Taking Refuge is based on two teachings by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche: “The Meaning of Refuge” given at Chicago Karma Thegsum Choling (KTC) in January 1981, translated by Ngödup Tsering Burkhart, and “A Teaching on Refuge” given at KTD Monastery in April 1990, translated by Chöjor Radha.

This book is intended to give a basic understanding of taking refuge to those who are new to the Buddhist path, and to bring greater understanding to those already acquainted with it. For those who have not taken the refuge vow or have not had any involvement in the Buddhist path, there is bound to be some question as to what “refuge” is, or what “taking refuge” means and what the benefit is of taking such a vow and what it involves. Taking refuge is the first formal step on the Buddhist path. This concise text explains that what is meant by refuge is protection and eventual freedom from the confusion and suffering of cyclic existence (samsara). Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche describes the genuine sources of spiritual refuge, which are called the Three Jewels: the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. He explains the importance of receiving refuge from an authentic and unbroken lineage of transmission, the role of faith and trust, and how to relate to the refuge ceremony itself. Rinpoche emphasizes the importance of taking refuge with the motivation to practice the path until we reach full spiritual awakening-and to do so not just for ourselves, but for the benefit and enlightenment of all beings.