The Implications of Taking Refuge

At Amida-shu it is possible to take the refuges in either of two forms referred to as 'The Threefold Refuge' or the 'Fivefold Refuge'. The Threefold Refuge means to take refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The Fivefold refuge additionally includes refuge in Amida Buddha and in the Pure Land. Refuge ceremonies are generally conducted by ordained members of the Amida Order, usually ministers or amitaryas. 

The significance of the threefold refuge is that it indicates becoming a Buddhist. It does not imply affiliation to any particular school or teacher. The fivefold refuge implies a commitment to Pureland Buddhism and to the practice of nembutsu. Generally people take the fivefold, rather than the threefold refuge if they have a wish to become a member of Amida-shu at a later date. Membership of Amida-shu is by invitation and one of the criteria of invitation is that the invitee should have taken refuge (in either form) not less than one year previously.

Commitment to Pureland Buddhism and the practice of nembutsu does not have to be exclusive in order to take refuge. A refugee might also have other spiritual practices as well. Membership of Amida-shu is limited to those for whom the nembutsu is their primary spiritual practice. This does not completely rule out dual affiliation, but each case is considered on its merits.

Members of Amida-shu are entitled to regard themselves as disciples of the Head of the Amida Order and are likely to have a mentor who is a more senior Order member. Refugees may request a mentor but are not regarded as disciples.

In general, it is important to understand that taking refuge is an act of personal commitment whereas membership of Amida-shu is a function of being invited by the existing community. Neither of these steps should be regarded as a 'credential'. They are supports to faith and practice and to the school and the order and its work in the world.

The full procedure for seeking to become a member of Amida-shu is set out in the right hand column of the Main Page