While faith in the Buddha, recitation, and devotional practice are valuable, they represent only the outward aspects of Buddhism. True spiritual cultivation begins with inner practice under the guidance of a qualified Vajra Guru. Through taking refuge, practitioners receive the authentic lineage transmission and essential teachings that support genuine progress on the path to enlightenment.
In Vajrayana Buddhism, Refuge Empowerment is a sacred ceremony of great spiritual merit. It signifies formally entering the Buddhist path, receiving the blessings and authentic lineage transmission of the Buddhas, and beginning the journey of cultivation within the True Buddha School. Through diligent practice under the guidance of the lineage, practitioners progress step by step toward complete enlightenment.
Vajrayana Buddhism places great importance on authentic lineage and the blessings transmitted through a qualified guru. To begin practicing the True Buddha Vajrayana teachings, one should first take refuge and receive empowerment, marking the formal entrance into the lineage and the path of spiritual cultivation.
Please contact us in advance to arrange an appointment. You may take refuge at the True Buddha Quarter in Redmond, Washington, USA, or at a Dharma event officiated by Living Buddha Lian Sheng, where the refuge empowerment is personally bestowed by the Root Lineage Guru.
As prospective disciples are located throughout the world, it is not always possible to take refuge in person. Therefore, those who wish to take refuge may do so by mail. On the morning of either the 1st or the 15th day of the lunar month, at 7:00 AM, face the direction of the rising sun, place your palms together, and sincerely recite the Fourfold Refuge Mantra three times, followed by three prostrations (this ceremony is performed only once).
The Fourfold Refuge Mantra:
「南摩古魯貝。南摩不達耶。南摩達摩耶。南摩僧伽耶。蓮生活佛指引。皈依真佛。 」
Namo Gurube.
Namo Buddhaya.
Namo Dharmaya.
Namo Sanghaya.
Guided by Living Buddha Lian Sheng.
I take refuge in the True Buddha.
After completing the ceremony at home, send a letter including your full name, mailing address, and age, together with a modest offering for the Buddha. Please indicate "Request for Refuge Empowerment" in your letter and mail it to the True Buddha Quarter in Redmond, Washington, USA.
On every 1st and 15th day of the lunar month, Living Buddha Lian Sheng performs a Remote Refuge Empowerment Ceremony at the True Buddha Quarter for disciples who are unable to attend in person. Upon completion, a Refuge Certificate and a photograph of the Root Lineage Guru will be mailed to the applicant, together with guidance on the initial practices to begin. Through this process, the practitioner officially receives the authentic lineage transmission of Living Buddha Lian Sheng and the True Buddha School.
Mailing Address of the True Buddha Quarter of Living Buddha Lian Sheng︰
Master Sheng-Yen Lu
17102 NE 40th CT.
Redmond, WA 98052-5479
U.S.A.
True Buddha School Administrative Office：
True Buddha Foundation
17110 NE 40th CT.
Redmond, WA 98052-5479
U.S.A.
Tel: (425) 885-7573
Fax: (425) 883-2173
You may take refuge at any authorized True Buddha School temple or chapter worldwide. Alternatively, you are welcome to receive the Refuge Ceremony at True Buddha Diamond Temple of New York.
3332 148th Street Flushing, NY 11354-3238 USA
Online refuge applications may be submitted through the official True Buddha School Administration website.
前往线上皈依
