Amituofo,
See some slide misunderstanding in the meaning of the above issue:
Please read:
http://www.amtb-dba.org/English/Text/ThreeRefuges.html
...
Today, I(Master Chin Kung) have explained the meaning of taking the Three Refuges. We will begin the Three Refuges Ceremony by sincerely and respectfully repeating the oath three times in front of the Buddha, vowing to be willing to become the Buddha student and to learn from him. I, Chin-Kung, will be the witness and initiation teacher.
Please remember that the original teacher is Buddha Shakyamuni. Do not consider me as the original teacher. One does not take refuge in the monk or nun conducting the ceremony, but rather in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, thus becoming a student of the Triple Jewels.
Sixth Patriarch of Ch'an , Master Hui-Neng and Master Chin Kung had a different approached. They don't say take refuge under Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, for people in this age. They say take refuge under Realisation, Proper understanding and Purity.
Buddha = Realisation
Dharma = Proper understanding &
Sangha = Purity/harmony.
People of this age like to attach to form. Hence this kind of approached is use So that we don't attached to form.
After which one Taking Refuge in the Triple Jewel, ALL monks WILL be your teacher/guru and 'he shang'.
Note: chinese 'He shang' is not mean ordain monk as generally known. One monastery can only have One 'He shang'. He is the principal and support of the monastery be it a Lay person(upasaka/upasika) or Ordain(Bhikshu /Bhikshuni ). Just one Principal in one school. Monastery is also not mean the same as temple, in the past it's for education and not for worshiping, hence it's a School.
May All be free from delusions, greed and hatred (aka 3 evil realms) under the Refuge of Triple Jewels
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Amituofo!