The master Vimalamitra says:Out of fear and mindfulness of the qualities we go for refuge.

The reason one needs to go for refuge is that one is subject to fear. When one has nothing to fear and is free to make one’s own choices and decisions, one obviously does not need to seek protection from anyone. However, since time without beginning we have been lost in the darkness of ignorance, imprisoned in the fearful dungeon that is cyclic existence, and from this nothing except the Three Precious Jewels is able to protect us. So it is in order to be protected from such fear that we go for refuge, keeping in mind their qualities in having the power to protect us.

There are three kinds of individuals who go for refuge. Beings of modest capacity take refuge as if to acquire an escort, through fear of the lower realms and a desire to obtain, as a result, the happiness of the higher realms. Their principal motives are this fear and desire. The “family” to which such individuals belong includes Buddhists and non-Buddhists, whether or not they adhere to a particular philosophical school.

Beings of middling capacity take refuge out of fear of cyclic existence and a desire to attain, for themselves alone, liberation in the blissful state of nirvana. In addition to fear and desire, their principal motive is faith. They belong to the families of Listeners and Solitary Realizers.

Beings of greater capacity take refuge because they are afraid of samsara and enlightenment, and because they wish to attain the nondwelling state beyond suffering. In addition to fear, desire, and faith, their principal motive is compassion. They belong to the family of the Great Vehicle.

As we read in the Lamp for the Path,
Know that those who strive,
By any means, and for their own sake,
Simply to be happy in cyclic existence
Are beings of the lowest capacity.
Those who turn their backs on happiness in cyclic existence
And draw away from evil deeds,
Who merely strive for their own peace,
Are known as middling beings.
Those who, through the suffering they have understood in themselves,
Yearn for the complete exhaustion Of all the suffering of others—
Such beings are supreme.
There is another reason for taking refuge, as Lord Atisha points out:
All may have the vows
Excepting those who have not taken refuge.

In other words, the refuge is the indispensable basis for all vows. Buddhists and non-Buddhists are classified as such according to whether or not they have taken refuge, and without having taken refuge there is no way one can be freed from cyclic existence.

A Torch Lighting the Way to Freedom
Complete Instructions on the Preliminary Practice of the Profound and Secret Heart Essence of the Dakini
Dudjom Rinpoche, Jigdral Yeshe Dorje
Translated by the Padmakara Translation Group
Published by Shambhala Publication

---

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-36ji5-1981786

Padmasambhava, the second Buddha, who is the emanation from the heart center of Amithaba Shakyamuni, for the welfare of those who should be converted, revealed in the following manner his own life story.

Sentient beings of the six destinies of rebirth, who wander aimlessly in samsara due to their ignorance, are truly degenerate beings oppressed by the five poisons and misguided perverted conduct In order to convert these beings who are indeed very difficult to subdue, I was begotten in a lake and born atop the stem of a lotus plant, as a miraculous Nirmanakaya possessing all the marks and characteristics.

The five troops of dakinis, as well as the Viras, performed. dramatic songs and dances, and strew about flowers and benedictions. Clouds of five rainbow colors filled the air.

Devas and nagas rejoiced and expressed their devotion. They paid homage, prayed aloud, and sang hymns of praise to my divine form.

Then the king of Uddiyana heard of this. Having come himself the king invited this small child and offered in the following fashion, hymns of praise to the Nirmanakaya:

“This Nirmanakaya who is the Son of all the Jinas of the three times was begotten in a lake and appeared in the country of Uddiyana. He was born atop the stem of a lotus plant, untouched by any taint. Verily he possesses all the marks and characteristics, all the virtuous qualities in their complete perfection, as well as a divine radiance.

Therefore, he shall be praised as Padmakara, the Lotus King, the mere beholding of whom is of great merit.”

Having given utterance to this speech, he invited me to his palace. There he seated me upon a seat of silk and a throne of jewels.

Various kinds of offerings, such as costly articles set on display, and many delicious foods, such as the three white foods and the three sweets were prepared. The eight goddesses held in their hands various sorts of substances for puja offerings,

And various types of songs, dances, dramas and sports performances were inaugurated. Countless hymns of praises to the Nirmanakaya were recited. In time, I wed Bhasadhara Devi and assumed the kingship.

But since I repeatedly observed the miseries of birth, old age, illness and death among mankind, I eventually renounced my kingdom and journeyed to India.

There I studied all the sciences and attainedunsurpassed excellence in them.

This is the first chapter in the life story of the Master from Uddiyana relating of his manner of appearance in our world-system and of his training in the secular sciences.

 
Immaculate White Lotus Mind Treasure of Sera Khandro Dekyong Wangmo

---

Tulku Thadral Rinpoche began a new teachings series on “The Seven Line Prayer” on September 5, 2025. The teachings are available for streaming on the Vajrayana Foundation’s YouTube channel or you can access audio only on Podbean:  Ngondro Podcast

---