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Winter Retreat: Three Refuges and Five Mindfulness Trainings - Fulfilling One's Duty
The Three Refuges and the Five Mindfulness Trainings are not simple, easy-to-understand things, but a deep practice that brings peace and happiness. The solidity of body and mind is the foundation of true security and happiness. Instead of seeking refuge in money or external realities that easily collapse, we return to take refuge in the Three Jewels present right in every cell of our body.
The Three Refuges include:
- Buddha is the Great Awakened One, of Great Wisdom, Great Compassion, and Great Loving-kindness, representing the seed of great awakening, understanding, and love in each person.
- Dharma is the path and method of practice transmitting the capacity to transform and heal the blockages in body and mind.
- Sangha is the community of people practicing together to manifest the Buddha and the Dharma in daily life.
Spiritual life does not necessarily have to rely on material foundations or money. When the heart is whole and full of the energy of compassion, we can live with ease, non-fear, and overcome all feelings of uncertainty. Taking care of each other is taking care of the Tathagata. When encountering difficulties or despair, we need to entrust our body and life to the Three Jewels, opening our hearts to share our suffering and pain with the Sangha to be embraced and illuminated. The act of touching the earth with open hands is a symbol of absolute trust, helping the energy to transform and be realized quickly and easily.