“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”
Maya Angelou

Living in beautiful Westchester County, I have the privilege of choices of woodlands, riverbanks and dirt roads to walk in nature.  My backyard is a sanctuary to fauna—birds, stray cats, foxes, squirrels and deer, and abundant flora—buddleia, fungi and lichen. We are constantly reminded of how nature takes care of itself, a metaphor for cultivation of the mind: establish supportive conditions, guard young growth against damage, and attend with care.  In time, a Refuge, a sanctuary, a safe place, is discerned.

From the Buddha’s central teaching that human life is fraught with danger from greed, anger, and delusion, we realize that taking refuge is essential.  Because the mind is the source of both the dangers and their release, there are two levels of refuge: external (models and guidelines to identify which mental qualities lead to danger and which to release); and internal (skillful mental qualities, where true safety is found).

The refuges in Buddhism are the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, also known as the Triple Gem. In ancient times, gems were believed to have protective powers. The powers of the Triple Gem are even more powerful—protecting us from the uncertainties of the realm of aging, illness, and death.  Skillful mental qualities are developed internally from the external guides of the Triple Gem. For example, the Buddha was a person of wisdom, purity and compassion and Awakened through conviction, determination, mindfulness, and discernment. We, too, can develop qualities of Awakened Mind as ultimate refuge and sanctuary.  Where do you go for refuge?