At the heart of Buddhist practice is “Taking Refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha” — the Three Jewels.

More than anything else, Refuge distinguishes our meditation as “Buddhist.” The main refuge from fear, from anger, from the Three Poisons, is the Three Jewels. We can speak of many meditations to overcome the obstacles to realizations and Enlightenment, but the most important first step is Refuge in the Three Gems.

What distinguishes Mahayana Practice is Bodhichitta, exemplified in the Four Immeasurables.

All Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist practices begin with Refuge. Chant along with the magnificent voice of Yoko Dharma as she sings the refuge in Tibetan (words prompted on screen with English translation) — including the Bodhisattva aspiration. Then, enhance the Mahayana perfection by chanting the Four Immeasurables — wishing immeasurable happiness to all sentient beings in the Universe, with a second chant.

Play here [lyrics in the video — and also below video in this feature]:

Lyrics to The Refuge in the Three Jewels

Sanggye Choedang Tshogkyi Chognam La

English: I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Supreme Sangha

Jangchub Bardu Dagni Kyabsu Chi

English: Until I attain Enlightenment

Daggi Jinsog Gyipei Soenam Kyi

English: By the merit I accumulate from practising generosity and other perfections

Drola Phenchir Sanggye Drubpar Shog

English: May I attain Enlightenment in order to benefit all living beings

Related Features:

• The Dalai Lama and eight other teachers explain how to avoid taking Refuge in the wrong things and why Refuge can help us overcome obstacles
• Padmasambhava: The Eight Great Qualities of Taking Refuge; Taking Refuge in the Three Precious Jewels, the Defining Practice of Buddhism, and How it Can Rescue Us From All Dangers.
• The Profound Practice of Taking Refuge

The Four Immeasurables (with Namo Buddhaya, Namo Dharmaya, Namo Sanghaya)

Namo Guru be

English: I prostrate to the Guru (teacher)

May all beings have happiness and its causes

Namo Buddha ya

English: I prostrate to the Buddha 

May all beings be freed from suffering and all its causes

Namo Dharma ya

English: I prostrate to the Dharma (the teachings)

May all beings constantly dwell in joy transcending sorrow

Namo Sangha ya

English: I prostrate to the sangha (community of Dharma practitioners)

May all beings dwell in equal love for those both close and distant.

Yoko Dharma’s brilliant vocalization of Refuge in “Om Mani Padme Hum”  is used with her kind permission. Information on Yoko Dharma (or to download the track) please visit here>> 

We previously interviewed Yoko Dharma regarding a recording project. For the full interview, please see>>

About Yoko Dharma

From her website:

     Growing up as a Tibetan Buddhist in the west was a slightly different childhood then most Canadian kids have. This had a profound and deep influence on Yoko from an early age, especially when she started adapting Tibetan Buddhist meditations and practices more seriously at the age of 13. This definitely makes Yoko unique in the way she writes music and in terms of what she has to say based on her own understanding. This seems to spill out to people because many of her fans resonate with what she is singing about . Her ability to connect with the listeners weather it is on stage or through a recording is profound because of some basic truths she sings about which transcend culture, race and religion. Essentially, the science of the mind, the truth of all phenomena and some fundamental human qualities that we all possess like love, kindness and compassion. This is why so many people relate to her music and I think this is why she can move people so deeply because somewhere inside they also know these truths or have had similar experiences.”Yoko started singing as soon as she arrived in this world. Born deep in the lush mountains of British Columbia, Yoko is a small town girl from Nelson. She was raised surrounded by musicians and artists. Her mother is a singer and her father a guitar player who both write music. As a child growing up she would often create fantastic shows for guests when they would visit, stepping onto stage in public at the young age of 13. This was when she also began to write her own songs. From disco bands to African dance troupes, Buddhist Mantras to touring with her own original RnB/world music and opening for Jan Arden, Yoko has a captivating musical and performance background. Yoko has also studied African, Modern, Afro Cuban, Salsa and Balinese styles of dance.”“In 2007 she co-produced and recorded her first album ” Yoko Treasury of Jewels.” The album received amazing reviews, being happily received by Yoko’s fans. It also was chosen as “editor’s pick”  by Peters on CD baby.  “Her voice is a bit like Madonna’s, that is to say, she is fully capable of pure enchantment. Yoko’s entrancing voice is a pure pleasure to listen to.” ~ Writes Peters at CD Baby. This album reached beyond the Buddhist community spilling out to many of Yoko’s fans internationally who are not Buddhist but fell in love with the album. “Treasury of Jewels” is sung in Sanskrit and Tibetan, it is comprised of traditional Tibetan mantras and chants made into beautiful, engaging world music songs.”

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