Taking Refuge Vow Ceremony

This is an edited recording of me giving a Zoom Refuge Vow Ceremony for people in July 2025. Taking Refuge is the first step to becoming a Buddhist, and it is a simple statement of intent that you wish to shelter under - take refuge under - the inspiration of the Buddha, the teachings and the community. You can watch this video, listen to the teachings and say your vow along with the video, and that counts as you having taken refuge... 'the Universe' will hear you. If, later on, Buddhism of some form becomes a strong path for you, you will have other opportunities at other times to take refuge, and be witnessed 'in the room' by the lama or rinpoche giving you refuge But, if you watch this video and say the vow, it still counts, you and the universe, and all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of all time will be your witness. May this video and these teachings benefit all beings.