The Refuge Chant

At the foot of the Bodhi tree,

beautifully seated, peaceful and smiling,

the living source of understanding and compassion,

To the Buddha I go for refuge.

(bell)

The path of mindful living,

leading to healing, joy, and enlightenment, the way of peace,

to the Dharma I go for refuge.

(bell)

The loving and supportive community of practice,

realizing harmony, awareness, and liberation,

to the Sangha I go for refuge.

(bell)

I am aware that the three gems are within my heart. 

I vow to realize them.

I vow to practice mindful breathing and smiling,

looking deeply into things.

I vow to understand living beings and their suffering,

to cultivate compassion and loving kindness,

and to practice joy and equanimity.

(bell)

I vow to offer joy to one person in the morning,

and to help relieve the grief of one person in the afternoon.

I vow to live simply and sanely, content with just a few possessions,

and to keep my body healthy.

I vow to let go of all worries and anxieties,

in order to be light and free.

(bell)

I am aware that I owe so much to my parents,

teachers, friends, and all beings.

I vow to be worthy of their trust,

to practice wholeheartedly,

so that understanding and compassion will flower,

and I can help living beings be free from their suffering.

May the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha support my efforts.

(3 sounds of the bell)