January 4, 2026 Live Talk On Taking Refuge In The Dharma

This is a talk given at a live Insight Timer session on January 4, 2026 on the importance of taking refuge in the Dharma, or teachings of the Buddha and other teachers of wisdom and compassion. I discuss 'refuge' as meaning a place or state of safety and security from difficulty or danger, and how refuge in the dharma--as well as the other Buddhist refuges of the Buddha and the sangha--help us find freedom from suffering. I highlight the importance of placing refuge in the dharma at the center of our life--otherwise, we will tend to find false refuges in drink, drugs, food, possessions, reputation, beliefs. I conclude by talking about how I learned the importance of taking refuge in the dharma through the pain of acting in ways that perpetuated my suffering, rather than alleviating it.

Reviews

Wonderful honest and inspiring talk. Thank you.