A refuge is a place where people go when they suffer, are distressed or when they need safety and security. There are many types of refuge. When people are unhappy, they take refuge with their friends, drugs, alcoholic drinks when they are worried and frightened, they might take refuge in false hopes and beliefs. As they approach death, they might take refuge in the belief in an eternal heaven. But, as the Buddha says, none of these are true refuges because they do not give comfort and security based on reality.