法苑珠林 87.74

87.74

As the Upāsaka-śīla-sūtra states: The elder Sujāta asked: 'As the Buddha previously stated, when beggars come, one should first teach them to receive the three refuges, and only then give to them—why is this? And what are the three refuges?' The Buddha said: 'Good man, in order to shatter all suffering, cut off the defilements, and receive the unexcelled bliss of quietude and cessation—for these reasons and conditions one receives the three refuges. As for what you ask about what the three refuges are, they are the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Saṅgha. The Buddha is one who can explain the cause that destroys defilements, attaining true liberation. The Dharma is itself the destruction of the cause of defilements, true liberation. The Saṅgha consists of those who receive the cause that breaks defilements, attaining true liberation. Some might say: "If it is so, then there is only one refuge." This meaning is not correct. Why is that? Whether the Tathāgata appears in the world or does not appear in the world, the true Dharma always exists without distinction; only after the Tathāgata appears is there distinction. Therefore, one ought to take refuge separately in the Buddha. Whether the Tathāgata appears in the world or does not appear in the world, the true Dharma always exists without anyone upholding it; only after the Tathāgata appears is there someone who upholds it. Therefore, one ought to take refuge separately in the Dharma. Whether the Tathāgata appears in the world or does not appear in the world, the true Dharma always exists without anyone receiving it; only after the Tathāgata appears is there someone who receives it, because the community of the Buddha's disciples can receive it. Therefore, one ought to take refuge separately in the Saṅgha. The correct path and liberation are called the Dharma. Awakening alone without a master is called the Buddha. Being able to receive in accordance with the Dharma is called the Saṅgha. If there were not the three refuges, how could it be said that there are the four indestructible confidences?'