My thoughts on taking refuge.
It is interesting to note that parallels can be drawn between the Buddhism Taking Refuge, and the strong faith of other religions in their gods.
Buddhists take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma & Sangha, believing that the Triple Gems will guide and protect them. Similiarly, other religions do the "same", and trust that their gods will take good care of them, or answer their prayers.
So is there a distinction?
When we take refuge in the Triple Gems (in the Buddha), we are not worshipping any particular Buddha.
We are paying our respect to the enlightened one, the awakened state that the Buddhas are in.
The stage of liberation that we should all set out to reach. It serves to also remind us of the suffering that we may penetrate and see thru when we are liberated.
If the Buddha wanted us to question his teachings, why is faith necessary? Or does the faith come after understanding and accepting the Dharma?
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