Why do we go to the Buddha for refuge?

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When those who believe in a god experience fear, sorrow or any disturbance in their life, they pray for help and protection. Many Buddhists as whom they can turn to when they are confronted with such situation.

In such situation, Buddhists can recall the Buddha to their mind to seek solace. There is no doubt that the Buddhist concept of god differs from that of other religions but when they contemplate the supreme qualities of the Buddha, his great achievements and his calm and noble characteristics, their minds will be calmed and they will gain confidence.

Even many religions also say god is not a person, but a force which is personalised in the mind. When their minds are calmed and strengthened by focusing on this power, they will be in the position to face the disturbances to evaluate the problems and find the means to resolve them.

Buddhists can resolve their problems in a same manner by recalling the image of the Buddha. Naturally many of our problems are caused by the mind and the mind alone is able to solve them through understanding and confidence. That is why the knowledge of Dharma is important. When the mind is strengthened through inspiration and devotion towards the Buddha it can overcome the feeling or sense of helplessness and fear of evil spirits, being lonely and confidence can be regained. This is the meaning of going to the Buddha for refuge.

Whilst seeking refuge for the child in the temple, offerings of flowers, incense, candles or fruits may be made at the shrine room and the resident sanghas invited to recite sutras for the blessing of the infant. If so desired, the advice from the sangha can also be sought for a suitable Buddhist name to be given to the child.
As the child grows up, it is the parents’ responsibility to bring the child regularly to the temple to enable it to associate with religious minded people and to listen to simple religious discourses and sermons and derive benefit therefrom. In the course of time the child will get use to performing Buddhist practices and will feel comfortable amidst the serene atmosphere in the temple surroundings.
Children should also be brought to the temple for special blessing service on important occasions like their first day in school, examinations, birthdays and other events, like Wesak, or during Vassa as well as Lunar New Year.

When children get use to listening to the chants of sutras, they acquire immense confidence in themselves because they know that through the beneficial influence of the sutras, they are being protected. They therefore tend to perform better in whatever undertaking they set out to do and as a result are less nervous, feel more secure and will no longer have the dread of being left in a helpless condition.

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