This indeed is the safe refuge, this the refuge supreme. Having gone to such a refuge, one is released from all suffering.
Trái lại, quy y Phật, Pháp, Tăng, phát trí tuệ chơn chánh, hiểu thấu Bốn lẽ mầu: Biết khổ, biết khổ ________________ 25 Thọ thần: Thọ chi đề (Rkkhacetya) là “ thọ miếu”, vị thọ thần của Ấn Độ tín ngưỡng, lấy cây làm đối tượng sùng bái, như đối với tháp miếu vậy. nhân, biết khổ diệt, và biết Tám chi Thánh đạo (26) diệt trừ hết khổ não. Đó là chỗ quy y an ổn, là chỗ quy y tối thượng. Ai quy y được như vậy, giải thoát hết khổ đau. Driven only by fear, do men go for refuge to many places – to hills, woods, groves, trees and shrines. Such, indeed, is no safe refuge; such is not the refuge supreme. Not bu resorting to such a refuge is one released from all suffering. He who has gone for refuge to the Buddha, his Teaching and his Order, penetrates with transcendental wisdom the Four Noble Truths – suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the Noble Eightfold Path leading to the cessation of suffering. This indeed is the safe refuge, this is the refuge supreme. Having gone to such a refuge, one is released from all suffering.
Deep Commentary
This verse concludes the series of teachings regarding the nature of true refuge. It reinforces the idea that relying on the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha is not merely an external act of faith, but a commitment to realizing the Four Noble Truths through the Noble Eightfold Path. The Buddha clarifies that while the Triple Gem serves as the ultimate guide, liberation is achieved only when the practitioner internalizes these teachings, transforming external faith into personal wisdom and disciplined conduct to permanently end suffering.
This verse from Dhammapada 192 emphasizes that true refuge lies in the Buddha, Dharma (his teachings), and Sangha (the monastic community). Unlike seeking refuge in external things like hills or trees out of fear, this ultimate refuge involves understanding and internalizing the Four Noble Truths: suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the Noble Eightfold Path. By committing to these teachings and practicing the path, one develops genuine wisdom and disciplined conduct, leading to the complete release from all suffering. It's a journey from external faith to personal realization.
What does "release from all suffering" mean to you in your practice?