By Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Founder of Fo Guang Shan
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
Today is a joyous day for me:
I am no longer lingering on the wrong path;
I am no longer holding on to unwholesome thoughts;
I am becoming your true disciple.
Oh Buddha! Thank you for bringing me
Out of the darkness to this promising world;
Out of the tumultuous world to this monastery;
Out of confusion and attachment to your enlightened teachings;
Away from worries to this pure land of liberation.
Oh Buddha!
You open your arms and lead me to the door of Truth.
Today, I kneel before you to take refuge in the Triple Gem:
I take refuge in the Buddha
And never rely on deviant faiths and maras;
I take refuge in the Dharma
And never rely on teachings of deviant faiths;
I take refuge in the Sangha
And never follow the disciples of deviant faiths.
In the tumultuous ocean of suffering, the Triple Gem is the rescue boat;
In a burning house, the Triple Gem is the benefiting rain;
In the dark night, the Triple Gem is the illuminating light;
On a diverged road, the Triple Gem is the guiding compass.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
I pray to you:
May I realize the truth of Buddhism;
May I practice the Dharma diligently;
May I recognize my own responsibilities;
May I aspire to protect and uphold the Dharma.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
When I am defeated and distressed,
May I not be discouraged or resentful.
When I am criticized,
May I reflect, be ashamed, and repent.
When I encounter an obstacle,
May I strive and advance steadfastly.
When I am anxious and in fear,
May I be free from worries and suffering.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
I am very honored to become your disciple;
I will no longer be reborn in the lower realms of the cycle.
I firmly believe that I will be protected an supported by my faith,
I know that I will have good causes and conditions, and
That I will encounter benevolent people and good deeds.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha!
From this moment on, I know:
I am a Buddhist disciple;
I should understand causes, conditions, and effects;
I should realize suffering, emptiness, and impermanence;
I should cultivate meditation and disciplined conduct
And enlighten self and others.
Oh great, compassionate Buddha,
Please accept my sincerest prayer!
Oh great, compassionate Buddha,
Please accept my sincerest prayer!
(Excerpted from “A Prayer for Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem (皈依三寶祈願文)” from Pearls of Wisdom: Prayers for Engaged Living II by Venerable Master Hsing Yun)