Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem 

I take refuge in the Buddha.

I commit myself to being mindful, to being conscious in every aspect of my life.  I won’t shut out parts of myself: when I’m cheering my favorite team, I’ll try to feel the energy in my body; when I’m fighting my way through traffic, I’ll try to open my heart to the other drivers and to my own suffering in this moment; when I’m craving an escape, a drink, a drug, another life, I’ll try to be gentle but firm with myself, to show compassion for my own desire and resolve to stay with my sobriety.  And, finally, I will practice meditation daily and find ways to strengthen my practice through retreats, study, and self-examination. 

I take refuge in the Dharma.

I commit myself to looking for the truth of the way things are and fulfilling those insights, to living by the principles that I have come to understand: impermanence, karma, suffering, that all things are without an independent self. I can’t hang on to anything, because it is impermanent; I will try to practice letting go.  I am responsible for my own karma; I will try to practice skillful living in words and actions. I recognize that life is inherently difficult; I will try to help others who suffer and be gentle with my own pain.  My sense of self is a delusion; I will try to act less self-centered and to find ways to serve others. 

I take refuge in the Sangha.

I commit myself to compassion, loving-kindness, generosity, and a moral life; I commit myself to supporting and being supported by the community of the spirit.  I will regularly attend gatherings and 12 step meetings to fulfill this commitment.  I will work toward the development of a greater and more diverse community.  I will remember to be grateful to all that makes this life and this practice possible, to the bounty of nature, the bounty of this tradition, and the bounty of my own life.

Closing Prayer