Three Treasures

There are several versions of the Three Treasures over the years. The San Jose Betsuin currently uses the BCA’s “Service Book” version most of the time. Please note that several temples also read “Threefold Refuge” which is another version.


Service Book (Small purple book)

Leader:

Hard is it to be born into human life. Now we are living it. Difficult is it to hear the Teachings of the Blessed One. Now we hear it. If we do not deliver ourselves into the present life, no hope is there that we shall be freed from suffering and sorrow in the ocean of birth and death. Let us reverently take refuge in the Three Treasures of the Truth.

Everyone:

I TAKE REFUGE IN BUDDHA. May we all together absorb into ourselves in the principle of the Way to Enlightenment and awaken in ourselves the Supreme Will.

I TAKE REFUGE IN DHARMA. May we all together be submerged in the depths of the Doctrine and gain wisdom as deep as the ocean.

I TAKE REFUGE IN SANGHA. May we all together become units of true accord in Your Life of Harmony, in a spirit of Universal Brotherhood, freed from the bondage of selfishness

Leader:

Even through ages of myriads of kalpas hard is it to hear such an excellent, profound and wonderful doctrine. Now, we are able to hear and receive it. Let us thoroughly understand the true meaning of Tathagata’s Teaching


Shin Service Book (Large book)

Leader:

Hard is it to be born into human life. Now we are living it. Difficult is it to hear the Teachings of the Blessed One. Now we hear it. If we do not realize the Truth in this life, when will be realized? Let us reverently take refuge in the Three Treasures of the the Truth.

Everyone:

I TAKE REFUGE IN THE BUDDHA. May we absorb in ourselves in the principle of the Way to Enlightenment and awaken in ourselves the Supreme Will.

I TAKE REFUGE IN THE DHARMA. May we be submerged in the depths of the Doctrine and gain wisdom as deep as the ocean.

I TAKE REFUGE IN THE SANGHA. May we live in harmony in the great assembly as disciples of Buddha and be freed from all hindrances, becoming units of true accord in the Life of Harmony, in a spirit of Universal Oneness, freed from the bondage of selfishness.

Leader:

Even through myriad ages of kalpas hard is it to hear such an excellent, profound and wonderful doctrine. Now, we are able to hear and receive it. Let us thoroughly understand the true meaning of Tathagata’s Teaching