The Beginning
Take refuge and arouse bodhichitta.
The Main Part
Meditate on the benefits of taking refuge: Taking refuge is the entry point to all Buddhist practices. It distinguishes a Buddhist from a non-Buddhist. It purifies negative karma, accumulates vast merit, and protects one from the harm of humans and non-humans.
By taking refuge, one will never be born in the lower realms and will eventually attain perfect enlightenment. It provides a solid foundation for all other vows and practices. The merit of taking refuge is so great that if it were to have a physical form, the entire universe could not contain it.
Therefore, resolve: I will cherish my refuge vows more than my own life and will never abandon the Three Jewels, even in the face of death.
The Ending
Dedicate all the merit of your practice to all sentient beings.
