miles and finally returned home."