Refuge Vow

The Refuge Vow is a traditional vow that has been part of the Buddhist path for centuries. Taking a vow in a formal ceremony is a way to set our intention and to plant a deep seed of aspiration for the unfolding of our spiritual path. In taking the Refuge Vow, we take refuge in the three jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.

In the Buddhist tradition, the purpose of taking refuge is to awaken from confusion and associate oneself with wakefulness… When we take refuge, we commit ourselves to the Buddhist path.
—Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Application
To submit an application to take the Refuge Vow, please visit this link.

Recommended Preparation

Meet well in advance with your meditation instructor to discuss the process and implications of this important commitment.

Please also consider one or more of these excellent sources for information regarding the view, process and practice of Refuge:

• The Truth of Suffering and the Way of Liberation by Chögyam Trungpa (widely available and the main text for the retreat)
• The Heart of the Buddha: Entering the Tibetan Buddhist Path by Chögyam Trungpa (widely available)
• The Refuge Vow: A Sourcebook, a compilation of commentaries and traditional text excerpts by various teachers (available from Kalapa Media)
• Podcast by Acharya Spiegel.

Interview (Required)
Before taking the Refuge Vow, an interview with Acharya Ferguson is required. The interviews will be offered during the summer weekthun on Sunday 30th starting at 4:30 PM. Please indicate you availability on the application.

Ceremony
The Refuge Vow Ceremony will take place on July 30th at 5 pm (participants arrive at 4 PM), at Sky Lake Lodge, followed by a reception.

Friends and family are invited to attend the ceremony and reception.

Contact
If you have any questions, please contact Rebekka at practice-education@sky-lake.org