The Bodhisattva Vow
Requesting the Vow
At this point in the process, our engagement with the bodhisattva vow continues with a formal request to take this significant step. For both first-time and renewing bodhisattvas, these requests will be due Wednesday October 30 at Noon MT.
As always, it is important we give this part of our journey an appropriate measure of respect and attention. With this in mind, the following outlines are offered.
First-Time Bodhisattvas
Once we receive an email affirming the appropriateness of making this commitment at this juncture in our lives, engage the following steps before the deadline above:
- 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.
- Create an email with the subject heading, SY Bodhisattva Request, and the ‘To’ address [email protected] (Note: This is the address of our Sutrayana Program Directors who will 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.
- Do a full session of bodhichitta practice.
- Put the following in the body of the email started in Step 2:
- My name is (full name). I want to request the bodhisattva vow and commit myself to the training and practice of a bodhisattva.
- A short and deeply embodied response to the following: What does taking the bodhisattva vow mean to you?
- Bow and send the email.
- Return to bodhichitta 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 short and deeply embodied answer to the 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 a few days of the request deadline. If no such message arrives, please resend the request by Thursday October 31 at Noon MT.
Remember, all formal requests must be submitted by Wednesday October 30 at Noon MT.
Renewing Bodhisattvas
While those wanting to renew their bodhisattva vows have not been asked to submit a discernment email, it is crucial such individuals now ask, ‘Is renewal at this time appropriate?’ If the answer to this question is, ‘Yes’, please engage the following steps before the deadline above:
- 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.
- Create an email with the subject heading, SY Bodhisattva Renewal, and the ‘To’ address [email protected] (Note: This is the address of our Sutrayana Program Directors who will 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.
- Do a full session of bodhichitta practice.
- Put the following in the body of the email started in Step 2:
- My name is (full name). I want to request the bodhisattva vow and commit myself to the training and practice of a bodhisattva.
- My bodhisattva name is (English translation).
- Bow and send the email.
- Return to bodhichitta 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 short and deeply embodied answer to the 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 a few days of the request deadline. If no such message arrives, please resend the request by Thursday October 31 at Noon MT.
Remember, all formal requests must be submitted by Wednesday October 30 at Noon MT.
