1. Topic for Hoza Discussion
Reading: The Hidden Strength of the Humble Excerpt from Buddhism for Everyday Life: Memorable Dharma Messages from a Long Spiritual Journey
By Nikkyo Niwano (28-29)
Discussion: Taking Refuge in the Three Treasures

2. Taking Refuge in the Three Treasures
Buddham saranam gacchami May we, with all living beings, Deeply experience the Great Way and give rise to the supreme aspiration. Dhammam saranam gacchami Embrace the riches of the sutra and make our wisdom as wide and deep as the sea. Sangham saranam gacchami Guide the great community and Be freed from all hindrances.
The Three Treasures are the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. These are the basics taught by Shakyamuni Buddha from the moment he started his teaching. The Three Treasures are the foundation of the Buddha Way.
Throughout its history, faith in the Three Treasures has been the primary religious characteristic of all Buddhists. The formula “I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha” appears repeatedly in the earliest Buddhist literature. Sincere repetition of this vow means then, and still means, the person reciting the vow is a true Buddhist, a disciple of the buddha who walks the Buddha Way.

3. Taking Refuge in the Three Treasures
Buddham saranam gacchami We take refuge in the Buddha Do you remember the meaning of “to take refuge” from the Members Vow discussion?
Buddham saranam gacchami (We take refuge in the Buddha.)
Why do we chant in the original Sanskrit instead of English?|
The sound and vibration of the syllabus have their own energy and force.
Remember from the Member’s Vow the meaning of “to take refuge”
shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc.: to take refuge from a storm.
a place of shelter, protection, or safety.
3. anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.

4. Taking Refuge in the Three Treasures
May we, with all living beings, Deeply experience the Great Way and give rise to the supreme aspiration.
May we, with all living beings,
Deeply experience the Great Way and give rise to the supreme aspiration.
The Original Buddha is the universal life force which makes everything. It is omnipresent in the universe. It exists in all situations, at all times, in all places. There is no place where the Original Buddha – universal life force energy- does not exist. The fundamental energy of the universe is compassionate, loving and offers limitless hope and courage.
This does not mean our lives will be filled with unending enjoyment and constant happiness. Our daily lives will not always be easy. We may experience sadness, difficulty, greed, jealousy, ill health, loss. It is by facing the realities of life, both its ups and its downs, that we experience the compassion and have the power and strength to overcome adversity.
Question: Reaching our supreme aspiration may be a bit out of our range of reaching this week. What is your aspiration to reach this week?

5. Taking Refuge in the Three Treasures
Dhammam saranam gacchami
We take refuge in the Dharma
Dhammam saranam gacchami (We take refuge in the Dharma.)
The Law refers to all things that exist in the universe and all events that occur in the world. It also means the one Truth that permeates all things. The Law is an established rule when the Truth appears as a phenomenon that we can see with our eyes and hear with our ears. And it means the teaching of the truth.

6. Taking Refuge in the Three Treasures
May we, with all living beings,
Embrace the riches of the sutra and make our wisdom as wide and deep as the sea.
We embrace the riches of the sutra and become wise through
The Three Seals of the Dharma
All things are impermanent
Nothing has an ego.
Nirvana is quiescence.
May we, with all living beings, Embrace the riches of the sutra and make our wisdom as wide and deep as the sea.
We embrace the riches of the sutra and become wise through the Law as it is expressed in “The Three Seals of the Dharma.” The first Seal is “All things are impermanent.” All things are changing. The only thing that is unchanging and unchangeable is the Truth that presides over the existence the working, and the changes of all things.
The second Seal states, “Nothing has and ego.” Nothing in this world has an isolated existence. All things exist in relationship with one another and are interdependent.
The third Seal is “Nirvana is quiescence.” We are frequently swayed by changing phenomena and too often influenced by immediate gain and loss. If we come to have the spirit of perfect freedom, being detached from temporary and superficial considerations, we are in a spiritual condition of peace and calm even in what might be considered by others a painful situation.
When we see the world in terms of the Three Seals, we understand that all things in the world are interrelated. All phenomena are the result of causes meeting and producing an effect. A seed may be a potential flower blossom but if the seed does not have soil, water and sunlight, it will not grow and produce the blossom. If there is no blossom, people will not experience the beauty and joy they would have had from the blossom.
Cause and effect is important on a personal level, since an understanding of cause and effect helps us grow toward peace and calm – toward quiescence. Example – if a person who is behaving badly is criticized, she may resent not only the criticism, but also the person who criticized. The relationship between these two people may suffer. However, if she changes her point of view and exercises the wisdom to listen and accept criticism with a sense of appreciation for the opportunity to examine herself and learn, the outcome will be quite different. This person as the opportunity to change, to look within, to grow, and to engage in a richer relationship with others.
Thus, while we have choices in the way we behave and responsible for our actions, our choices and our actions should always be in accordance with the Law. When we understand all phenomena unfold according to the Law, we are able to live our lives freely.
Question: These are the foundational concepts of Buddhism, do you have any questions regarding any of them?

7. Taking Refuge in the Three Treasures
Sangham saranam gacchami We take refuge in the Sangha
Sangham saranam gacchami
(We take refuge in the Sangha.)
The word sangha or samgha is often interpreted to mean a community of Buddhist monks and nuns, members of a religious or monastic order. Shakyamuni Buddha gave the name of Samgha to the community of fellow believers who sought the same teachings as his disciples.
In Sanskrit the word sam-ha means the two hands joined with the open palms brought together. In Rissho Kosei-kai, theis gesture is called by the Japanese word, gassho. The hands together denote the disciples. Bringing the hands together symbolizes bringing the group of believers together.
Often you will see people sign there letters. “In gassho”
The real Japanese version of hoza is to help sort out problems through application of the teachings. In the US, this is not as likely to happen without some underlying knowledge of the teachings so our format is educational and personal. Now all of us online are a sangha. I very much hope that you feel that you can bring any issue you are facing up for discussion in our hoza. It does not matter what is planned for the evening, we will always divert and respond to personal problems as needed.

8. Taking Refuge in the Three Treasures
May we, with all living beings, Guide the great community and be freed from all hindrances.
May we, with all living beings, guide the great community and be freed from all hindrances.
The Sangha- a community of fellow believers – is a vital part of our growth in Buddhism. Most people find it difficult to seek the Law and practice it in complete isolation. On our own, we are apt to become lazy in our practice. When we face daily difficulties alone, we risk feeling isolated and becoming depressed. By being involved with a community of friends who practice the Dharma we find encouragement and help. We teach each other. We learn from one another.
Through association and interaction with members of the sangha, we are better able to overcome hardship, to live more positively, and to come closer to the state of peace and calm we seek. Our own faith deepens, and as the circle of the Sangha widens, we lead many other people to the Buddha Way.
When we take refuge in the Three Treasures, believing sincerely in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, we have the tools to live in harmony with ourselves and others no matter what comes our way.
Question: How do you reach out to your sangha where you live? How can you help guide others to free them from their hindrances?

9. Taking Refuge in the Three Treasures
A Tibetan (Mahāyāna, Vajrayāna) version: Until I am enlightened, I go for refuge to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Through the virtue I create by practising giving and the other perfections, may I become a Buddha to benefit all sentient beings.
I thought it might be interesting to see how the Three Treasures are chanted in other traditions.

10. Other Versions of the 3 Treasures
Chinese Mahāyāna I take refuge in the Buddha, wishing for all sentient beings to understand the great way and make the greatest vow. I take refuge in the Dharma, wishing for all sentient beings to deeply delve into the Sutra Pitaka, gaining an ocean of knowledge. I take refuge in the Sangha, wishing all sentient beings to lead the congregation in harmony, entirely without obstruction.

11. Other Versions of the 3 Treasures
Pāli (Theravāda) version: Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi. Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi. Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi. To the Buddha for refuge I go To the Dharma for refuge I go To the Sangha for refuge I go Triple Jem IndiaJiva Chant YouTube Video