Refuge Talk One - Latent Refuge by Dharmavidya

[Susthama]

[Dharmavidya]

Additional notes on Latent Refuge
The image provided by the parable of the jewel is important in a number of ways. It implies that many people carry a rich treasure unbeknown to themselves and that this treasure, which is the Buddha refuge, has been imparted to them. Note, the treasure is in the man's clothing. It is not part of him, but something bestowed. This implies that there are many people who have received the blessing of the Dharma without fully or without at all recognising what they have got. The first time that one hears of the Dharma one is perhaps as if asleep in respect to things spiritual. One's mind is consumed already with passions, distractions and obsessions. Nonetheless, somehow, a skilful guide has slipped the jewel into one's possession without one even knowing. This parable, therefore, tells us that the salvation that we need is not part of our inherent or intrinsic nature but rather a grace. It is a gift freely given. Furthermore, when it is first given the person may not be in the least open to it. However, we also see from the parable that it is given in the context of friendship. Even though the drunken man does not know about, understand o appreciate the jewel, he does know about and appreciate his friend. The first imparting of he Dharma occurs in the context of friendship. It comes with love. This suggests, from the perspective of the man who gives the jewel, that the love that we give is not wasted even though it may seem to bear no immediate fruit. Love given to a person who is cut off spiritually is like the act of sewing a jewel. One day, perhaps much later, it will be discovered and show a good result.

[Katrien Sercu]

Thank you Dharmavidya! I remember the first time I came with a friend in Amida France, without knowing anything about Amida, but immediatly I felt home. It was as if I had found 'the veins of the earth'..this were my words, without understanding what I said. Before that I found the Buddha or the Dharma in nature: this is pure, honest, safe, big, open and connected with the sky..Namo Amida Bu

[Suzanne]

Thank you so much. Having recently found refuge with Amida this really speaks to my heart. Oh yes!

Namo amida bu

[Dharmavidya]

Thank you, Suzanne. Namo Amida Bu.