Refuge Ceremony on Saka Dawa with Geshe Gelek (in person only)

Geshe Gelek confers Refuge and Lay Vows on Saka Dawa Düchen

On this Buddha Holy Day of Saka Dawa Düchen, Geshe Gelek has kindly offered to confer Refuge and Lay Vows.  It is incredibly auspicious to be able to take these vows on one of the four great holy days, when the karmic effects of our actions are increased exponentially! The Refuge Ceremony takes place on Wednesday, June 11, 7:00-8:30 PM (ET), and is being offered in person only. Pre-registration is required only if taking refuge for the first time.  The registration deadline is 9:00 PM (ET), Wednesday, June 4th (please register ASAP).  See below for the link to the registration page.

ABOUT REFUGE & LAY VOWS

• Taking Refuge Vows is making a commitment to Buddhism as one's spiritual path and creates a strong karmic bond to the refuge master who offers the vows.  During the Refuge Ceremony, registered students who are taking refuge for the first time will be given their refuge name (in Tibetan) by Geshe Gelek. This new name represents a new life on the Dharma path. 

• The Five Lay Vows are a set of basic ethical principles: not to kill, not to take what has not been given, not to lie, not to take intoxicants, and not to commit sexual misconduct (that is, have sex with someone else's partner). The Five Lay Vows are lifetime vows and should be taken with the confidence and commitment that you will keep them.

ABOUT THE REFUGE CEREMONY

Students taking Refuge for the first time:

• If taking refuge for the first time, students are required to pre-register HERE by 9:00 PM (ET), Wednesday, June 4th.

• If taking refuge for the first time, students must make plans to be at Kadampa Center no later than 6:30 PM (ET) on Wednesday, June 11th, to attend a mandatory pre-ceremony orientation and rehearsal ~ this is very important!

• Students should bring two katas with them and a monetary offering (any amount) in an envelope for Geshe Gelek.  A note of appreciation can be included if you wish.

Students who have previously taken Refuge: 

• Please do NOT register for the Refuge Ceremony if you have previously taken refuge.

• Are welcome to attend the Refuge Ceremony and may renew your lay vows, if you wish.  

• Should NOT join the queue of students offering katas to Geshe-la and receiving a refuge name ~ these are only for students taking refuge for the first time.

• If you have previously taken Refuge at any point in your life with Geshe-la or another Refuge Master, you should NOT register and you are not required to attend the pre-ceremony orientation and rehearsal.

Preparing ahead of time to take Refuge, both mentally and logistically:

• To prepare mentally (ahead of time) to take Refuge and the Five Lay Vows (Precepts):

  • Geshe Gelek recommends that anyone interested in taking refuge should read the refuge section in Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand (available for purchase as an eBook from FPMT's Foundation Store).

  • Students are also encouraged to listen to a teaching on refuge given by Geshe-la ~ listen to the recording HERE.

  • Learn more about vows from this article in FPMT's Mandala Magazine.

  • Read a teaching on refuge given by Lama Yeshe HERE.

• To prepare logistically (ahead of time) for the Refuge Ceremony:

  • Bring two katas, as it is traditional to offer one to the Buddha statue on the altar and one to offer to Geshe Gelek.  Katas are available for purchase ahead of time in our Dharma Shop.

  • Additionally, it is also auspicious to bring a monetary offering (any amount) for Geshe Gelek in an envelope to show your appreciation for the incredible gift he has just given you with this opportunity to take refuge.  If you wish, you may also include a card expressing your thanks.