Refuge Tree & Benefactor Practice
In the path of Dharma, Buddha taught that it is very beneficial to connect with the pervasive field of love and support. As we connect with this support we begin to find more ease and strength to walk forward. For those of us who do not have a community or a sangha close by it’s even more important to connect with this field of care. In the Buddhist teachings, there are different practices that we can explore to deepen this intention.
In this practice, one visualizes a caring spiritual figure; someone in whom we can place trust and receive inspiration. In someone who it is easy for us to feel unconditional love. This could be a Buddha, teacher of a lineage, guru, or any beings in your sangha (beings on the path of awakening with you). It can also be your family, friends, pets, ancestors, spirit guides, or a particular place. A benefactor is anything that is holding you and gives you a sense of refuge.
Our teachers
We’d love to share some guided benefactor and refuge meditations from The Buddhist meditation teachers who taught us these practices
The Natural Refuge Tree by Lama Willa
Caring Moment Meditation by Lama Liz
Our Refuge Tree
We are all part of each other’s refuge tree in this sacred medicine family! Each one of you is part of this unique weaving, and your unique gifts play a part in the dance of consciousness. Remember that you too are a benefactor to several people in your life, and so we live this life supporting each other with kindness and understanding.
In the very center of our tree, there are the Taitas, who give us the inspiration to continue to walk forward in a beautiful way. They too have a refuge tree with all their ancestors, their teachers, and family members. As they hold this anchor, they are able to share this infinite love and wisdom with us.
We are so incredibly grateful for them and their willingness to guide us on this path. They continue to offer us opportunities to sit with them in sacred ceremonies and serve us medicine.