What is Tisarana?

Tisarana means taking refuge in the three treasures (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha). To become a Buddhist is to take refuge in the three treasures, and the tisarana ceremony is common to all schools of Buddhism. 

The Meaning of Taking Refuge

Taking refuge is a form of aspiration for laypeople to lead a life with the three treasures at its core.

The Dhammapada Verse 188 to 192 states:

“When threatened with danger, [people] go to different refuges—to mountains and forests, to parks and gardens, and to sacred trees. But such a refuge is not a safe refuge, not the best refuge. One is not liberated from all evil consequences of existence for having come to such a refuge. One who takes refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha sees with the Fruition of Insight, the Four Noble Truths indeed is the safe refuge. This is the best refuge. Having come to this refuge, one is liberated from suffering.” *

Our Tradition

In our tradition at OCBC, we hold three different ceremonies for those who aspire to follow the Buddhist path. During each ritual, aspirants stand before the Sangha and recite the words “I take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Namo Amida Butsu.”

Each year, we hold a Tisarana for Dharma School students nine-year-old or older. Nine years old is a symbolic age, as this is the age when our founder, Shinran Shonin, entered Mount Hiei to pursue Buddhist practice. In the ceremony, students make the pledge and receive their monto-shikisho** (sash) from the minister.

For new adult Sangha members at OCBC, we periodically hold a Tisarana ritual to introduce new members and give a public space for them to express their determination to join the Sangha and lead a life in the Buddha Dharma.

For adults pursuing a deeper commitment to the Pure Land path, we occasionally hold another ceremony called a Kieshiki, officiated by the Buddhist Churches of America Bishop. This special service is an opportunity for Jodo Shinshu Buddhists to affirm their entry onto the Path of Nembutsu and receive their Homyo (Buddhist name). By appearing before the shrine of Amida Buddha and taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, aspirants pledge to live the Buddhist way of life. 

Namo Amida Butsu

* https://www.wikiwicca.com/spells/tisarana-taking-refuge-in-the-buddha-dhamma-and-sangha/

** The Monto-Shikisho is an embroidered cloth draped around the neck that symbolizes membership in a Buddhist Sangha. It is an emblem of the robes worn by Sakyamuni Buddha and his disciples. Wearing it at service is encouraged and indicates readiness to hear the Dharma.