Monthly Refuge Practice (In Person)

I take refuge in the Buddha.

I take refuge in the dharma.

I take refuge in the sangha.

-       The Refuge Formula

“We take refuge in the Buddha, dharma, and sangha, which are known as the triple gem, the three precious jewels. Taking refuge is something that we have to initiate. That is why we have this ceremony. It marks the time, the day, and the place where we actually stepped onto the path. Some of you may feel that you have been Buddhists your whole life, but it's still important to declare it to yourself and others. In the refuge ceremony, we make that statement to ourselves in front of the community. Once we take refuge, on one hand we are still whoever we are; on the other hand, there is a kind of transformation.” Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

Join Jil Amadio and Victoria Hagens, students of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, for monthly group Refuge practice. We will have two concurrent sessions taking place, one room will be dedicated to students who already do Refuge practice and the other will be dedicated to students doing Shamata practice.  At the end of the practice sessions, we will come together as a group to explore the meaning of Refuge. All are welcome, including those not yet ready to take Refuge vows.

Although this practice and discussion session is not a program specifically designed to prepare people to take the vow, it would certainly be supportive for those who are preparing, or have questions, or would simply like to practice in community. 

Dates and Time:

•  September 17^th - 10am to noon
• October 15^th -10am to noon
• November 26^th - 10am to noon
• January 7^th - 10am to noon

Some options for supportive preparatory reading for taking Refuge Vows or for discussion group:

• The Heart of the Buddha – Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
• Taking Refuge, The Collected Works of Chogyam Trungpa Volume 1 –  Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
• Taking Refuge from The 1999 Seminary Transcripts, Book One – Sakyong Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche
• The Jewel Ornament of Liberation – Je Gampopa
• Words of my Perfect Teacher – Patrul Rinpoche
• Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism – Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche