Taking the Bodhisattva Vow: Teaching and Ceremony with KTC Lamas

ONE-HOUR PRE-VOW TEACHING - ONLINE AND IN-PERSON

VOW CEREMONY - IN PERSON ONLY

In response to dharma students’ requests, KTC lamas Kathy Wesley and Tom Broadwater will offer the Bodhisattva Vow in a special program Sunday Sept. 29 at Columbus Karma Thegsum Chöling.

Lama Tom and Lama Kathy will teach on the history and benefits of the vow at 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM; Vow Ceremony will follow at 1:30 PM. Participants are urged to bring a sack lunch to enjoy at 12:30; light snacks, coffee and tea also will be available.

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.

SCHEDULE: Sunday Sept. 29

11:30 AM to 12:30 PM - PRELIMINARY TEACHING about the Bodhisattva Vow - IN-PERSON AND ONLINE on Columbus KTC’s YouTube page:

12:30 PM to 1:30 PM - Break for sack lunch (ight snacks provided by KTC)

1:30 PM to 3 PM - VOW CEREMONY (IN-PERSON ONLY) - Columbus KTC Shrine Room

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 [email protected] to arrange a ceremony in advance.

ABOUT TICKETS: Tickets to the teaching and vow are free, but if you want to make a donation to the Columbus KTC 's Operations Fund, you can choose the "Ticket Plus Donation to KTC" option on EventBrite. You can donate as little as $1, or any amount you wish - it is all appreciated!

WHAT TO BRING: If you wish to make an offering, white offering scarves (katas) and envelopes for dana (donations for the teachers) will be provided at 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

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ABOUT LAMA TOM: Lama Tom Broadwater became a student of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche in1999. He completed a 3-year retreat in 2012. He has served as Associate Resident Teacher at Columbus Karma Thegsum Chöling and continues to serve the sangha with teachings and workshops. Coal miner 4 years. Social worker and social administrator 35 years. Married 45 years. Father of two daughters and 3 grandchildren.

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.

Host or Publisher Columbus Karma Thegsum Chöling