4 reasons why we should seek refuge from the Buddha

This recap is part 2 of Going for refuge to The Three Jewels.

By Goh Siqi   •   3 minute read

A warm burst of yellow citrusy and bright orange coloured the surroundings. With billions of light rays shining through him, he radiates warmth and compassion. He is selfless; someone that attained perfect wisdom and compassion. And that is Buddha -- as depicted in many sutras.

In today’s VenTalk, we will elucidate the qualities the Buddha embodies that are worthy of our refuge. Why is it important to know about the qualities? The answer is simple. This is because as we fathom the attributes Buddha has, and -- in the process -- undergo contemplation and inspection, we are convinced that the Buddha is able to help us. And that is where genuine faith comes about, rendering sincere refuge possible. 

There are four reasons why the Buddha is worthy of our refuge:

1. “He has already mastered himself and attained the sublime state of fearlessness”

A troubling question lingers in your head. With that, you searched, vehemently, for an answer. Of course, you don’t blindly go to anyone for help. You seek absolution from someone (or something) that has vast experience and knowledge. You may confide in dear Google with whom you have been inextricably intertwined, or family members who have had the same encounter. Similarly, when suffering arises, the feeling of torment and helplessness resurface. In this case, who has the experience- so vast and extensive- to be able to solve the many kinds of problems that are vastly manifold. Indeed, buddha is the one. The Buddha had attained the sublime state of fearlessness so there is nothing that he fears. However difficult a situation may be, he would not retreat. Instead, he stands strong in face of calamity. His perfect strength and courage empower him to solve all adversities. In essence, he has already perfected himself and is well cognizant of the nub of all problems. As such, as someone who has eradicated all problems, how then would he not have processed the wisdom to correctly guide us to solve our problem?

2. “The Buddha is in all ways skilled in the means of training disciples”

With wisdom and skills reigning supreme, the Buddha has the suitable solution for our predicament and knows how to guide us skillfully in a way that is within our capability. He has once trained a disciple called Cudapanthaka who is slow-witted. Being unable to learn the verse after many attempts, he was abandoned by many teachers. The Buddha, being wise, trains Cudapanthaka based on his understanding and ability. Ultimately, Cudapanthaka attained arhatship -- a lofty achievement. 

3. “Has great compassion”

There is no sort of bigotry or prejudice in his dictionary. The Buddha is not a picky person; he does not choose who to help. Bounded by great compassion, as well as the notion that all are his beloved son, the Buddha would, with no hesitation, extend his reach to all sentient beings. He is driven by compassion. And this compassion is spontaneous- one that is natural and automatic. It does not even require an effort for Buddha to save sentient beings because the only thing that arises instantaneously in Buddha’s mind is to save all sentient beings. A pertinent epitome is a story between Buddha and Devadatta who often harbor jealousy. Buddha could and did have the chance for some tasty revenge on Devadatta. But the Buddha chose to allow his compassion to reeve up in him, emboldening him to embrace the anguished Devadatta. How, then, would Buddha -- so fine, delicate, and majestic -- be unable to help us? He would, undeniably, be more than willing to extend his reach and help us in times of need.   

4. “The Buddha is pleased, not by material offerings, but by offerings of practice”

Joshua gave a pertinent epitome -- a doctor. The Buddha is just like a doctor who is not concerned about consultation fees but rather, whether or not you have taken the medicine he has prescribed for you. His help is not driven by any material goods you offered to him. Even if you have previously doubted his teachings or accrue bad karma, the Buddha is willing to help you as long as you follow his teachings.

These four qualities can be summarised as Perfect Wisdom, Compassion, and Strength.

Perfect Wisdom

The Buddha knows everything in the universe. His wisdom is everlasting, spontaneous and he has all the solutions at his fingertips. 

Perfect Compassion

The Buddha treats everyone as his only beloved son. His compassion is spontaneous and continuous and is the only motivation for the buddha to help us.

Perfect Strength

The Buddha has attained fearlessness. He will certainly do everything that needs to be done to help all sentient beings. 

Join the Mass Prayers Group to pray for and embody these three qualities!