The Refuge Vow

In many ways, our engagement with the Refuge Vow begins with a formal request to take this step in our lives. With this in mind, it is important we give this part of the journey an appropriate measure of respect and attention.

Following the informational gathering on Saturday April 13, we will have a little more than one week to consider and then make a formal request to take or renew refuge. Both first time and renewing refugees will have until Noon MT on Monday April 22 to do the following:

First Time Refugees

1. Create a space that radiates a sense of basic dignity. Make certain the space is uncluttered and orderly, and that distractions will be kept to a minimum. Put together a shrine. This can be a simple as a clean surface with a candle and lineage image and / or text. If there is incense, offer this.
2. Create an email with the subject heading, Refuge Request, and the ‘To’ address [email protected]. (Note: Though this is the address of program Coordinator Christy Smith, she will simply forward this email to the vow preceptor.) Attach to this email a personal photo of oneself. Put this email aside while engaging Step 3. Details regarding the message to be contained in this email will be covered in Step 4.
3. Do a full session of Shikantaza / Somatic Pure Awareness practice in order to come back to the body and stabilize the mind.
4. Put the following in the body of the email started in Step 2:
   1. My name is (full name) and I request to take refuge.
   2. A very short and deeply embodied response to one of the following:
      1. Why do you want to take refuge?
      2. Why are you called to refuge now?
      3. What does taking refuge mean to you?
5. Bow and send the email.
6. Return to Shikantaza / Somatic Pure Awareness practice for as long as feels appropriate.

Please do not include anything in the email above other than the three items outlined: the request, a very short and deeply embodied reply to one question, and a personal photo. Any questions or inquiries are more appropriately directed to the Sutrayana Meditation Instructors; they will not be replied to here.

All requests will receive a brief reply saying ‘Your request has been received’. This will be sent out within 24 hours of the request deadline. If no such message arrives, please resend the request by Tuesday, April 23 at Noon MT.

Remember, all formal requests must be submitted by Monday, April 22 at Noon MT.

Renewing Refugees

1. Create a space that radiates a sense of basic dignity. Make certain the space is uncluttered and orderly, and that distractions will be kept to a minimum. Put together a shrine. This can be a simple as a clean surface with a candle and lineage image and / or text. If there is incense, offer this.
2. Create an email with the subject heading, Refuge Renewal, and the ‘To’ address [email protected]. (Note: Though this is the address of program Coordinator Christy Smith, she will simply forward this email to the vow preceptor.) Attach to this email a personal photo of oneself. Put this email aside while engaging Step 3. Details regarding the message to be contained in this email will be covered in Step 4.
3. Do a full session of Shikantaza / Somatic Pure Awareness practice in order to come back to the body and stabilize the mind.
4. Put the following in the body of the email started in Step 2:
   1. My name is (full name) and I request to renew my refuge vow.
   2. My refuge name is (refuge name in English).
5. Bow and send the email.
6. Return to Shikantaza / Somatic Pure Awareness practice for as long as feels appropriate.

Please do not include anything in the email above other than the two items outlined: the request and a personal photo. Any questions or inquiries are more appropriately directed to the Sutrayana Meditation Instructors; they will not be replied to here.

All requests will receive a brief reply saying ‘Your request has been received’. This will be sent out within 24 hours of the request deadline. If no such message arrives, please resend the request by Tuesday, April 23 at Noon MT.

Remember, all formal requests must be submitted by Monday, April 22 at Noon MT.