The Refuge & Bodhicitta Verses

About the Refuge and Bodhicitta Verses

The first two sentences given you a complete concept of Refuge. I take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha. The time is until I become enlightened. Even though, Refuge is a common practice in Buddhism, from Theravada to Vajrayana. However, the practice here is slightly more than the Theravada way of refuge. In Vajrayana, we take refuge until enlightenment. In general Buddhist Refuge Practices, it's until I die, I take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. We cannot take refuge until enlightenment in the common Refuge Practices, because only a human life can take refuge.

In Vajrayana, it's always big heart. Our practice does not end when we are parted from this life. So, I take refuge until I become like you, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Both the Refuge and Bodhicitta are taken until one becomes enlightened, no matter how long it may take. "Maha" means big; this is the Mahayana way of refuge. It's said that, in this way, the merits of refuge will continue, life after life, until enlightenment is reached. Why? Because, the mind has pledged to take refuge until enlightenment. So, even after you die, your merit and vow will continue to growth toward its goal, because that is what you have wished for. It's a "long-termed investment" plan. 

View more on Rinpoche's teaching: "Refuge - the Doorway to Buddism"

More audio chants shall be uploaded soon. May it benefits all!