We should not feel that taking refuge is something strange, something new. Already, we take refuge in food, in keeping warm, in houses and clothes and chocolate. Already, we take refuge in these things in order to be happy.
So why should we take refuge now, at this time? What is so special? We should understand clean-clear that taking refuge in chocolate or ice cream is not sufficient, it doesn’t give everlasting realization. The refuge that does give everlasting realization is an inner experience, an inner understanding, and confidence in the Buddhadharma.
Taking refuge in the Dharma is understanding the universal nature of yourself and all beings. This is the way to completely free yourself. This is the way to elevate yourself from all miserable situations. When you understand this there is no reason to be unhappy, to crave ice cream, is there? Anyway, you know—when you buy ice cream and eat it, it is not sufficient, is it?
Think about your own experience, what you take refuge in when you are unhappy. When you’re miserable, you try to do incredible things! You try going to the cinema, going dancing—anything to make you forget your unhappiness. The point is, whatever you take refuge in doesn’t give you a solution: you have to understand this clean-clear.
From now on, from today, understand that ice cream and dancing are superficial, momentary refuges and that practicing Dharma is the everlasting refuge that leads to everlasting happiness. Dharma is the way, Buddha the leader, and Sangha the dear friends who take care, who give good understanding, who energize you by their good behavior.