You can say more specifically: “I take refuge in Guru, I take refuge in Yidam, I take refuge in Dakini.” And “Buddha” does not mean only “Buddha Shakyamuni”, but there are many Buddhas. Guru Rinpoche, for example, is also a Buddha.
In a very general way when we say “Take refuge” then [the question is] “Take refuge in which?” We take refuge in the Three Jewels.
Many of you have heard of the Great Master Milarepa. And many of you have had chances to read His biography. So you would probably understand how difficult it was for Him to get authentic teaching, profound teaching from His Master.
When there is not enough devotion then we say Buddha said or my Teacher said so … BUT … We always say BUT.
The biggest problem is when students break samaya with their guru, and they don’t accept it. They pretend nothing has happened.
Everyone knows that it is very important to follow a qualified dharma teacher who can lead you to the correct dharma way. Sometimes people follow the wrong teachers due to their bad luck, misfortune and misunderstanding.
As I said at the beginning, we are lucky as we have met Buddha’s Dharma, and we have Lama Sang’s tradition. And those who have met Lama Sang and directly got teaching from Lama Sang, you are a little luckier. We can learn from many things. Lama Sang was a genuine Master, was a Mahasiddha.
Therefore, as a Dharma practitioner it is basic thing to have devotion, to believe strongly in the practice. Buddha repeatedly teaches about the importance of having pure vision and devotion.
