Ceremonies and Vows

Like all other lineages of tantric yoga, the Amrita Mandala teachings include ceremonies and vows. While simple in form they have a profound effect on the spiritual maturation of the student. Our ceremonies include:

Refuge Ceremony, incl. Bodhisattva Vows

Lay Ordination Ceremony

The Meaning of Refuge and Bodhisattva Vows

Lay Ordination Ceremony

In the context of tantra, lay ordination refers to a ceremony where the tantric practitioner formalizes the relationship with their teacher, their commitment to the lineage, and their responsibility to serve the spiritual community (Skt. sangha). In essence, this means that student formally recognizes their teacher as their guru. «Guru» is a Sanskrit term that can be translated as «one who dispels darkness». In the context of spiritual teachings, it refers to a teacher of excellent attainment, as well as practical skills in helping others resolve their habitual tendencies (Skt. karma), and thus illuminating their existential confusion (Skt. dukkha). As such, the ordination ceremony is an outward display of an inner commitment, a sacred bond between spiritual master and student. Due to the necessity of such a strong bond, certain Amrita Mandala practices are restricted to ordained students.

While rituals can have a profound impact on the minds of human beings, the actual commitment does not, and cannot come from the ceremony alone. Rather, the ceremony is an outward display of an inner truth that has already been recognized by the practitioner. This means that the lay ordination ceremony is not for everyone and not something that should not be taken lightly. It usually takes years to develop the required appreciation of, certainty and gratitude towards, and a loving relationship with one’s spiritual teacher. Nevertheless, at one point Amrita Mandala students may recognize Amrita Baba as their guru. This is when it is time to consider becoming an ordained member of Amrita Mandala.

Amrita Baba with ordained heart-students, August 2022

Commitment and Effort

While Amrita Mandala is not a monastic tradition, the concept of monastic ordination can serve to illustrate the commitment of lay ordination as well. When someone becomes a monk or a nun, it is preceded by a somewhat long preparation of a number of things in one's life. One needs to finish unfinished projects in one's private life to be ready to start a different kind of life that is engaged from the morning until night. Furthermore, one needs to know the lineage, establish a connection with one's teacher and her/his lineage, join many events, read materials and contemplate their meaning, want to help spread dharma in the world, and to become a living example to others. This includes both fellow practitioners and non-practitioners alike.

The ordained student vows to be of service to all living beings. This is a commitment that naturally marks everything in one's life. Through getting ordained, one offers oneself, one's energy, one's effort, and one's time for the purpose of serving others; through teaching, promoting, marketing, organizing, fund-raising, setting things up, sweeping the floor, carrying the chairs, cooking food or making tea... or through offering one's help in whatever way is needed to make dharma available to those who seek for it and practice it. As a lay sangha, it is understood that the time and energy available for dharma work varies, and in some cases are limited, but the main point is ordination does require strong commitment.

It also should be noted that finishing one's own purification doesn't change anything in this regard. One can graduate in terms of becoming enlightened but this doesn't mean that one stops his or her efforts in helping others. It is understandable that something might happen in life that makes one reconsider one's ordination and it is, of course, possible to un-ordain but to begin with there should be not the slightest uncertainty. Upon ordination you should know for certain that this is what you want to do in your life, and how you want to spend your time and energy in this life.

External Marks

The commitment to serve all living beings also includes wearing external marks particular to the lineage or tradition of teachings. If we take monastics, for example, monks and nuns have shaved heads and wear monastic robes. These marks are not only outward indications of inner commitment, but also an act of compassion in themselves in that that they make the dharma visible in everyday life.

In the life story of Shakyamuni Buddha, it is said that after having lived a protected and isolated life in wealth and luxury, at one point he finally ventured outside of the confines of his father’s castle. There he was exposed to old age, sickness, and death, and upon being confronted with these inevitable facts of life, his mind became very disturbed. Then, finally, he saw a spiritual practitioner wearing his robes and radiating peace and happiness. Seeing this enlightened being, the Buddha realized that there must be a way to find peace in the midst of suffering.

While tantra is not monastic, it is still the duty of ordained practitioners to make the dharma visible in our society. External marks are required tools in order to do so. As such, the ordination marks are not to be worn only on special occasions but are intended to become a part of the everyday ordinary life of the ordained tantric practitioner. It should be noted that while it is highly recommended that the ordained student wear all of the external marks of the lineage, personal adaptation is possible for practical purposes.

The external signs of ordained students of Amrita Mandala include,

(1) Long hair

Ordained students of Amrita Mandala are encouraged to grow their air long. While shaved hair is a symbol of monasticism and renunciation, letting one’s hair grow out is a symbol of lay practice and embracing all of life’s joys and challenges while working for the benefit of all beings. It is up to the individual practitioner what style the hair is kept (loose, tied up, top knot, etc.), though there is a tantric trick of tying the hair with something that is consecrated and charged with tantric blessings. Just like when wearing a charged mala, or necklace around one’s neck, this offers support to the practitioner by elevating the mind when feeling down, and protection when going to places where protection is needed.

(2) Earrings

Earrings are another classic tantric symbol. Ordained students of Amrita Mandala are encouraged to wear earrings (not studs) through the middle of their earlobes. The size of the earring is up to the individual. Furthermore, while any metal will absorb the tantric blessing of consecration, noble metals, especially gold, absorb the charge better.

(3) Tantric robes

It is common for spiritual practitioners of many traditions to wear some form of robe as an external mark of their practice. In Amrita Mandala, ordained students wear robes in the form of a large piece of cloth (approx 40 x 190 cm) wrapped over the left shoulder. The color of the robe is optional, but it should be simple (not elaborately embroidered, etc.). All robes are required to be consecrated by the guru to ensure that the robe serves its tantric function.

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While undertaking ordination is a powerful practice for students who are ready, for the reasons mentioned above the decision to ordain is not one that should be rushed. It is important to know that there is no requirement to ordain, and one can perfectly well practice Amrita Mandala teachings without doing so. However, for those who know in their hearts that Amrita Baba is their guru, and have a strong wish to put their time and energy into building Amrita Mandala in order to benefit spiritual seekers and beings in general, then Lay Ordination might be a natural step forward in their spiritual practice. If so, one should discuss this with the teacher.

Five Refuges

(Relative)

I take refuge in the Guru

I take refuge in His Pure Land

I take refuge in the Buddha

I take refuge in the Dharma

I take refuge in the Sangha

x 3

(Absolute)

I am the Guru

I'm in the Pure Land

I am the Buddha

I am the Dharma

I am the Sangha

x 3

Bodhisattva Vows

Refuge Ceremony also includes Bodhisattva Vows. Bodhisattva Vows are taken by all bodhisattvas, spiritual practitioners whose primary motivation is to attain buddhahood for the sake of all sentient beings. This is the foundational motivation of all tantric practitioners. Taking this vow makes a substantial impact on the subconscious mind. Setting one's motivation in this manner, makes one's path swift and direct.

Bodhisattva Vows

I vow to liberate, all sentient beings.

I vow to end all, self-based confusion.

I vow to exercise, the dharma that frees.

I vow to attain, the great perfection!

(x3)

All who feel ready and meet the requirements are welcome to take Refuge.