Last night, at which I volunteer as a manager, there was discussion about taking refuge in the Buddha and how doing was crucial to making progress on the path.
Normally this topic wouldn’t have caused me much consternation but I kept finding that aversion was arising as the teacher discussed taking refuge in the Buddha as being largely the act of placing Faith in our own ability to awaken; of knowing that we too have all of the requisite qualities to awaken even if they yet need to be cultivated. So why the aversion? Frankly I have no idea and I was at one fascinated and horrified by the mind’s constant rebellion and contrarian attitude.
When I think about it coolly and objectively I see he is correct but I suppose I an just very attached to my idea of the Lord Buddha as being so far above and beyond the state of a working like myself that I am insulted and slammed by the comparison. At least I can rejoice in my confidence in the Teacher and the Teachings but it is clear I have work yet to do in terms of awakening to the attachments I continue to carry which so easily cause me suffering.
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
Greetings M,
My own teacher says that when we go for refuge we are actually taking refuge in the qualities of the Buddha and that those same qualities can be cultivated and perfected in oneself.
Faith (sangha) is a very important but often overlooked aspect of Dhamma practice. Going for refuge, itself, is an important manifestation of faith in the Teacher, the teachings, the sangha, and our own capacity to walk on the path.
With metta,
Ben
By: benoloughlin on 01/24/2015
at 5:02 am
Ben,
Thank you for the reminder. Yes, I think that taking refuge in the qualities of the Buddha probably is a pan-Theravadin interpretation of vandana and it is something I have heard many times before. I’m not sure what my issue was with it that night, perhaps I was just out of sorts. Still, when its vouched for by teachers as respected as Goenkaji and Ven. Thanissaro I think it’s clear that my understanding is flawed, not the other way around. Be well and thank you for your thoughts!
Best,
M
By: Upāsaka on 01/24/2015
at 6:19 pm