天台菩薩戒疏 1.9

1.9

Having completed opening to awakening, second, taking refuge in the Three Jewels: We briefly explain three kinds of Three Jewels as the objects of refuge: 1. the maintained [Three Jewels]; 2. the distinctly characterized [Three Jewels]; 3. the unitary [Three Jewels]. / 1. As for the maintained Three Jewels: Humans are capable of propagating the Way, transmitting it through myriad generations; the Way relies on humans for propagation, and the Three Jewels thereby abide eternally. Thus shaved heads and dyed robes are the Saṅgha Jewel; yellow scrolls and red rollers are the Dharma Jewel; clay, wooden, and painted images are the Buddha Jewel. / 2. As for clarifying the distinctly characterized Three Jewels: The dharmakāya, saṃbhogakāya, and nirmāṇakāya in the ten directions and three periods are the Buddha Jewel; the teachings expounded are the Dharma Jewel; the bodhisattvas and practitioners of the two vehicles, excluding wondrous enlightenment, are the Saṅgha Jewel. / 3. As for the unitary Three Jewels: The perfect principle of true mark is called unitary; being three while one, none is not the secret treasury, and like worldly precious treasures, they are universally called 'jewels'. How is that? The mind-essence being aware and knowing is called the Buddha; the nature-essence being free from thought is called the Dharma; the mind-essence being without dispute is called the Saṅgha. From beginning to end, among worldlings and sages, these three are complete. The Buddha has already cultivated and already verified them, manifesting forms in response to beings; the efficacy of the distinctly characterized and maintained [Three Jewels] arises from the unitary. For us, the principle is present just as ice is in water; if one wishes to melt the ice, skillful means are truly required; if one intends to advance toward the Buddha fruit, it cannot be accomplished without cultivation. Now, initially awakening and knowing this, we turn directly to these three as our place of refuge. / He instructs them to say: 'I, disciple [name], and others, vow from this body until the end of the future, to take refuge in the Buddha, the most honored among two-legged beings; to take refuge in the Dharma, the most honored among things free from desire; to take refuge in the Saṅgha, the most honored among communities.' (Say three times.) 'I, disciple [name], and others, vow from this body until the end of the future, having taken refuge in the Buddha, having taken refuge in the Dharma, having taken refuge in the Saṅgha.' (Say three times.) 'From now on, I name the Buddha as my master, and will never again take refuge in other demonic spirits or non-Buddhist teachings. I only pray that the Three Jewels with compassion embrace and accept me, out of pity.' (Bow to the Three Jewels.) Receiving the three refuges is complete.