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Refuge

World Religion
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A place of safety, shelter, or protection, often with spiritual significance, such as taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha in Buddhism.

Detailed Definition
In Buddhism, "taking refuge" formally marks one's commitment to the path of enlightenment. More broadly, across religions, a refuge can be a physical sanctuary like a temple or a metaphysical state of finding safety in the divine. Poets use this concept to express the universal human yearning for security, peace, and freedom from fear. It symbolizes a retreat from worldly turmoil, a haven for the soul, and the ultimate trust placed in a higher power. The search for and finding of refuge is a potent theme for exploring vulnerability, faith, and spiritual solace.
Example
Example in poetry:
In Buddhist poetry, Refuge is in Buddha, Dharma, Sangha: “Three Jewels—Refuge when storm of doubt rages”; In biblical psalms, God is Refuge: “My rock, my fortress—Refuge in shifting sands”; In contemporary verse, Refuge is community: “Queer chosen family—Refuge where I am fully seen”; Poets describe Refuge as active: “Not escape—Refuge is space to gather strength for return.”
Additional Notes
Refuge is formalized in Buddhism as the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha); in Psalm 46, God is “our refuge and strength”; it conveys active trust, not passive hiding; in poetry, refuge appears as mountain cave, outstretched hand, or whispered name—offering sanctuary not from the world but for reengagement with renewed clarity.
Also Known As
Taking Refuge Triple Gem (Buddhist context) lair bield Tearmann haven asile lee
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