Refuge Vow Ceremony

Tibetan Buddhist Path
Refuge Vow Ceremony

Dorje Denma Ling is happy to announce an opportunity to formally enter the Buddhist path by taking the refuge vow. Taking refuge in the three jewels is taking refuge in the Buddha as an example of how to discover freedom, in the Dharma as the teachings, and in the Sangha as the community. The refuge vow is an expression of your intention to follow the Buddhist path through studying and practicing the Buddhadharma. Taking the refuge vow in a formal ceremony can be a helpful support and a reminder of your intention to continue on the Buddhist path. 

“In the Buddhist tradition, the purpose of taking refuge is to awaken from confusion and associate oneself with wakefulness. Taking refuge is a matter of commitment and acceptance and, at the same time, of openness and freedom. By taking the refuge vow we commit ourselves to freedom.” ~ Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche from The Heart of The Buddha.

The refuge vow ceremony is open to anyone who has participated in the Tibetan Buddhist Path series. We will study the meaning of the refuge vow more in depth during Module 4, March 5 – April 9.  

Judy Lief, who is an excellent dharma teacher and the compiler and editor of The Profound Treasury, will be the preceptor for the vow ceremony. 

Requirements for taking refuge: 

• An understanding of the foundational Buddhist teachings. 
• Recommendation from one of the teachers of the course or your meditation instructor.
• A personal interview with Judy Lief prior to the vow ceremony.  
• Complete the Refuge Vow questionnaire during registration.

(more information will be sent about the interview to those who have registered) 

Taking the refuge vow is not a prerequisite for continuing on to the Mahayana course. 

Who May Attend

The refuge vow ceremony is open to anyone who has participated in the Tibetan Buddhist Path series.

You are welcome to witness the ceremony even if you are not taking the vow or if you have already taken the vow. You will be able to indicate when registering if you will be taking the vow or simply witnessing the ceremony. 

Cost

This event is free and we encourage you to send a heart gift to Judy Lief, the preceptor.