Youths Take Refuge in the Triple Gem – Shine a Light of Joy And Wisdom Unto Themselves and the World
Nearly 200 people witnessed the Taking Refuge Ceremony, where 45 participants were upholding the value of faith. Four youth members, namely Bryan, Manisha, Iman and Allen, took part in the ceremony.
The Triple Gem consist of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, which are all core components of Buddhism. The Buddha is like the light that nurtures all beings; the Dharma is like the water that nourishes all beings; the Sangha is like a field, which enables the planting of merit and virtue. While giving the words of wisdom to all ceremony attendees, Abbess Manshin said that Sakyamuni Buddha had attained enlightenment 2500 years ago, and the teachings of Buddhism have been proven to transcend the challenges of time and space. “Taking refuge in the Buddha signifies that we are disciples of the Buddha, and we should work hard to develop our Buddha’s nature (potential); taking refuge in the Dharma signifies that we have to irrigate our lives with Dharma wisdom; taking refuge in the Sangha signifies that we have to be a part of the community and improve ourselves at all times,” Abbess added.
“I felt at peace during the august ceremony, and it gave me a sense of closure,” said Iman, one of the participants. “I would like to delve deeper into self-development, and I vow to help and create a more positive society,” Iman added. Another participant, Bryan, expressed that he was grateful to declare his faith in conjunction with the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment Day.
“I feel calm and collected now, after joining the ceremony and listening to the words of wisdom by Abbess Manshin,” said Allen. Allen expressed that he would strive to learn more about Buddhism, which would eventually lead him into the pathway of self-mastery and unleash the full potential of himself. As the rays of faith start to illuminate their souls, these youth members aspire to make a positive impact in the society by learning and practicing the top-notch qualities of a Buddhist.