How does one become a Buddhist? One of the external indicators is taking refuge. In the context of Buddhism, what does going for refuge mean? What does it mean to “take refuge” in the Three Jewels: the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha? What are we taking refuge from? Are we ready to choose to be a refugee?
To discuss these questions, Acharya Tashi will lead a series of classes leading up to a Refuge Vow ceremony held during the last class.
Acharya welcomes all to attend the teachings on February 3, 10 and 17, even if you do not intend to take the Refuge vow. He emphasizes that there is no rush to take the vow as you prepare your mind during any recitation of the Refuge prayer.
The Refuge Vow Ceremony will only be available to those attending in person at Nalanda West in Seattle on Mar 3, 2025. If you are not able to attend the March 3rd session, please look for a local Buddhist center that may be offering the refuge vow, or contact Nalandabodhi Seattle if you are visiting in Seattle and we can make arrangements for you to take the Refuge vow.
Nalandabodhi centers can be found in these locations.
Schedule
Monday evenings
6:00–7:00p
Dates
Click a date to register.
February 3, 2025
February 10, 2025
February 17, 2025 (Presidents’ Day)
February 24, 2025 (no class on this Monday)
March 3, 2025 — Refuge Vow Ceremony onsite at Nalanda West
Teacher Bio
Acharya Tashi Wangchuk is the resident teacher at Nalanda West in Seattle, the seat of the international Nalandabodhi sangha. He belongs to Karma Kagyu lineage of Vajrayana Buddhism.
Acharya Tashi was born in Bhutan and he embarked on his spiritual journey at early age, eventually finding his way to the Karma Shri Nalanda Institute, the esteemed Karma Kagyu Monastic College in Sikkim, India. While there, he studied over ten years and attained his master’s (Acharya) degree.
Currently calling Seattle home, he teaches at Nalandabodhi centers worldwide, in North and South America and in Asia.
