ONE-HOUR PRE-VOW TEACHING – ONLINE AND IN-PERSON
VOW CEREMONY – IN PERSON ONLY
In response to dharma students’ requests, Lama Kathy Wesley and Lama Tom Broadwater will offer the Bodhisattva Vow in a special program from 10 AM to 12 Noon at Columbus Karma Thegsum Chöling in Columbus.
The Bodhisattva Vow Ceremony marks the beginning of a dharma student’s training in both Aspiration Bodhicitta – the wish to free all beings from the suffering of the world – and the training in Action Bodhicitta, which we also know as the Six Paramitas, or Six Perfections: Generosity, Ethics, Patience, Diligence, Meditation and Wisdom.
By taking the vow, students become “bodhisattvas in training” who aspire to tame their mental afflictions, generate compassion for themselves and others, and work toward enlightenment for themselves and others.
“Bodhisattvas in Training” also make a daily commitment to renew their vow and purify their mistakes along the way. By maintaining their vow daily, they create an atmosphere of self-honesty and self-care that can moderate the bad habits of being overly selfish – and overly self-critical.
This is a special time to take (or re-take!) the Bodhisattva Vow, as it occurs during the first 15 days of the Tibetan New Year (Losar). This period is called “The Waxing Moon of Miracles” because of its association with an event in the life of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni during which he manifested miracles daily for 15 days as part of a debate with non-Buddhist scholars seeking to discredit his teachings and philosophies.
As such, the positive effects of virtuous actions done during this time are multiplied many thousands of times.
SCHEDULE
10 AM TO 11 AM – PRELIMINARY TEACHING (IN-PERSON AND ONLINE)
11:30 AM TO 12:30 PM – VOW CEREMONY (IN-PERSON ONLY)
PRE-REQUISITES Before a person takes the Bodhisattva Vow, they must first have taken the Buddhist Vow of Refuge, taking the Buddha as their teacher, the Dharma as their path and the Sangha as their Community. If you need to take the Refuge Vow, please contact Lama Kathy at lamakathy@columbusktc.org to arrange a ceremony in advance.
ABOUT TICKETS: Our Columbus KTC Facebook event listing for this event says tickets are free, but we would appreciate a small donation to benefit Columbus KTC’s Rebuilding Fund during this time. You can donate as little as $1, or any amount you wish – it is all appreciated!
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE financial means, or have difficulty registering online, please write lamakathy@columbusktc.org and she will register you at no cost.
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 AHEAD Here’s a link to Lama Kathy’s article about the Tibetan Buddhist Path, and where the Bodhisattva Vow fits in: http://www.lamakathy.net/resources/pdf/tib.buddhist_practices.pdf
CAN’T ATTEND, but want to help KTC’s Operations Fund?
Hop over to our KTC donations page at this link: https://columbusktc.kindful.com
ABOUT LAMA KATHY: A student of Buddhism since meeting Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche in 1977, Lama Kathy participated in the first 3-Year Retreat conducted by Khenpo Rinpoche in the United States. Since graduating from retreat in 1996, Lama Kathy has served as the Resident Teacher of the Columbus KTC.
ABOUT LAMA TOM: Lama Tom Broadwater became a student of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche in1999. He completed a 3-year retreat in 2012. He currently serves as an Associate Resident Lama at Columbus Karma Thegsum Chöling Buddhist Meditation Center in Columbus OH. Coal miner 4 years. Social worker and social administrator 35 years. Married 45 years. Father of two daughters and 3 grandchildren.