The video “Meditation 10 Explanation – A Gift of Liberation 25: Perfect Shelter”, recorded in Arizona in 2017, is part of a unique lecture series by Geshe Michael Roach. It focuses on the tenth meditation out of a cycle of 27 meditations recommended before starting a retreat. This meditation is called “Earth – The Foundation and Inner Refuge”, and it centers around the understanding and acceptance of refuge as a fundamental element of Buddhist practice.
Refuge — the foundation of the entire path
Geshe Michael emphasizes that the entire Buddhist path is built upon the acceptance of refuge. Without this step, it is impossible to take bodhisattva vows, layperson vows, monastic vows, or any other disciplines. Refuge is the “earth” from which everything else grows: meditation, study, service, even yoga.
He offers an image: just as irises bloom in poor, rocky soil and still produce stunning colors, so too can spiritual practice flourish if its foundation — refuge — is solid. The flowers don’t draw color directly from the dull earth, but somehow transform it. Likewise, practice transforms the inner world when rooted in proper refuge.
The story of the “bird poop tree”
An inspiring yet cautionary story about a mulberry tree that accidentally grew in Geshe Michael’s garden serves as a metaphor for the importance of a strong foundation. The tree sprouted from a seed dropped by a bird, but when it was transplanted, it lost its main taproot. Later, underground animals destroyed its remaining roots. The tree is still standing, but barely. This represents a person whose spiritual practice lacks true grounding. It may appear healthy and growing, but when difficulty comes, everything falls apart.
The practical meaning of this meditation
While doing the tenth meditation, it’s important to reexamine every aspect of your practice through the lens of refuge. If your refuge is deep and conscious, then all parts of your practice — from meditation and yoga to study and service — will be strong, effective, and full of meaning.
