Your First Initiation

It is rare to receive a large number of initiations -- some students will receive only one. Therefore, initiations are a very special time for students. This page will assist you in preparing for your first initiation.

The main things to remember are to be in the most calm and attentive state you can, and be as respectful as possible. Your best effort will be appreciated, even if you do not remember everything listed here.

Preparing for the initiation

If you have a daily meditation or practice, you may want to do it before arriving. It is suggested you wear clean, light colored clothing, wash your face and hands before the ceremony, and generally look presentable. If you need any special accommodations, please speak with Domo Geshe Rinpoche or a Dharma center administrator before arriving.

What to bring with you

It is traditional to bring one or more offerings. Please see the section on offerings. In addition, you may bring any combination of the following:

• A Kata, if you have one and know how to offer it.
• Your mala or tenga if you have one.
• A new and clean cloth, binder, or other support for Dharma materials.
  

Arriving at the initiation

Please arrive promptly for the initiation. Students may come a few minutes early to have time to calm their minds and generally let go of the day's hectic activities. Please be quiet when entering the Dharma hall in case a student is meditating.

Entering the Dharma hall

Enter the hall quietly and find a comfortable seat. You will be given all of the printed materials you need at the time of initiation.

Rinpoche will enter the hall at the appropriate time. Please rise and bow with hands folded. If you do not know the traditional bow, you may check with a student before the initiation begins, or follow along as the other students rise.

Once Rinpoche is seated, if you are a holder of Buddhist refuge, you will take refuge while completing three prostrations. If you have difficulty for any reason, you may remain standing with hands folded while taking refuge. If you are not yet a holder of the refuge vows, you may take your seat as soon as Rinpoche is seated on the teaching throne.

At this time, the initiation ceremony begins.