"As it is said in the sutras:

if we take refuge in the Buddha, we will become like the Buddha

If we take refuge in the Dharma, we will embody the Dharma

If we take refuge in the Sangha, we will always be at ease with others.

We need to be very clear about our motivation when seeking refuge, as Buddhists we are not seeking protection, we are seeking to be liberated from our samsaric bondage. Our goal is to free ourselves from samsaric suffering rather than placate our fears.

If the qualities of taking refuge in the Triple Gem could be shown in physical form, the resultant mass would be greater than space. Since taking refuge in the Triple Gem is at the basis of all positive qualities, why would any intelligent person not rely on them"

excerpt from Kunchen Longchenpa's Great Chariot

Translated by Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche