Stories from a Chela – Taking Refuge
‘Chela’ is Sanskrit for ‘student’, particularly the student of a spiritual teacher. Stories from a Chela is a series of short posts of my personal experiences with His Eminence the 25th Tsem Rinpoche. I hope that these stories will give you a glimpse into how Tsem Rinpoche, and the unique brand of Dharma that Rinpoche embodied, have benefited me and countless others.
Taking Refuge
The central tenet of Buddhism is to take refuge in the Three Jewels. The Three Jewels are the Buddha, the Dharma (his teachings), and the Sangha (the holy community that upholds the teachings). Refuge has been likened to the shade of a grand parasol that shelters us from the ravaging heat of the midday sun, or the nectar of cool water that quenches our thirst. It is the knowledge to transform yourself into the best person that you can be. It is certainly possible for every Buddhist to develop faith in the Buddha’s teachings of compassion and wisdom through their own daily practice.
However, it is more common to take refuge under a qualified Guru (teacher). In fact, Gurus are sometimes called the Fourth Jewel. Every student must select a true Guru, someone who has studied the teachings, embodies them and lives by them. A Guru strives to help others achieve the best versions of themselves on their journey towards the state of spiritual perfection known as Enlightenment.
The act of taking refuge creates a sacred bond between the Guru and the student. It is said in the scriptures that before requesting such a bond from a Guru, a student should analyse the Guru’s teachings and actions for up to seven years to judge if the Guru is indeed qualified to lead others along their spiritual path. The student makes the conscious and informed decision to follow the Guru’s advice, guidance and teachings. The Guru crystallises the bond by accepting the student and makes a concerted effort to aid the student in their transformation.
Taking Refuge is considered the first step towards spiritual perfection in Buddhism and is one that all Buddhist practices are based upon
I was still living in the United Kingdom, thousands of miles away from Tsem Rinpoche, when I first learnt of him. My journey began with reading Rinpoche’s teachings on tsemrinpoche.com and watching his expert elucidations on YouTube. Despite the vast physical distance that separated us, Rinpoche’s words and actions created within me the desire to request refuge.
When I moved to Malaysia to become part of the Kechara Organisation, I got to see first-hand how Rinpoche benefited others without wanting for anything in return. I was myself a recipient of Rinpoche’s care and kindness numerous times. When I became part of Rinpoche’s Ladrang (household), I was even involved in helping Rinpoche to care for others in a more direct manner. These experiences strengthened my resolve; I decided to ask Rinpoche for refuge.
Rinpoche used to grace larger Kechara events such as Wesak Day with his presence. The usual procedure for a Kechara student to ask for refuge was to submit a request to the Ladrang. Rinpoche would then bestow refuge at one of these events. However, for the last couple of years of Rinpoche’s life, Rinpoche seldom attended public events. His time was occupied primarily in spreading the Dharma through electronic means and concentrating on the running of the organisation.
When I first joined Kechara, I was attached to the Education Department which operates out of Kechara House in the city. One day, Pastor Adeline and I were called to Kechara Forest Retreat in Bentong. Rinpoche was granting an audience to a group from Canada and Hong Kong, and wanted us to observe what he did and how he helped people through their issues.
Rinpoche began the session with some general Dharma teachings. He then gave some specific advice to individuals on how to overcome the unique problems in their lives. Towards the end of the audience, Rinpoche asked if anyone had any questions. Right at that moment, I knew I should ask for refuge. But I didn’t.
I did not know if there was a procedure that had to be followed. Would I be breaking some protocol by asking? Since I had only been invited as a guest to observe, was I even allowed to ask? In hindsight, the questions that raced through my head seem almost ridiculous. But on that day, as a ‘newbie’ at such a solemn moment, standing at the cusp of a life-changing fork in the road, I couldn’t bring myself to speak. Every fibre of my being knew what I wanted but I suppressed my voice and remained silent.
Then, one of the guests from Canada requested Rinpoche for refuge. As Rinpoche accepted, there was another immense surge of desire inside me to ask for refuge, too. Yet, it felt like an intrusion on the other person’s audience and contravened the perceived notion of protocol that I had spontaneously created in my head as I sat there. I did not speak.
It was then that Rinpoche turned his gaze towards me. He looked me directly in the eyes and asked again if anyone had any more questions. My hand shot up into the air to get Rinpoche’s attention even though he was looking at me. Instead of acknowledging me, Rinpoche repeated his question as he looked around the room.
When Rinpoche ‘saw’ my hand raised, he asked me what my question was. I will never forget the smile on his face.
I asked for refuge and Rinpoche feigned surprise, “Really? Are you sure you want to take refuge with me?” I answered affirmatively and the Canadian guest and I proceeded to receive formal refuge.
Taking Refuge with Tsem Rinpoche
After the audience was over, I still felt a little sheepish at having intruded on someone else’s audience with Rinpoche. But I was overjoyed at having taken refuge with the person who I knew was my Guru from the very core of my being.
When I look back, it seems that Rinpoche knew or foresaw three things that day, and each one was critical to my asking for refuge.
Firstly, Rinpoche recognised the strength of my resolve to receive formal refuge. Next, he called me from Kechara House in the city to Kechara Forest Retreat so I would have the opportunity to ask. Thirdly, he did this on a day that one more person would ask for refuge, as if he somehow knew that I would need that one last nudge.
That was Rinpoche, always caring, compassionate and ready to do anything for the Dharma. I’ll never forget that day for as long as I live. It wasn’t the start of my relationship with Tsem Rinpoche as my Guru but it did solidify the bond between us.
Rinpoche touched the lives of so many people by giving refuge. He continues to do so, even though not physically here with us anymore. However, Rinpoche’s works and teachings have touched deeply the lives of more than just those who formally took refuge with him. Many all over the world have felt his gentle guiding hand to overcome difficulties and to transform into better people. They, too, feel this bond. But for them this bond is more than just a simple ritual, it’s a feeling that I share with them. It is a feeling in the heart.
For more interesting information:
- Stories from a Chela – Daimajin and Wrathful Deities
- Stories from a Chela – Real Worship
- Stories from a Chela – The Roadside Seller
- Stories from a Chela – Blessing the Animal Realm
- Stories from a Chela – Real Transformation
- Stories from a Chela – Za Rahula and Strange Habits
- Stories from a Chela – Spiritual Nourishment for All
- Stories from a Chela – The Lama that Builds
- Stories from a Chela – The Teaching in the Tea
- Stories from a Chela – Incense Offering That Saves Lives
- Stories from a Chela – Supernatural Protection
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Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Niral for this wonderful sharing. Refuge is one of the four major preliminary practices in all Buddhism. It is about committing one’s life towards a path to awakening, to take refuge in the Three Jewels. Participating in the ceremony of taking refuge is the first step towards spiritual perfection in Buddhism. Rinpoche had indeed touched the lives of so many people in Malaysia as well as across the globe. Rinpoche was well known for his never ending caring, compassionate and ready to do anything for the Dharma. When we take refuge, we commit ourselves to bringing genuine liberation to ourselves and to everyone around us. For most a way of solidifying a special relationship between the Guru and the student .
This is the Buddhist path. Participating in the ceremony of taking refuge in the Three Jewels is the first, important step for anyone who wants to become a Buddhist. This is the Buddhist path for every one of us, with the teacher guidance we will transform to be a better person.
Thanks again Pastor for sharing your experience with us …..the journey to take refuge and a clear explaining of it.
My heart is racing and I want to give a big shout-out “me too, me too, I want it too…” but it will not make any difference now. It’s OK, maybe I’ll get it next time, Pastor. Rinpoche has mentioned before, whether a bond is sealed or not, it’s from the student’s side. Just like when we have made a choice that we would like to follow the Buddhist path, it’s through our own concerted effort to materialise it. No one, not even our parents can force it upon us.
I truly rejoice for you Pastor Niral and thanks for your sharing. I remember Rinpoche said before, taking refuge does not just end there but in fact it marks the start of spiritual bond between Guru and Disciple relationship. Also, it is not for this lifetime only but also lifetimes to come, until the disciple gained perfect Enlightenment. In another words, a Guru will take care of you lifetime after lifetime, that’s the preciousness of this sacred bond. Where ever you are, your Guru will not let you go. Never.
At this juncture, it’s good to revisit Rinpoche’s famous teaching : Guru for Hire, Enlightenment for sale. https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/gurus-for-hire-enlightenment-for-sale.html
Once again, I’m happy for your Pastor Niral and thank you so much.
Rejoice to Pastor Niral and the other student who had the chance to take refuge with Rinpoche!😍How i wish to have a chance to take refuge with Rinpoche too, but didn’t had and also didn’t know how to go about it as i live so far away and travelling long distance is a problem for me. Hope i get the chance to do so when Rinpoche’s future incarnation comes back soon. Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Niral for sharing your very fortunate experience to take refuge with Rinpoche🙏😍🌈🌻