Being Buddhist: Exploring the Refuge Vow - via Zoom

This is a live online course offered in partnership with Shambhala Online.  If you are not able to attend a live session or if you want to repeat it, streaming is also availble to all participants.

Saturdays, noon to 2pm Central Time

April 6, 13 and 20

Course Overview

This three session course explores the moment in a person’s life when they decide to “be Buddhist”— formally, through the practice of taking a vow. If you are considering taking the Refuge Vow, this course will help you understand what you would be committing to, and the benefits of doing so. It is open to all who are interested in the Refuge Vow, or anyone who would like to reconnect with their original inspiration for taking this vow.

The Refuge Vow has been part of the Buddhist path for centuries. Taking a vow in a formal ceremony is a way to set our intention and to plant a deep seed of aspiration for the unfolding of our spiritual path. The Refuge Vow marks the decision to commit oneself wholeheartedly to the Buddhist path and to further one’s practice and training. It is the formal commitment to being a Buddhist, following the example of the Buddha Shakyamuni, his teachings (the dharma), and joining the community (sangha) of fellow practitioners.

Taking the Refuge Vow is a powerful moment on a Buddhist practitioner’s path. Join us and discover whether this is the right moment for you—or use this as a powerful opportunity to connect with your original inspiration for this moment on your personal spiritual path.

For more information and to Register on the Shambhala Online website, go to this link:  Exploring Refuge

Be sure to enter Minneapolis in the "Revenue Share Center" box and use this code in the "Revenue Share Code" box: 2024Refuge50

Program fee:  $149

Discounts:    Select the discount request button below the "Register Now" box on the registration page. This will take you to an online form where you can fill in your request. 

About the Teacher

Gaylon Ferguson, PhD, has led group meditation retreats since 1976. He taught at Stanford, the University of Washington, and Naropa University, where he was a Core Faculty Member for fifteen years. The author of two books, Natural Wakefulness (on the four foundations of mindfulness) and Natural Bravery (on fear and fearlessness as path to manifesting bravery), his articles have appeared in Lion’s Roar, Tricycle, and Buddhadharma magazine. He contributed the foreword to the pioneering collection Black and Buddhist: What Buddhism Can Teach Us About Race, Resilience, Transformation and Freedom (Shambhala, 2020).