ATIKOPA

"Taking refuge" is the gateway to all the true Dharma, and the foundation of taking refuge is faith. Faith includes three types: pure faith, joyful faith, and resolute faith in the true Dharma.
In the common practice of Buddhism, the outer refuge is to take the Buddha as the teacher, the Dharma as the path to liberation, and the Sangha as the companions in practice; this is the true meaning of taking refuge in the Three Jewels. In the uncommon inner refuge of Vajrayana, one relies on the guru, lineage masters, yidam, and dakinis with pure body, speech, and mind; this is the true meaning of taking refuge in the Three Jewels and the Three Roots.
The common outer refuge of the Mahayana and the uncommon inner refuge of the Vajrayana differ in their methods of practice, resulting in a difference in the speed of spiritual attainment. Practice that relies on external objects leads to slower progress, while relying on the inherently complete Tathagatagarbha leads to faster attainment.

Return to "Generation Stage"

• • • • • • Vows and Precepts
          • Preliminary Foundations of the Path
          • Generation Stage
          • Meditation Practice
          • Precious Human Rebirth
          • Impermanence of All Things
          • Infallible Cause and Effect
          • Suffering of Samsara
          • Liberation and Benefit
          • Reliance on the Guru
          • Refuge
          • Prostration
          • Generate Bodhicitta
          • Vajrasattva Mantra Practice
          • Accumulating Merit
          • Guru Yoga