Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels. Buddha ~ Dharma ~ Sangha

There is a process in Buddhism known as "taking refuge".  It basically just means that someone is looking toward the Buddhist teachings for guidance.

There are varying levels of taking refuge, ranging from studying the teachings for self-improvement, all the way to taking vows of monk hood. 

There are three things in which someone can take refuge.  They are known as The Three Jewels or Three Refuges, they are:
Buddha ~ Dharma ~ Sangha

I'm far from a practicing Buddhist, but I have been taking refuge in the Jewels in my own special way.  The results have been spectacular!  It has helped soothe some anxiety I have struggled with for a long time - that relief has been great!

Here's why and how I've been doing this lately...

Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels

Buddha ~ Dharma ~ Sangha

At times when that pit in my stomach starts to ache, the one from which my anxiety springs, I practice taking refuge in the Three Jewels using a few quick steps...

First, I stop whatever I am doing, close my eyes and reflect on the tension building in my belly.  I bring my attention to that place inside of me that has the potential to rise up into a full blown panic attack on occasion.  I recognize and accept that it is there and feel it completely for a few seconds, breathing through it a couple of times.

After recognizing and honoring the pain, I take refuge in The Three Jewels by praying/chanting them under my breath.  As I say each one, I reflect on what it means to me...

Buddha - To me, this is God.  When I take refuge in the Buddha, I am releasing the pain to something bigger than me - something divine that has the power and ability to cradle me and soothe my feelings.

Dharma - Translated as The Truth, Dharma represents all of Nature to me.  I am a naturalist, so for me, that's where the truth of all of life is - in Nature.  So, when I release my anxious feelings to the Dharma, I am accepting and understanding that how I feel is a valid part of some natural cycle that is important and necessary.

Pioneer Peak, Alaska - Part of my Sangha

Sangha - Meaning Community, Sangha encompasses all of the other beings that are a part of my world.  When I pray to this Jewel, I am releasing my feelings into something that feels like home - a safe place of loved ones that appreciate, support and love me.  My Sangha includes people, such as my family, friends, teachers, students and readers (that's you!).  It also includes trees I've known and loved, animals, and various spirits of things, such as my favorite mountain back in Alaska in the Matanuska Valley.