Refuge Vow Program with Mitra Tyler Dewar

2 Saturdays October 17 + 24, 2026 *** In an outward sense, the refuge vow ceremony is a process by which one formally ‘becomes a Buddhist.’ In an inward sense, the process of contemplating the meaning of refuge and moving toward the three jewels—the Buddha, the dharma, and the saṅgha—for protection and guidance marks the beginning of our journey to freedom from fear. During these two sessions on consecutive Saturdays this fall, Mitra Tyler will teach on the layers of meaning of the refuge vow and the commitments it entails and then serve as preceptor for the actual refuge vow ceremony. This program and the vow ceremony are recommended to anyone who has had a chance to study and practice the Buddha’s teachings for a while and would like to take their study and practice to a deeper level by taking the Buddha, dharma, and saṅgha as their primary guides for their path to liberation. Those who are taking refuge vows for the first time are encouraged to attend both sessions. First-time vow recipients will receive a refuge vow certificate and a “refuge name.” If this opportunity speaks to your current inspiration, please join us! Those who have already taken refuge vows but wish to refresh their vows and/or support and rejoice in first-time vow recipients are warmly invited as well. Family and friends of those taking the vows are also welcome (and do not need to take the refuge vows in order to attend).