REFUGE AND NGAKPA VOWS: WHAT TO UNDERSTAND BEFORE MAKING A COMMITMENT

Those who are new to Tibetan Buddhism may encounter terms such as Refuge, Ngakpa vows, empowerment, and Vajrayana samaya. These are closely related aspects of the Buddhist path, but they do not have the same meaning and do not necessarily need to be received at the same time.

Understanding each step clearly allows practitioners to make decisions that are appropriate to their circumstances, aspirations, and ability to practise. Taking vows is not simply a matter of attending a ceremony, receiving a Dharma name, or wearing religious attire. It means voluntarily accepting a spiritual direction and making commitments that should be respected over time.

1. What Is Refuge?

Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels is the fundamental foundation of the Buddhist path.

Taking Refuge in the Buddha means relying upon the fully awakened teacher and accepting the Buddha as our guide.

Taking Refuge in the Dharma means relying upon the teachings and methods that help us recognise and transform ignorance, disturbing emotions, and suffering.

Taking Refuge in the Sangha means relying upon the community of realised beings and sincere practitioners who preserve, practise, and transmit the authentic Dharma.

Taking Refuge does not mean seeking an external power that will solve all our difficulties for us. Its deeper meaning is to establish a clear spiritual direction: awakening is the destination, the Dharma is the path, and the Sangha provides guidance and support along that path.

2. What Does It Mean to Take Refuge?

The Refuge ceremony marks a person’s formal commitment to entering the Buddhist path. However, the true meaning of Refuge does not lie merely in the ceremony or in receiving a Dharma name. Its significance lies in an inner change of direction.

A person who takes Refuge aspires to:

• Remember and respect the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha;
• Study and practise the Dharma according to their ability;
• Reduce thoughts, words, and actions that cause harm;
• Cultivate wholesome actions, compassion, and wisdom;
• Gradually integrate the Dharma into family life, work, and relationships.

A person does not need to possess extensive knowledge or practise for many hours every day before taking Refuge. What is most important at the beginning is sincere trust in the Three Jewels and a genuine wish to learn, practise, and transform oneself.

3. Are Refuge Commitments the Same as the Five Lay Precepts?

Refuge commitments and the Five Lay Precepts are closely connected, but they are not exactly the same.

Refuge commitments concern the practitioner’s relationship with the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. A person who has taken Refuge endeavours not to turn away from the Three Jewels, disparage the Dharma, or deliberately create division within the spiritual community.

The Five Lay Precepts are fundamental ethical commitments that generally involve refraining from:

• Killing;
• Taking what has not been freely given;
• Sexual misconduct;
• False speech;
• Intoxicants that cause heedlessness.

Depending on the circumstances and the teacher’s guidance, a person may take Refuge first and later undertake some or all of the Five Lay Precepts. Participants should therefore understand clearly which commitments they will be receiving during a particular ceremony.

4. Who Is a Ngakpa?

In Tibetan Buddhist traditions, a Ngakpa is generally understood as a non-monastic practitioner committed to the path of Vajrayana. A female practitioner may be referred to as a Ngakma.

A Ngakpa is not an ordained monk or nun. Ngakpas may have families, occupations, and ordinary social responsibilities. At the same time, they undertake a life connected with Vajrayana practice, the preservation of vows, and an ongoing relationship with their teacher and lineage.

The essence of being a Ngakpa does not lie in a title or in religious clothing. It lies in practice:

• Maintaining regular Dharma practice;
• Practising the methods transmitted by the teacher;
• Preserving the vows and commitments one has received;
• Cultivating bodhicitta;
• Maintaining harmony with fellow practitioners;
• Integrating the Dharma into everyday life.

The specific requirements for Ngakpas may differ according to the lineage, practice tradition, and instructions of the individual teacher.

5. What Is the Difference Between Refuge and Ngakpa Vows?

In general terms:

Taking Refuge establishes one’s source of spiritual reliance and overall direction on the Buddhist path.

Taking Ngakpa vows involves additional commitments associated with the life of a non-monastic Vajrayana practitioner.

Refuge is the common foundation for those who wish to formally enter the Buddhist path. Ngakpa vows are intended for people who wish to enter more deeply into a committed life of Vajrayana practice and who are prepared to take responsibility for the vows they receive.

A person may take Refuge without taking Ngakpa vows. This is entirely normal and may be the most appropriate choice for someone who is new to Buddhism or not yet ready to undertake further commitments.

A person wishing to take Ngakpa vows should already have a foundation in Refuge, understand the meaning of sustained practice, and carefully consider whether they can maintain the commitments over the long term.

6. Does Taking Ngakpa Vows Mean Becoming Ordained?

No.

A Ngakpa is a non-monastic practitioner and does not belong to the monastic Vinaya system of monks and nuns. Taking Ngakpa vows therefore does not require a person to leave their family, occupation, or social responsibilities.

However, being non-monastic does not mean living without discipline. A Ngakpa should organise daily life in a way that supports regular practice, avoids actions contrary to the vows, and reflects responsibility towards the spiritual community.

Everyday life itself becomes the environment in which the practitioner cultivates compassion, awareness, patience, and pure perception.

7. Does Wearing Ngakpa Attire Make Someone a Ngakpa?

Ngakpa attire represents a connection with a tradition, a lineage, and the responsibilities accepted by the practitioner. However, wearing the attire alone does not make a person a Ngakpa in the complete sense.

More important questions include whether the person:

• Has received the teacher’s permission;
• Has received the relevant vows and instructions;
• Maintains the required practices;
• Understands the responsibilities represented by the attire.

Ngakpa attire should therefore not be treated as decoration, a sign of status, or a way of appearing different from others. It is meaningful only when accompanied by sincere practice and the preservation of one’s commitments.

8. Commitments for Those Taking Ngakpa Vows with Lama Sonam Tashi Rinpoche

According to the instructions given to those who wish to take Ngakpa vows and wear Ngakpa attire under the guidance of Lama Sonam Tashi Rinpoche in the Dudjom Tersar tradition, practitioners should endeavour to maintain the following commitments:

• Remember the Dharma every day and devote time to recitation or the practice of Dudjom Tersar Ngondro, or another practice instructed by the teacher;
• Whenever possible, participate in practices and pujas on Guru Rinpoche Day and Dakini Day, which fall on the tenth and twenty-fifth days of the Tibetan lunar calendar;
• Maintain respect and pure perception towards the teacher;
• Refrain from disparaging, speaking negatively about, or intentionally harming the teacher or fellow practitioners;
• Preserve harmony with Vajra brothers and sisters;
• Refrain from smoking and using other addictive substances;
• Participate in and support Dharma activities according to one’s ability.

Before taking the vows with Lama Sonam Tashi Rinpoche, registered participants are also required to:

• Complete 1,000 recitations of the Seven-Line Prayer;
• Prepare the complete Ngakpa attire in accordance with the organiser’s instructions.

These are specific requirements given by Lama Sonam Tashi Rinpoche for those receiving Ngakpa vows from him. They should not automatically be regarded as identical requirements for every teacher or Vajrayana lineage.

9. Are Ngakpa Vows and Vajrayana Samaya the Same?

Ngakpa vows and Vajrayana samaya are closely related, but they should be distinguished from one another.

Ngakpa vows relate to the conduct and commitments of a non-monastic Vajrayana practitioner. Vajrayana samaya is generally received in connection with an empowerment or a particular Vajrayana transmission.

Depending on the empowerment and the teacher’s instructions, the practitioner may receive commitments concerning:

• The teacher who bestows the empowerment;
• The yidam and the practice received;
• The Vajrayana teachings;
• Vajra brothers and sisters;
• The maintenance of bodhicitta and the motivation to benefit beings.

Practitioners should avoid disparaging the teacher, abandoning the yidam or practice, revealing restricted Vajrayana teachings to those who have not received the appropriate transmission, or allowing anger and conflict to damage harmony among Vajra companions.

When practitioners recognise that they have made a mistake or violated a commitment, they should not conceal it, give up, or fall into despair. They should sincerely confess, purify the violation, restore their commitment, and seek guidance from the teacher or an authorised instructor.

10. Should Refuge and Ngakpa Vows Be Taken at the Same Time?

This depends on the individual’s capacity, experience, and the guidance of the teacher.

Someone who is new to Buddhism may begin by taking Refuge, studying the foundational teachings, and developing a regular practice. There is no need to hurry into additional vows before understanding their meaning or developing the ability to maintain them.

A practitioner who already has a foundation, confidence in the teacher and lineage, and a willingness to practise consistently may consider learning more about taking Ngakpa vows.

Receiving Refuge and Ngakpa vows during the same programme does not mean that they are the same commitment. Participants should receive a clear explanation of each and voluntarily accept each set of vows.

11. Questions to Consider Before Taking Ngakpa Vows

Before making a decision, each person should honestly ask:

• Do I sincerely wish to integrate the Dharma into my daily life?
• Can I devote time to regular practice?
• Am I willing to complete the accumulations and preparations required by the teacher?
• Can I maintain respect for the teacher and harmony with fellow practitioners?
• Am I prepared to abandon or change habits that are inconsistent with the vows?
• Do I wish to take the vows in order to practise, or am I mainly attracted to the title and outward appearance?

There is nothing wrong with recognising that one is not yet ready. Postponing the vows in order to study and prepare properly is often wiser than accepting commitments that one does not yet understand or cannot maintain.

12. Practice Is the Most Important Point

Taking Refuge opens the door to the Buddhist path. Taking Ngakpa vows represents a deeper commitment to living and practising as a non-monastic Vajrayana practitioner.

Whichever step a person chooses, its value does not depend on the number of vows, Dharma names, empowerments, or religious garments received. Its genuine value lies in whether the person transforms the mind, reduces harmful conduct, develops compassion, and benefits others.

Those who take Refuge should preserve trust in the Three Jewels. Those who take Ngakpa vows should maintain their practice and commitments. Those who receive empowerment should respect and protect their samaya.

All these commitments share the same ultimate purpose: to transform body, speech, and mind and gradually progress towards awakening for the benefit of all sentient beings.

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Note: This article provides an introductory explanation intended to help readers distinguish between Refuge, Ngakpa vows, and Vajrayana samaya. Detailed instructions concerning vows, attire, and practice should be received directly from a qualified teacher or an authorised representative. The requirements concerning 1,000 recitations of the Seven-Line Prayer, Ngakpa attire, and daily practice described above apply specifically to those taking Ngakpa vows with Lama Sonam Tashi Rinpoche.