How many people here have taken the refuge vows? Why or why not?
Just curious. I refer to myself as Buddhist-ish. I read some dharma at least weekly if not daily, struggle thru weekly seated meditation, and recite the Loving Kindness meditation daily. But I don't have a Sangha near me and likely wouldn't join one even if there was one available.
I’m also Buddhist-ish. I have done zazen for many years. I have taken some Vajrayana empowerments. And I like to study Buddhist philosophy. Yet I am not really convinced about Buddhist soteriology, so I can’t earnestly take refuge.