A List
of Buddhist Lists
The Three Refuges
My partial list:
The Three Refuges (also known as Jewels) are 1 :
- The Buddha
This is a title for those who have attained Nirvana. The Buddha could also be represented as a concept instead of a specific person: the perfect wisdom that understands Dharma and sees reality in its true form.
- The Dharma
The teachings or law of nature as expounded by the Gautama Buddha. It can also, especially in Mahayana, connote the ultimate and sustaining Reality which is inseparable from the Buddha.
- The Sangha
The community of Buddhists or the congregation of monastic practitioners.
During the process with Leona, I came back time and time again to the teachings of impermanence, looking at reality (versus the way I wanted things to be) and I relied very heavily upon the support of my community. Once Leona had stopped eating and drinking for days, I made the decision that I wanted to be there for her at her death. I put out an email letting my friends know that the vet would be making a house call. I received many beautiful words of support. I compiled those words into a document and a dear friend came over before the vet arrived and read the document to us.
It turned out to be a very loving and sacred event for me. It was a beautiful sunny day and Leona died in my arms -- out on the patio that she loved. Afterwards, my friend and I went for a walk and saw the beautiful autumn leaves, yet another reminder of impermanence. I have sadness about no longer having Leona's beautifu little body with me, but I am not suffering -- I am grateful for her and the lessons she taught me during her life and her death. I continue to learn.
With Metta:
May all beings be safe. May all beings be healthy.
May all beings be happy. May all beings live with ease.
With gratitude to:
- Insight Meditation Center for their teachings and original source of my list.
- Shaila Catherine who first told me that there are always people in temples around the world sending out Metta to all beings, and to keep a soft smile in my heart always.
- Barbara Reed -- a wonderful pet intuitive.
- The Buddha Gallery for the use of the beautiful images.
- All the teachers who have come before and keep walking the path.
- All the wonderful people who make such a contribution to my heart and life!
© 2008 Barbara Stone
