http://www.ddm.org.tw/refuge/en/page1.htm
By Late master Shen Yan
You are not buddhist unless you taken the refuge.
Dont worry abt taking percepts. Some may worry taking refuge = taking many percepts.
Percepts vows are not compulsory.
This is very important !!!
Many so called buddhists did not take refuge in triple gems .
Triple gems refuge are very impt.
Proper knowledge of buddhism is important also, buddhism is nt folklore religion and supertitious praying nor idol worshipping.
I met self-proclaimed buddhist who dun even know wad is buddhism, buddha etc