Taking Refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha: Teachings and Vows

Khentrul Rinpoche will teach on refuge, the entranceway to the Buddhist path; conduct the traditional Refuge ceremony; and grant Lay Vows to those who wish to take them for the first time or renew them.

Taking refuge is the foundation or the cornerstone of all Dharma practice. It gives us the stability, confidence and trust needed to embark upon, and to follow the path to enlightenment. The key to taking refuge is acknowledging the fact that we all have buddha nature, and therefore we all have the potential for enlightenment. Refuge is a practice of developing confidence in our true nature.

In the Refuge ceremony we declare our intention to follow the Buddhist path. As an aid in this life change, we receive a Buddhist name. The teacher might also cut a strand of our hair as a symbol for our renunciation of worldly attachments.

On the basis of taking the Refuge Vow, it is possible to take one or several of the lay vows. The five lay vows are the basic vows that underpin the Buddhist way of life for lay practitioners. They are the vows to refrain from killing, taking what is not given, lying, sexual misconduct and taking intoxicants. These vows serve as an important support to our lives and practice as Buddhist practitioners.

Hosted by Lerab Ling

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