On the final day of Summer Retreat 27 steps sounded the commitment of the 27 people who became part of our sangha, or Buddhist group, in a ceremony called Taking Refuge. This is the act of officially setting foot on our path.

Anyone can take refuge. It is open to everyone who has joyful interest and devotion toward the Buddha, the dharma (Buddhist teachings) and the sangha (Buddhist group). One is not required to be strictly Buddhist, though most are.

During the ceremony each student receives a dharma name and a little piece of their hair is cut off. The piece of hair is an offering to the Buddha, the dharma, the sangha and the teacher. At this point he or she becomes part of the Buddhist sangha.

The dharma name almost always consists of two names, which are chosen by our teachers for each student. In our lineage, they often start with Pema, or "Lotus." Typically lay people keep their given name, but a few students choose to go by their new dharma name.

Each person receives his or her dharma name on a certificate handwritten in the Khenpos' beautiful Tibetan calligraphy, which is also stamped and signed by our teachers.

Pema Dalzang (Lotus of Good Fortune)