Loading Events

Taking Vows & Precepts is a ceremony of intention to follow the Buddha’s teachings to work towards a happier and more peaceful life for ourselves as well as for all sentient beings. This ceremony is preceded by 3 Saturday morning preparatory classes.

The Ten Precepts in Pali and English for this retreat -retreat held in Vietnamese and English

1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to abstain from taking life. (Though the precept’s wording prohibits the killing of living beings, in terms of its underlying purpose it can also be understood to prohibit injuring, maiming, and torturing as well — Bhikkhu Bodhi)

2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.

3. Abrahmacariya veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity.

4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.

5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.

6. Vikalabhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from eating after midday.

7. Nacca-gita-vadita-visuka-dassana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing,singing, music, going to see entertainments.

8. Mala-gandha-vilepana-dharana-mandana-vibhusanatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.

9. Uccasayana-mahasayana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.

10. Jatarupa-rajata-patiggahana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from accepting gold and silver (money).
(from Digha Nikaya 1; Vinaya, Mahavagga I 56.1)

Saturday, October 14  
8:30-9:30 a.m.  Ceremony of receiving the eight precepts (altogether)
9:30-9:45 a.m.  Break
9:45-10:45 a.m.  Reading/ Meditation ( Americans)
Repentance Ceremony 1 (Vietnamese)   
11:30-12:30 p.m.  Formal Meal Ceremony
(only for precept practitioners)   
1:00- 2:00 p.m.  Relaxing Nap
2:30-3:30 p.m.  Dharma Talk (altogether)
3:30-3:45 p.m.  Break
3:45- 5:00 p.m.  Reading/Meditation (Americans)
Repentance Ceremony 2 (Vietnamese)   
6:00 p.m.  Drinking milk or rice soup
7:00-8:00 p.m.  Dharma Talk (Viet, thầy Vĩnh Minh)
(American-Thầy Kozen)   
8:00-8:15 p.m.  Break
8:15-9:15 p.m.  Reading/Meditation (Americans)
Repentance Ceremony 3 (Vietnamese)   
9:30-10:00 p.m. Sitting meditation (altogether)
10:00 p.m. Sleep
Sunday, October 15  
6:00-7:00 a.m. Morning Chanting (Vietnamese)
Meditation (American)  
7:00-8:30 a.m.  Closing Ceremony (altogether)
9:00 a.m.  Breakfast
10:00-11:00 a.m. Tea Meditation ( open to the public)
12:00 p.m. Formal Lunch (open to the public)
-The End-  
.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.7;}

Preparatory Classes

These prep classes are recommended but not required for this Precepts & Vows ceremony.

These classes follow the regular Saturday morning meditation service which is from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.  These classes will follow the closing of the service shortly after 10:00 a.m.  

Sat. Sept. 23 at 10:00 a.m.

Rev. Emily Martin (Minh Tăng) and Rev. Debbie Nelson (Minh Tánh) will give an overview of the purpose of and significance of taking Precepts & Vows

Sat. Sept. 30 at 10:00 a.m.

Rev. Scott (Minh Tự) and Sister Minh Bao will talk about the Four Noble Truths

Sat. Oct. 7 at 10:00 a.m.

Rev. River (Brother Yinxin) and Rev. August Jensen (Minh Nhẫn) will talk about the Noble Eightfold Path

Not a local? Book lodging with Jordan  at 509.395.2030 / business@tlabbey.com

There are various options available, depending on the event.  1. Trout Lake Abbey B&B private or hostel style rooms.  2. Meditations huts.  3. Futons either in the temple or the Mountain View Room.  4. Camping

Please call in advance to inquire about availability.  

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!