During the ceremony, Venerable Chueh Chu explained the true meaning of taking refuge, stating that many people overseas seek spiritual support and, therefore, Fo Guang Shan provides the opportunity to formally establish one’s faith through taking refuge. She emphasized that taking refuge is only the first step, and in the future, disciples should seize the opportunity to continue observing the Five Precepts and Bodhisattva Precepts.

The ceremony included the chanting of the Heart Sutra, with participants vowing to take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha for lifetimes to come. After repenting, making vows, and purifying their minds and bodies, the participants formally took refuge. Venerable Chueh Chu explained that Fo Guang Shan follows the Linji School of Chan Buddhism, with the founder being Master Hsing Yun and the Most Venerable Hsin Bau, the 2nd Generation of the Fo Guang Lineage and the 10th Head Abbot of Fo Guang Shan, as the Refuge Master.  After taking refuge, one officially becomes a Buddhist disciple, and from then on, one should rely on the Buddha’s teachings, cultivate their mind and body, and give their life direction, thus realizing the value of life. She encouraged everyone to visit the Fo Guang Shan headquarters in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, as nearly 300 Fo Guang Shan branches worldwide are considered homes for the Dharma body and wisdom life of the Buddhist Light members. 

After the ceremony, each participant received their Refuge Certificate, Chanting Beads, and a book by the Master. Mindy Zhang, a volunteer at Fo Guang Shan, shared that having been involved with the temple for over a year, becoming an official Buddhist disciple today was a significant and auspicious milestone in her life. She vowed to dedicate herself more sincerely to learning Buddhism and contributing her efforts to serving the community.