Dogen on How to Take Refuge

By: Eihei Dogen

To take refuge in the three treasures, whether at the time of the Tathagata or after the Tathagata’s pari-nirvana, fill yourself with pure trust, put your hands together, bow and recite in this way:

I, so and so, from this body through the attainment of a buddha body, take refuge in the Buddha, take refuge in the Dharma, and take refuge in the Sangha.

                  I take refuge in Buddha, the most revered of those with two feet.

                  I take refuge in Dharma, the most revered way to become free of delusion.

                  I take refuge in Sangha, the most revered assembly.

                  I have taken refuge in Buddha.

                  I have taken refuge in Dharma.

                  I have taken refuge in Sangha.

Initiate this vow aspiring for enlightenment, the fruit of Buddhahood.  Even though your body-mind is born and dies moment by moment, your dharma body surely grows and attains enlightenment. 

From: Facscicle No. 89 of Shobogenzo, “Taking Refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha,” in Treasury of the True Dharma Eye: Zen Master Dogen’s Shobogenzo, edited by Kazuaki Tanahashi (this fascicle was translated by Gyokuko Carlson, Kyogen Carlson, and Kaz Tanahashi