林鈺堂
正式入佛門通常以皈依三寶來表示，也就是發心皈依佛陀、佛法及僧眾。皈依的意義是認清了輪迴世間六道的可怕，瞭解佛陀、佛法及僧眾是出離輪迴，達到究竟安樂的依怙及指導，而發心仰賴之，以便修習解脫之道，而達到使一切眾生都離苦得樂的菩提安樂。
密宗則加上皈依上師，而且是基於上師是佛陀的代表、佛法的開示者以及僧眾中之直接傳授者，這樣三寶圓融於一身的體認。
修行者雖發心皈依三寶，卻也難免遭遇困擾。初修者難以體會佛陀無時無處不在加持之恩光，因此「皈依佛」只是一時之信念。佛法奧妙，難以體會，更難融入生活中之一言一行，因此「皈依法」難免淪為對字句及形式之執取。僧眾繁雜又多派系，甚至互相排斥，因此「皈依僧」也可能淪為盲從或陷入世間法之爭鬥。
基於個人多年實修之體驗，認為實有必要提倡「皈依菩提心」。菩提心是希求一切眾生皆得圓滿解脫、究竟安樂、智悲圓融之志願。佛陀是證菩提心者，佛法是修習菩提心之教示，僧眾乃獻身弘揚菩提心者。皈依菩提心，則圓攝皈依三寶，並包括皈依上師。修行過程中遇有種種「事與理違」之困擾，則唯有依賴是否合乎菩提心來決定修行者之行止、去從。皈依菩提心，亦即以合乎菩提心為修途之最高指導方針。願獻身實修者咸蒙皈依菩提心之義利！
一九九七年九月廿四日
養和齋 於台北
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Taking Refuge in the Bodhicitta
Taking Refuge in the Bodhicitta
Written in Chinese and Reviewed by Dr. Yutang Lin
Translated by Stanley Lam
Entry through the gate of Buddhism is usually formalized by taking refuge in the Three Jewels, i.e., the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha (monastic community). The meaning of taking refuge is to have clearly recognized the suffering of cyclic existence in the six realms, to have understood that the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha are the guides and protectors to lead us from cyclic existence to ultimate happiness, therefore to earnestly wish to rely on the Three Jewels in order to proceed on the path to liberation, and thereby eventually to bring about the emancipation of all beings from suffering toward the joy of Bodhi.
In Vajrayana, taking refuge in the Guru is added with the understanding that the Guru is the embodiment of all Three Jewels because the Guru is a representative of the Buddha, an exponent of the Dharma, and the direct, personal teacher among the members of the Sangha.
Although practitioners have taken refuge in the Three Jewels, there might still be troubling issues. Usually beginners can hardly appreciate the Buddha's omnipresent light of blessings, hence taking refuge in the Buddha may be just a transient belief. The Dharma is very profound, difficult to comprehend, and it is even more difficult to infuse it thoroughly into daily speeches and activities. Hence, taking refuge in the Dharma could deteriorate into rigid adherence to wordings and formalities. The monastic community is a huge and complex group with many sects; some sects are even disputing with one another. Therefore, taking refuge in the Sangha could deteriorate into blind following of an idol or sorrowful engagement in worldly strifes.
Based on my experiences of many years of devoted Buddhist practice, I recognize that there is a need to advocate "Taking Refuge in the Bodhicitta." The Bodhicitta is the aspiration that all sentient beings will attain complete liberation, ultimate joy, and perfect unification of wisdom and compassion. The Buddha is one who has realized the Bodhicitta, the Dharma consists of teachings on practicing the Bodhicitta, and the Sangha consists of those who dedicate their lives to the propagation of the Bodhicitta. Taking refuge in the Bodhicitta completely includes taking refuge in the Three Jewels and the Guru. On the path of practice, whenever one is troubled by inconsistencies between theory and actuality, the decision on what to do or not to commit, and which way to pursue or not to follow, should be made only in accordance with the Bodhicitta. Taking refuge in the Bodhicitta amounts to making the Bodhicitta the supreme guidance on the path of practice. May all who have dedicated their lives to genuine Buddhist practices enjoy the supreme benefit of taking refuge in the Bodhicitta.
Written on September 24, 1997
A Study for the Cultivation of Harmony
Taipei, Taiwan
Translated on November 29, 1997
Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
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