Seeking refuge

When I was a little girl (a while ago now), I ran to mum when I was unhappy or afraid. She was my refuge, my protection, my guide, my light, my source of happiness and love. As I grew up, there were more and more things that I was dealing with that my mother couldn’t help me with. I still remember my shock when i realised i couldn’t run to my mum anymore.

So what did i do? I sought refuge in my friends. I am incredibly lucky to have such wonderful and supportive friends. But I also realised that they couldn’t provide me with the solutions to all my problems.

So then what? I sought refuge in religion and spirituality – in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha. That took me a long way, and helped shape who i am. But guess what? It only took me so far.

My family, my friends, and the Triple Gems, are the pillars in my life. Without them, i would not be who i am and i would not have come so far. I seek refuge in them, as they provide me inspiration, guidance and support.

Yet, at the end of the day, inspiration, guidance and support only go so far. What use is wise guidance or an inspiring dhamma talk if we don’t practice it?
We often search for truth, happiness and love in other people or other things. Yet dhamma is within us already, it only needs the right conditions to bring the seeds to blossom. How many times have you heard someone say something profound and think, “I knew that, but i just needed to hear it.”

In summary:

Never forget the pillars in your life, but make sure you are your own house.

Have faith in yourself, so you can have faith in life.