BLDC Refuge Ceremony (Ceremony for Taking Refuge Vows)
Lama: Why are we gathered here today? Aspirants: I request the Vows of Refuge in the Three Jewels
Lama:Since you have heard, studied, and understood the meaning of taking refuge in the Three Jewels, please repeat the vows after me.
Lama & Aspirants:Buddhas and bodhisattvas, who abide in all ten directions, please think of me. Master, please think of me. From now until the end of this life, I go for refuge in the supreme among all with two feet, the Buddha. I for refuge in the supreme among all without desire, the Dharma. I go for refuge in the among all assemblies, the Sangha. From now until the end of this life, I hold this master to be my spiritual friend.
NAMO BUDDHAYA NAMO BUDDHAYA NAMO BUDDHAYA
Lama: As the officiating Buddhist Priest, I proclaim that you have made the Vows of Refuge in the Three Jewels and I welcome yo into the Great Assembly that was established by Shakyamuni Buddha.
To the Sangha & New Members: (Now that you have taken the vows, you are actually a Buddhist. As a sign of this, the Lama will cut a small bit of hair from the top of your head and give you a new Dharma name. This is the point in the ceremony where you make offerings. Pick up your khata and envelope, and come forward one at a time. Unroll the khata and drape it in your two hands to offer it to the Lama. Place the envelope on the Lama's table, and offer the khata to the Lama. Sometimes the Lama takes the khata, and sometimes they put it around your neck. The Lama or a Assistant will then cut some hair and give you a card with your Dharma name. Then go back to your place.)
(Lama)I supplicate the Gurus, Buddhas, and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions and throughout the three periods of time - that they bless your path so you swiftly accomplish your goal. May your karma be purified and all your obstacles and hindrances be dissolved into space! May the Dharma Protectors keep watch over you as a mother keeps her only child. Go with confidence!