Refuge Vows with Geshe Gelek

On this auspicious holy day, Lama Tsongkhapa Day, Geshe Gelek will offer Refuge Vows. It is especially wonderful to be able to take these vows on a holy day.  Taking refuge vows is making a commitment to Buddhism as one's spiritual path. It also creates a karmic bond with the teacher who offers the vows. When you take refuge in the Three Jewels, the refuge master conferring the vows will also give you a refuge name in Tibetan.

UPDATE:  Geshe Gelek will also offer bodhisattva vows. See below for instructions if you plan to take the bodhisattva vows. Learn more about these vows here.

Students who have already taken refuge are welcome to renew their vows, but should not register. We are requesting that students renew their vows via Zoom and not in person.

Geshe Gelek recommends anyone interested in taking refuge should read the refuge section in the book Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand (available in our bookstore or as an ebook from FPMT's Foundation Store). Geshe-la also taught a class on refuge in 2013 for students interested in the ceremony - you can listen to it in the recordings section of our website.

The ceremony will likely be in Tibetan, but it is first explained in English what you are saying. It is very important to be there by 5:30 pm so we can review what you will be doing. At the end of the ceremony, it is traditional to offer two katas (silk offering scarfs, available in the bookstore) - one to the Buddha statue on the altar, and one to the teacher giving the vows, who returns it by placing it over your head as a blessing. While we often have spare ones to lend, in this case it is best to buy them so you are actually making an offering of your own. It is also auspicious to give the teacher a gift, typically money (any amount) in an envelope, in appreciation for the incredible gift he has just given you with this opportunity. The center will also be giving you a copy of the FPMT booklet on refuge and how to practice it daily.

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

Important Information:

In order to participate, you must register by 6 pm, Monday, December 27.  Sorry, registration is closed. 

 Students who have already taken refuge should not register.

All persons entering the building for the ceremony must be fully vaccinated. 

Masks are required in the building.

On the day of the ceremony, it is important to arrive on time in order to rehearse. You will be going to the altar and making offerings, and it is very helpful to have a chance to walk it through so you can be at ease during the ceremony.

Students taking refuge should bring two katas (please acquire them ahead of time) and a monetary offering for Geshe-la in any amount, in an envelope. If you wish, you may write a card to him expressing your thanks.

Students who are not vaccinated or are unable to come in person may take refuge via Zoom. Register here for Zoom. (Be sure you also register for refuge itself)

If you need to get a kata, the bookstore will be open at these times:

• Sunday, Dec. 12, 10-10:30 am and 11:30am - 12 pm
• Saturday, Dec. 18, 10 am - 12 pm
• Wednesday, Dec. 29, 4:45-5:15 pm.  Bookstore will close for refuge rehearsal at 5:30 pm

Students who plan to take bodhisattva vows should bring:

• A flower to offer on the altar at Kadampa Center
• Something to remind you that you've taken the bodhisattva vows. It can be a book or holy image or statue. After the ceremony you will keep this item.