Refuge practice is the essence of all other practices. It has inconceivable beneficial effects and, through it, one can achieve the fearless state.

 

In the space in front of me is a lion throne on which are lotus and sun and moon disk seats, in the center of which sits my kind root lama in the form of Vajradhara, surrounded by the lineage lamas. In front of the lion throne is the yidam Chakrasamvara, the male and female aspects in union. At the right side of the throne are the buddhas of the three times, possessing the major and minor marks, together with the thousand buddhas of this fortunate eon. Behind the throne is Prajnaparamita to the left of the throne is the assembly of the compassionate bodhisattvas, completely surrounded by the sanghas of the three yanas. Around the throne are the Dharma protectors, an ocean of guardians gathered like clouds.