Refuges and Precepts Course

Dates: Friday April 11 and 15, May 2, 2025.*
Time: 7:45 pm – 9:10 pm
Location: In person at Ekoji (3411 Grove Ave, Richmond), and online via Zoom
Cost: Dana / donation based (see below)
Teacher: Marjolein Janssen
Registration: Fill out this form

* Note: On Sunday May 4th, 1:30-4pm, there will be a Vesak Celebration and Refuges and Precepts ceremony, this will be the culmination for this course. Though this is listed as a separate event, it is part of this course. The Vesak celebration is only in person, the course is both in person and on Zoom. You can attend the course and not attend the Vesak celebration, if you wish.

Description
Are you interested in deepening your understanding of Theravada Buddhism and exploring the Dhamma? Join us for the Refuges and Precepts Class, where you’ll learn about the foundational teachings that guide the life of a committed Buddhist practitioner.

What are the Refuges and Precepts?
In this class, we’ll explore what it means to take the Three Refuges (Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha) and the Five Precepts, which are core ethical guidelines in Theravada Buddhism. These practices provide a strong foundation for leading a mindful and compassionate life, helping to foster wisdom, moral conduct, and mental clarity.

• The Three Refuges:

  • Buddha: the Buddha was a human being just like us, and he was able to attain awakening, and so can we.
  • Dhamma: The teachings that lead us to awakening.
  • Sangha: The community of practitioners who support each other on the path.

• The Five Precepts:
  
  1. To refrain from killing any living being.
  2. To refrain from stealing.
  3. To refrain from sexual misconduct.
  4. To refrain from lying or harmful speech.
  5. To refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind.

Why Take the Refuges and Precepts?
Taking the Refuges and Precepts marks a profound step on the Buddhist path, signifying a commitment to the teachings and practices that lead to the cessation of suffering. Whether you are a newcomer or have been practicing for some time, this class will deepen your understanding of what it means to be a Buddhist, how to integrate these teachings into daily life, and the benefits of living according to these precepts.

Formally take the Refuges and Precepts
For those who feel ready, we offer the special opportunity to formally take the Refuges and Precepts during a ceremony at the Vesak Celebration, Sunday May 4th at Ekoji. This formal ceremony is a meaningful way to embrace the Buddhist path and become part of the global Sangha of Buddhist practitioners.

There’s no need to make a decision right away. At the end of this class, you’ll have the chance to reflect and consider whether you’d like to formally take the Refuges and Precepts during the Vesak ceremony. Whether you come to the class already certain of your intention to participate, unsure, or even not planning to engage in the ceremony at all, you are welcome to attend and explore the teachings.

Those who have been in a formal refuge and precepts ceremony before are encouraged to come again to provide support and inspiration.

“Taking refuge is one of the most common rituals a lay practitioner performs in Theravada Buddhism. While it is done as a matter of course at ceremonies during retreats and when visiting a temple, it can be a pivotal moment when, for the first time, one takes refuge with a conscious intent of orienting one’s life in accordance to one’s deepest values and aspirations. Relating our practice to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, helps insure that our practice is not limited only to intellectual concerns or issues of personal therapy. It helps solidify a wide foundation of trust and respect from which true mindfulness practice can grow.” -Gil Fronsdal

Generosity for the Teacher and the IMCR Group

This class is offered on dana basis (donation basis). There are two ways to practice generosity for this retreat:

• Generosity for the teacher: the suggested donation for the teacher is (for all three Friday evening classes): $20 – $90 (sliding scale).
• Generosity for the IMCR group: we appreciate donations of any amount you feel comfortable and generous giving.

Your donation to the teacher provides support to allow Marjolein to continue offering these teachings, and your donation to the IMCR group allows the continuation of the IMCR group. Please give as feels appropriate and generous for you. Please delight in your generosity and know that the dharma continues to be offered to you and others through our collective acts of sharing. All are welcome, no donation is required.

There will be the opportunity to offer a cash donation, or a donation by check. You can also donate online to Marjolein and/or the IMCR group.

More information about the concept of dana, generosity, in Buddhism.

Important

• Experience with Buddhist practice, for example through attending IMCR events, is a precondition for attending this course. This course is not for beginners.
• Some homework will be part of this course – it will take about half an our to an hour to prepare for each class.
• Please register in advance by filling out this form.

Questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us.