Home

Classes and Retreats
  One-Day Retreat
  November Retreat
  Private Meditation Coaching
  Make a Payment

General Information

Resources
  Reading & Online
  Friendly Links
  Cool Pictures
  Funny Stuff

Articles

To inquire or register
contact



We have affirmed the
Charter for Compassion.
So can you.

Refuge Prayers

Before practice, we always take refuge in the three jewels: our teachers, the teachings, and those others who travel along the path of awakening with us. these supports are traditionally referred to as Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

You can find a good discussion about refuge along with half a dozen traditional prayers at www.unfetteredmind.com/refuge/refuge.php.

Traditional Tibetan Refuge Prayer

This prayer was written by Atisha, a famous Indian teacher of the 11th century who emigrated to Tibet.

Until I reach enlightenment, I take refuge in all the Buddhas
And in the Dharma and all the noble Sangha.
By the merit of accomplishing the six perfections
May I achieve buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Modern English Refuge Prayer

This was written by Jetsun Yeshe (Catherine Rathbun), a lay teacher of Buddhism who lives and teaches in Toronto. Printed with permission. Visit her centre's website at www.friendsoftheheart.com.

The Mind of Light is called Enlightenment

In this I take Refuge

The Body of Truth is called the Dharma

In this I find solace

The Teachers of Truth are called the Sangha

In them I find comfort and courage.

 

My mind is not separate from the Mind of Enlightenment

I vow to sweep away its cobwebs

My knowledge can grow to be an exhibition of Truth

I vow to burnish my awareness

My body is a storehouse for learning and development

I vow to treat it with honour and kindness.

 

The energy of breath rising is the energy of growth

The energy of breath falling is the energy of return

The midpoint of balance is the place of union

Where Body, Speech and Mind join together

and the jump to Transcendent Wisdom

becomes Possible

 

In all these I take Refuge.

Look Again classes are scent-free! A number of students are sensitive to scented products, and suffer greatly if exposed to perfume or scented soap or hair products. Please avoid using any scented products at all on any meditation class day.