Refuge Vow Retreat
October 5–6, 2013
The Refuge Vow marks the decision to commit oneself wholeheartedly to the Buddhist path and to further one’s practice and training. It is the formal commitment to being a Buddhist, following the example of the Buddha Shakyamuni, his teachings (the dharma) and joining the community (sangha) of fellow practitioners.
Prerequities:
People wishing to take the Refuge Vow need a written recommendation from their Meditation Instructor. If you do not have a Mediation Instructor, please contact your local Shambhala Center for further information on how to be connected with one. There is also a preparatory class, “The Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma, Sangha” that is strongly recommended for those planning to take the Refuge or Bodhisattva Vows at Shambhala Mountain Center in October. Information for this program can be found at: http://www.shambhala.org/.
The Refuge Vow and Bodhisattva Vow cannot both be taken on the same weekend.
IMPORTANT: Everyone taking a vow will receive either a Refuge Name or a Bodhisattva Name. These names require an interview. There will not be time during the retreat weekend for these interviews, so Acharya Lyon has scheduled times at local Shambhala Centers to meet with vow takers for their name interviews. Participants need to please register with Shambhala Mountain Center BEFORE receiving an interview.
The times and locations of these interviews are listed below. Please contact the coordinator listed below for the interview you plan to attend.
Saturday September 21, 2-6pm
Boulder Shambhala Center – 1345 Spruce St, Boulder
Contact: Jim Fladmark warrior@boulder.shambhala.org
Interview coordinator: Les Schafer les.schafer@covidien.com
Sunday, September 22, 1:30-6pm
Denver Shambhala Meditation Center
2305 S Syracuse Way Denver, CO
Coordinator: John Neumeier janeumeier@gmail.com
Saturday September 28 (by appointment)
Fort Collins Shambhala Center
126A W Mountain Ave Fort Collins, CO
Coordinator: John Reichhardt johnreich1@gmail.com
VOW WEEKEND SCHEDULE: The weekend will begin with registration at 9AM on Saturday October 5th, followed by a 10AM orientation and talk. Anyone taking either vow should arrive for registration at 9AM. The refuge vow ceremony will take place on the afternoon of the 5th. The Bodhisattva Vow ceremony will take place on the morning of the 6th. Those taking the refuge vow will conclude the weekend with lunch at 12:30 on the 6th. Those taking the Bodhisattva vow will conclude the weekend with a practice session ending by 5pm on the 6th.
.