Taking refuge in the Three Treasures — having your name registered in Heaven and officially entering the Taoist path of cultivation.
What Is Taoist Refuge?
Taking refuge in Taoism means formally committing to the Taoist path —
to live in accordance with the Tao, uphold virtue, and follow the way of nature.
It is not conversion or monastic ordination, but a spiritual awakening and vow of cultivation —
a declaration that you wish to study Taoist wisdom, purify body and mind, and live in harmony with the universe.
This sacred ceremony symbolizes spiritual rebirth and marks your official recognition as a Taoist disciple,
beginning your journey of moral, spiritual, and inner cultivation.
Lineage & Ritual Tradition
Our refuge ceremonies are conducted under the Zhengyi TianShi Lineage of Longhu Mountain正一天师道, guided by certified Taoist priests following authentic, traditional rituals.
We currently offer two forms of refuge:
In-Person Refuge Ceremony in New York
For disciples based in or able to travel to New York:
- Conducted by certified Taoist priests of the Association;
- Includes full Taoist ritual structure: altar setup, incense offering, Three Treasures worship, prostration, scripture chanting, and sending-off of deities;
- Participants receive official refuge certificates and practice materials after the ceremony;
- Experience the sacred atmosphere and direct spiritual transmission of the Taoist altar.
📍 Ceremony Location: New York (Schedule announced by the Association)
Online Refuge Ceremony
Designed for disciples around the world who cannot attend in person:
- The ceremony is held in a Taoist temple in China, officiated by Zhengyi Taoist masters;
- Online participants do not attend live, but their names and vows are formally submitted during the ceremony by the officiating master;
- The entire ceremony is professionally recorded, and disciples receive the full video afterwards;
- After the ceremony, the Association mails the following materials:
- Certificate of Refuge
- Taoist Refuge Record (度牒)
- Bilingual Zhengyi Morning & Evening Scriptures
- Taoist Foundation Handbook and Study Guide
Structure of the Taoist Refuge Ceremony
The ceremony is conducted according to Orthodox Unity Taoist ritual tradition —
pure, solemn, and spiritually transformative.
Main Steps:
1️⃣ Purification of the Altar (Jingtan净坛)
Incense is offered, scriptures are recited, and the space is purified to clear all impurities and prepare for the sacred rites.
Purpose: To purify the Three Realms — Heaven, Earth, and Humanity — and harmonize the ritual space.
2️⃣ Invocation of Deities (Qingshen请神)
The priest invokes the Three Pure Ones, Celestial Masters, and protective deities to descend and oversee the ceremony.
Purpose: To invite divine presence and ensure blessings and successful completion of the rite.
3️⃣ Registering in Heaven (Shengbiao / Declaration of Names升表) 🌟
This is the most important and sacred moment of the Taoist refuge ceremony.
The officiating master formally presents the disciples’ names and vows to Heaven through a written memorial (表文),
announcing before the Three Pure Ones and celestial officials that this person now takes refuge in Taoism,
vowing to cultivate virtue, follow the Tao, and live by truth.
✨ This act is like creating a spiritual record in Heaven’s registry —
your name is officially entered into the Taoist celestial register.
From that moment on, you are recognized as a disciple under Heaven’s protection and blessing.
“Shengbiao” is the true essence of Taoist refuge —
it transforms the ceremony from a symbolic ritual into a living spiritual covenant between you and the Tao.
4️⃣ Prostration to the Taoist (皈依师叩首)
Disciples bow respectfully to their refuge master three times, expressing gratitude and reverence.
Symbolizes honoring the lineage and beginning the path of study and discipline.
5️⃣Farewell to the Deities (Songshen送神)
After the ceremony, incense is offered to send off the deities and return the altar to peace.
Purpose: To complete the ritual, dedicate the merit, and seal the ceremony in harmony.
Certificates & Practice Materials
After the ceremony, every disciple receives official Taoist documents and study materials:
Certificate of Refuge
Issued by the Association and signed by the officiating Taoist master.
It records the disciple’s real name, date of refuge, and ceremony details.
✅ Serves as the official proof of Taoist refuge for future study, discipleship, or ordination.
Taoist Refuge Record (度牒)
An archival document symbolizing your official inclusion in the Taoist registry.
Your name is inscribed and reported to Heaven during the ceremony, ensuring a lasting spiritual record.
✅ Printed in traditional calligraphy, representing continuity of cultivation through time.
Zhengyi Morning & Evening Scriptures (Bilingual Edition)
Includes the Morning and Evening Prayers of the Celestial Way with English translation and pronunciation guide.
✅ Enables disciples to practice daily recitation, even if they are new to Taoist scriptures.
Additional Materials
- Taoist Foundation Handbook
- Study and Practice Guide
- Access to the Online Community
All materials are mailed together after the ceremony —
online participants receive them via international shipping,
while in-person participants may collect them at the ceremony venue.
🏮 After Refuge: Practice and Community
1️⃣ Join the Taoist Online Community
After refuge, disciples can join our online Taoist cultivation group,
where certified priests and instructors offer Q&A, guidance, and group discussions.
The community also hosts lectures, scripture chanting, and cultural sharing sessions.
2️⃣ Continue Your Study
Disciples may continue learning through the Taoist Studies Program,
which covers Taoist philosophy, Yin-Yang theory, Feng Shui, divination, and internal cultivation.
3️⃣ Apprenticeship and Ordination Opportunities
Those wishing to advance and become ordained Taoist priests may later seek a master
who has the right to accept disciples within the lineage.
Qualified masters in our community may offer mentorship and formal discipleship when the time is right.
🔮 The Spiritual Meaning of Refuge
Taking refuge in the Tao means your name is now registered in Heaven’s celestial record,
recognized by the divine order and protected by the Three Pure Ones and the Taoist immortals.
This is more than a symbolic ritual — it is a spiritual covenant between you and Heaven.
When the master performs Shengbiao — the act of presenting your name to Heaven —
your vow is officially witnessed by the celestial realm.
From that moment, your spiritual journey is acknowledged, blessed, and guided by the Tao.
Registration & Participation
- Forms: In-person in New York / Online Ceremony (recorded from China)
- Languages: Chinese & English
- Officiated by: Certified Taoist priests recognized by the Association
- Eligibility: Open to all sincere seekers regardless of nationality or background
- Fee: $100
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I have to become a monk or nun after taking refuge?
A: No. Taoist refuge is for lay practitioners — you may continue living your normal life while cultivating through study and virtue.
Q2: Will I receive a Taoist name?
A: No. Refuge disciples are registered under their real names, not given Taoist names.
Q3: Is the online refuge valid?
A: Yes. The ceremony is performed in a physical Taoist temple by Zhengyi priests.
Your name is formally declared and registered in Heaven (Shengbiao), ensuring full spiritual effect.
Q4: What should I do after taking refuge?
A: Join our community, chant morning and evening scriptures, and continue studying Taoist philosophy and practice under our instructors.