Buddhist Ethics & Lay Precepts: Teaching & Ceremony with Lama Kathy Wesley

IN-PERSON ONLY at Columbus Karma Thegsum Chöling

In response to dharma students’ requests, KTC will offer a teaching on Buddhist Ethics and the Lay Precepts Ceremony in a special program from 10 AM PM to 12 PM Saturday July 26 at Columbus Karma Thegsum Chöling.

The Lay Precepts Ceremony is open to all those who have taken the Vow of Buddhist Refuge. During the ceremony, candidates take lifelong vows to practice one or more of the four root precepts and/or one branch precept of the Buddhist path:

• Not Killing (Root Precept)
• Not Stealing (Root Precept)
• Not Lying (Root Precept)
• Not Committing Sexual Misconduct (Root Precept)
• Not taking intoxicants (Branch Precept)

Before the Ceremony, those taking the precepts learn the benefits of taking the vows and how to keep the vows once they are taken.

Those Taking Refuge may welcome family and friends to observe their ceremony. A short teaching on the meaning of the Refuge Vow will be given before the ceremony. Those who have already Taken Refuge are welcome to participate again to renew their Refuge Vows.

SCHEDULE

10 AM TO 11 AM - Preliminary Teaching

11:15 PM to 12 PM - Vow Ceremony

12 PM to 1 PM - How to Keep the Vows

Pre-Requisites: Before a person takes the Precepts, it is helpful to read about the vows and the ceremony.

At this link, you will find a short article about Taking the Lay Precepts: http://lamakathy.net/resources/pdf/lay_precepts_LKW.pdf

Want to hear the teaching but are not sure about the vows? Feel welcome to come and listen to the teaching and observe the ceremony.

What to Bring: If you wish to make an offering, white offering scarves (katas) and envelopes will be provided at the KTC.

Want to Read More? Here’s a link to Lama Kathy’s article about the Tibetan Buddhist Path, and where the Lay Precepts fit in: http://www.lamakathy.net/resources/pdf/tib.buddhist_practices.pdf