Lay Vows Ceremony

What holds a spiritual life steady when circumstances are not steady? Ethical values are not a set of rules imposed from outside. They are a support we build for ourselves, so that our practice has somewhere firm to rest. The lay vows are the traditional form of that support.

Join us for this ceremony in which Domo Geshe Rinpoche will bestow them for those who wish to receive them. These are Pratimoksha vows, taken up by lay practitioners as a support for ethical values in daily life.

The Five Lay Vows

• Non-killing
• Non-stealing
• Non-lying
• Refraining from sexual misconduct
• Avoidance of intoxicants

The vows may be taken by anyone except those who are monastic ordained. Take up the vows you can hold carefully the more merit accrues, but a vow taken lightly serves no one.

One point Rinpoche returns to whenever she gives this teaching: these vows are for you alone. They are never to be used against others like a weapon, regardless of whether those others are vow holders or not.

If you do not know Domo Geshe Rinpoche, please get in touch with us before the ceremony. We would be glad to speak with you first, answer your questions, and help you decide whether this is the right step for you now.

It is customary to wear white and to make an offering to the teacher when receiving the lay vows.

Preregistration is required. Please register to reserve your place and receive full details.

Questions, or to introduce yourself before attending: info@joyfulpath.org   ·   6084370520