Lack of spirituality or spiritual direction can be a cause of depression, or at least can contribute to it. Taking refuge in the Three Jewels can be important in this regard, particularly taking refuge in the Dharma. Understanding Dharma will show us that it is possible to overcome the reasons we are stuck in samsara, that ignorance, afflictions, and karma can be counteracted, that there is a path to train our minds to eradicate the afflictions and that there is a way to overcome our self-centredness so we can work wholeheartedly for the benefit of all living beings. Having this worldview will inspire us to follow the path and attain nirvana and awakening, giving our lives great meaning and purpose.

In this way, refuge can help overcome depression — the sense of hopelessness, helplessness, and meaningless existence — and steer us in a positive direction. If we deeply cultivate refuge as our purpose and meaning in life, we will be able to see through all the stories on which our attachment, anger, and other afflictions depend, like how wonderful samsara is, or how awful someone or something is. Practising Dharma becomes very joyful as we let go of this conceptual rubbish and steer our minds back to our refuge with confidence and faith based on wisdom and knowledge. Cultivating refuge daily is important for staying clear about where we are heading in life and what we are doing.

“365 Gems of Wisdom” Volume One (January — March) e-book is out now!