The second main point is understanding that enlightenment belongs to no particular
culture, kind of individual, or gender. Therefore, it is quite a mistaken view
to think that enlightenment is only possible for Asian people. It is also a
mistaken view to think that enlightenment is only possible for men. As long
as an individual has the capacity to understand, that individual, whether from
the West or East, male or female, has the capacity for enlightenment. Every
individual, regardless of which culture they belong to, has different levels
or strengths of neurosis depending upon their individual personality, so some
of us have very strong neuroses and while others are weaker in a particular
neurotic pattern. Similarly, based on individual effort, some people can achieve
enlightenment faster with proper effort, and some of us may not progress so
quickly, because we are not putting our effort properly into the path. The goal
of those on the path is to attain enlightenment. To actually accomplish this,
the first thing we need to do is to lay the proper foundation, and taking refuge
is indeed the step that lays the foundation.
To further cultivate the path of enlightenment, we need to meet all the proper
conditions, such as having the proper spiritual master who guides us in the
proper way of practicing.
Seeking refuge is not new. Beings have often sought refuge in the past as well
as at present, but they sought refuge in various unenlightened objects, such
as mountains, trees, rocks, rivers, or oceans. Many people have looked to these
objects for a refuge, thinking that these things could provide it. As part of
nature, they could provide natural energy, but because they are simply part
of nature, they could not provide enlightenment. It takes an enlightened being
to provide enlightenment, and since the proper guidance with a spiritual master
who is fully trained in the path of enlightenment is necessary, meeting such
a person is essential to further cultivate the aspiration of walking the path
and reaching its goal.
Then you might ask, from who should we seek refuge? The answer is: seek refuge
in Buddha, the enlightened being. You may or may not have heard the definition
of Buddhahood. In English, the notion of enlightenment sometimes means simply
understanding something you have not understood before. We might say, "I
was enlightened by this or that explanation or information." This does
not convey the meaning of the Tibetan term SANGYE, which means both Buddhahood
and Buddha. The two syllables of SANGYE each have a meaning. SANG means elimination
or absence. What is being eliminated, or what is absent here, is every neurosis,
mental affliction, confusion--all the negative patterns. The second syllable,
GYE, means "blossomed" or "fully developed." In the absence
of all confusion and mental obscuration, what develops is the mind's potentials
and qualities, such as wisdom and knowledge.
Is the development of these qualities temporary?. No, it is permanent. Once
you have eliminated all obscuration and fully experienced or realized your own
mind's qualities, you are a fully enlightened being. That is what is meant by
SANGYE. It does not just mean the historical Buddha of our time (Shakyamuni).
SANGYE means the elimination of faults, confusion, and the full development
of wisdom qualities--which is to say, Buddhahood.
The refuge vow lays the foundation for all of our spiritual growth as we progress
toward enlightenment. That foundation is made possible through the proper mental
state or attitude coinciding with the transmission. Also, a gesture of devotion
toward that possibility is an important factor in taking refuge. Traditionally,
people make offerings such as butter lamps, incense, or a flower as a gesture
of devotion and joy in receiving the vow. It is good to make such offerings,
because it brings about the accumulation of merit, and is an expression of devotion,
which is necessary in receiving refuge. However, if you do not want to do this,
there is no obligation at all.
Despite the obligations and demands on our time that we all have, you have taken
the time and developed the intention to learn about and understand the process
of taking refuge. Developing the intention to take refuge is a very virtuous
action, so I would like to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for
your interest.
Taken from a transcript of a teaching given by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche in April,
1990 at KTD. This transcript is available in its entirety from Namse Bangdzo
Bookstore.