January 4, 2026 Talk On Taking Refuge In The Dharma

In this live online talk given to the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC on January 4, 2026, we discuss the importance of taking refuge--finding trustworthy support and safety--in the dharma, or teachings of the Buddha and other wisdom teachers. I discuss the three Buddhist refuges--1) the Buddha; 2) the Dharma; and 3) the Sangha--as reliable spiritual supports for us. A key theme of the talk is that we need to place the dharma at the center of our life and cannot simply look for support when things get difficult while living an unconscious and unexamined life. "The dharma will support us if we support the dharma." I finish by sharing a personal experience of learning the importance of taking refuge in the dharma--and sharing a quote from Anais Nin: "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

Reviews

Thank you so much for so clearly explaining the option to take refuge in the wisdom and compassion teachings. It feels like the offer of an extended hand, to leave behind drowning in suffering. Very grateful for this teaching in this difficult time. 🙏🙏🙏

Hugh is always spot on. In these times , one of the best results for me and others is to turn even more attention to our spiritual growth and helping others to do the same. Look to the Buddhist monks and the Walk for Peace. They are attracting thousands as they simply make a statement that love, not anger or blame, is the answer. Thanks Hugh.

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Thank you for these wonderful reminders 🙏🏼