On October 8, 2022 (Sat), His Eminence Kensur Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Phende will bestow the Upasaka (Layman) Vows at Wisdom Hall in Kechara Forest Retreat.
Event Details
(Open to Kechara members / Kechara Friends only)
The Upasaka Vows
The Sanskrit term Upasaka refers to Buddhist practitioners who are not monks, nuns or novices, and who hold the five lay vows or Five Precepts:
In general, the Upasaka vows can be taken all at once or individually, and for a lifetime or a self-determined period of time. A lay disciple who holds all 5 lay vows is also known as Genyen in Tibetan, literally meaning “pursuer of virtue.”
Benefits of Taking Vows
The taking and upholding of vows is an essential Buddhist practice. It instils spiritual discipline which helps you develop mindfulness of how you conduct yourself on a daily basis.
In addition, every day that you uphold your vows, you collect merits and purify negative karma. This helps you progress on your spiritual path through transformation of the mind.
By attending this teaching, you will not only gain knowledge but receive the seeds or karmic causes to take the vows and hold them well in the future.
Prerequisites
About H.E. Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Phende
His Eminence Kensur Rinpoche Lobsang Phende studied at the feet of some of the greatest lineage masters of our tradition — H.H. Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and H.E. Kyabje Zemey Rinpoche. He was the lead chanter (umze) of Gaden Shartse Monastery and later became the courageous first abbot of Shar Gaden Monastery.
After retiring from this esteemed position, Kensur Rinpoche has visited Kechara on multiple occasions, the first being in 2017 at the request of H.E. Tsem Rinpoche.