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Vows: Pillars of the Path
The Shambhala Buddhist journey contains some major signposts. First and foremost is the decision to become a Buddhist, marked by Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels: the Buddha, as an example and inspiration that a human being can awaken; the Dharma, as the teachings that help us awaken; and the Sangha, the community of fellow practitioners who provide us with support for our journey. Although one can take any and all of our Shambhala Training levels and Shambhala Buddhist classes without becoming a Buddhist, the steps described below are essential elements of the complete Shambhala Buddhist path.
Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows are typically given by the Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche’s designated Acharyas (senior teachers) in a variety of ways: every other year or so in Vancouver or at other local Shambhala Centres; at the annual Pacific Northwest Dathun or other Dathuns held at our Practice and Retreat Centres, or as part of attending Shambhala Sutrayana Seminary.
I. Refuge VowTaking Refuge is a step common to all Buddhist traditions. In our tradition, it further signifies taking refuge in our particular Kagyü, Nyingma and Shambhala lineages of teachings and teachers, as represented by an Acharya (senior teacher) of our spiritual leader the Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. Required: Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies Three Jewels weekend Recommended: Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies Hinayana semester, Shambhala Training levels 1-5
II. Bodhisattva VowThe Bodhisattva Vow is a further step taken in the Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions. It represents a lifelong dedication to the welfare of all sentient beings. Required: Refuge Vow, Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies Mahayana & the Bodhisattva Vow weekend Recommended: Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies Mahayana semester, some Sacred Path levels of Shambhala Training
III. TantrikaBecoming a Shambhala Buddhist Tantrika is for those with the further inspiration to enter the Vajrayana as a personal student of the Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. This occurs as part of attending Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary with the Sakyong. Required: Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows, Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies Hinayana & Mahayana semesters; Lineage & Devotion; seminary transcript study; 9 Stages, Four Foundations, Vipashyana and Union meditation weekends; Five Wisdoms & Sadhana of Mahamudra weekends; Dathun; Shambhala Training levels through Warriors Assembly; Sutrayana Seminary (requires Shambhala Training levels 1-5); Entering the Vajra World preparatory class Strongly Recommended: a guided, solitary shamatha-vipashyana retreat |
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