The Bodhisattva Vow

Preparing for the Bodhisattva Ceremony

1. First, watch this video.
   
   
2. 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. Ensure this is true from both your perspective and the perspective of those viewing your Zoom screen. 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.
3. All in attendance are asked to have the ‘Dedication of Merit’ readily accessible. Both first time and renewing vow takers are also asked to have ‘The Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony Liturgy’ nearby. This latter text will be emailed a day before the ceremony.
4. Do a full session of bodhichitta practice in order to come back to the body and open the heart.
5. For first time and renewing vow takers, the conference call will begin at 2 pm MT. The first fifteen minutes of this gathering will be devoted to a short rehearsal of the vow process lead by one of our Sutrayana Program Directors. It is very important all vow takers be present for this rehearsal. Any Sutrayana community members who arrive during rehearsal time are asked to quietly engage bodhichitta practice as this process unfolds. All attending community members should be present no later than 2:10 pm MT.
6. Once the rehearsal concludes, all present will engage bodhichitta practice until the vow preceptor arrives and the ceremony begins.