A New Path

What is refuge?

We all seek meaning in our lives. Some seek it in their careers, while others try to find it by following the latest fashions or traveling to distant lands. But ultimately, careers lead to retirement, fashions constantly change, and vacations fade away in the blink of an eye. None of these bring us lasting satisfaction or happiness. In today's modern world, with millions of material and spiritual options, we often find ourselves confused about what we want to do with our lives.

Refuge on the Path is about giving our lives meaningful direction. This direction comes from working on ourselves and our shortcomings, realizing our full potential to best serve ourselves and others. This kind of refuge provides refuge from much more than just temporary boredom, hunger, or stress. It doesn't mean changing our lives externally: it doesn't require wearing special clothes or changing our hairstyle. For us, refuge is about changing our minds. It means deepening our understanding of what gives life meaning and what will bring us happiness now and in the future. In short, such refuge protects us from pain and suffering.

Buddhists often use the expression "take refuge" because it emphasizes an active process. It is a fundamental step in committing ourselves to A New Path—a yogic/Sufi way of life.

So why do we do this?

When we understand human nature—that everyone seeks happiness and contentment, and no one desires suffering—we seek a means to help us. In Buddhism, this is achieved by taking refuge in the Three Jewels.

These Three Jewels are the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.

For us, these Three Jewels are the Master, the Path, and the Ikhwan.

We seek refuge in the Master because he is an enlightened teacher, because he shows us the way out not only of a meaningless existence but also of pain and suffering. The Master taught that the mind is fundamentally pure, and through this, and through compassion and wisdom, we can completely eliminate whatever causes confusion and negative emotions, never to return. A New Path is the Master's teachings on how to achieve this. Therefore, when we seek refuge in the Path, we seek and receive assistance from various yogic, Buddhist, Sufi, and Mevlevi methods when dealing with problems in our lives. The Ikhwan are our friends, the dervishes, whirling dervishes, yogis, and yoginis. Among these, those who sincerely and truthfully apply the Master's teachings serve as role models, inspiring us to pursue the Path's Sufi/Yogic lifestyle.

Our devotion/commitment does not mean that we should isolate ourselves from our friends and family. Conversely, when we take refuge in the Three Precious Elements, we not only create a meaningful life for ourselves but also begin to open ourselves to others and see how we can contribute to those around us and the rest of the world.

When we take refuge in the Master, the Path, and the Ikhwan, we no longer feel confused. We no longer need to look around as if we were engaged in a spiritual exchange, and while we certainly need a certain level of material comfort and possessions, we no longer need to imagine that these will bring us permanent happiness. Adhering to the principles of A New Path frees us from stress and gives us more time to work on what truly matters: making ourselves emotionally happier and healthier.

Therefore, taking refuge is an ongoing, active process. It requires constant work. It is not simply believing in the Master and praying to him as if he were a deity, nor is it something our yogis and/or Sufi acquaintances can do for us. This is why it is said that the most valuable refuge is in the Path, the teachings of the Master. Even if we have strong faith in the Master and know many wise and compassionate yogis and Sufis, we cannot truly benefit from taking refuge without first following and applying the teachings of the Path. When we follow the fundamental counsel of not harming others, engaging in beneficial actions, and taming our minds, our lives will undoubtedly become more meaningful.

While there are specific ceremonies that allow us to begin our journey in accordance with traditions on this New Life and A New Path, true commitment must come from the heart. We achieve true refuge when we begin to work on ourselves.