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Taking Refuge in Mindfulness: The Precepts as Protection of Freedom
The term “taking refuge” is translated as “returning and relying,” which contains the notion of being “protected.” The energy that protects us is the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, made of the substance of mindfulness. The process of practice is mindfulness, concentration, and insight—three of the five energies called the Five Powers:
- Faith (confidence)
- Diligence (steady progress)
- Mindfulness
- Concentration (right concentration)
- Insight (deep seeing)
The Dharma talk explains to a young person that precepts and mindful manners are not things that bind us and take away our freedom, but are in fact very concrete expressions of mindfulness. Precepts are the fruit of mindfulness. To accept mindfulness is to accept the precepts and mindful manners. In the context of the three trainings, there are precepts, concentration, and insight. Because of precepts, there is concentration; because of concentration, there is insight. These rules do not take away our freedom; on the contrary, they protect our freedom, protect our body and mind, and create a great sense of security.
Finally, there is a sharing from a younger monastic about their own experience. The young brother does not see mindful manners or the Dharma doors of practice as ropes tying his neck or taking away his freedom. For him, these are very beautiful things, bringing much happiness and protecting his freedom.
