When doing the Five Tibetan Rites, try employing these T5T affirmations. They are quite effective. Each rite's physical action is a metaphor for what we are attempting to attain intellectually. Thus, before practicing any of the rites, make sure that you fully understand their meaning. The first rite is called "Taking Refuge." In this rite, which can be done anytime, even in front of your computer screen (provided that you have been directed to do so by a spiritual mentor or teacher), we take refuge, or give honor, to all the beneficial aspects of human nature-the good qualities we know as the Three Jewels: faith, hope, and love. These qualities are often referred to as the Buddha Nature within us all. By giving homage to the Three Jewels, we are acknowledging that they exist outside ourselves and have the potential to help us achieve enlightenment. The second rite is called "Request For Deliverance." In this rite, which can also be done at any time, we ask spiritual mentors who have achieved liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth to deliver us from our misfortunes. We also request that they guide us on the path to enlightenment.