Saranagamana and Benefits

The Pali word “saranagamana” denotes the solemn recognition of the Three Refuges. It is suitable for everybody including children. Without running out of cost and energy, having firm belief in the Tisarana or the Three Refuges, can be attained. What is the taking firm saranagamana? 

The mundane refuge is of four kinds:
[1] The surrender of self with strong belief or faith (Saddha), 

[2] The taking refuge in the Tisarana as one’s guiding ideals, 

[3] The acceptance of discipleship (Upasaka), 

[4] The homage by prostration.


Doing one of the four above must be bared in mind as one who has taken refuge in Tisarana.

In the world the Tisarana, the real refuge is the Exalted One; nothing more than the noble sarana can exist. Self-surrender with true faith in the Tisarana is very beneficial. Buddha preached how the great benefit is:

As to the meaning of the word Pali “sarana,” the commentator relates it, not in the sense of a linguistic derivation. According to the Pali “Him satiti saranam,” taught by the Buddha, however, for the purpose of exposition, to the verb sarati, “to crush,” having the same meaning as himsati, “to kill”.

The refuge is explained in that way, because, for those who are going for that refuge, it kills and destroys danger and fear, suffering of body and mind, and defilements leading to evil destiny. The refuge is called as the Three Gems. More than that, when transformed into the realm of devas, deva who is taking refuge gains ten more benefits in different than the other without refuge. These ten benefits are as follows in keeping with “Salayatana Samyutta”:
[1] Longevity 

[2] Beauty 

[3] Richness 

[4] Attendants 

[5] Influence 

[6-10] Suberb in five senses: sight, hearing, smelling, tasting and feeling.
 

Similarly the human beings can gain the benefits of saranagamana. In the world the three refuges are the most superior. Getting how is very easy. So some Buddhist think lightly about faith in tisarana. Tisarana definitely benefits everyone who tries his best till death to take refuge in. Those are:
[1] not reborn in lower realm after death, 

[2] born as human beings or celestial beings. 

[3] excel in ten virtues such as: beauty, sound, odour, taste, touch, long life, appearance, happiness, power, and companion.

If one takes refuge respecfully in Tisarana, he will gain such advantages. Suppabuddha, the leper is the best example. At the Jetavana monastery, Suppabuddha sat listening to the Buddha's teachings at the back of the crowd. He was an attentive listener to the discourse given by the Buddha. Due to his deep faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha, he actually attained Sotapatti Fruition. 

Suppabuddha was born in Tavatimsa deva realm after death. Having unshakable faith in the tisarana, is the prime-factor to produce the highest result, the Enlightenment that can be obtained here and hereafter. But, if someone neglects them, he cannot attain the fruition of Magga and Phala. Besides that he will be reborn in the nether world (Apaya).

Moreover, the Buddha says in the Dhammapada, “Whoever goes to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha for refuge, that one sees the Four Noble Truths with his right insight; that is to say: suffering (dukkha), the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering and the noble path leading to the extinction of suffering. This, indeed, is the best and safe refuge. Having depend upon this refuge, one frees from all sufferings.”

Posted by Nyan U