Weekend Course

Understanding Refuge Vows and Precepts

with Geshe Tenzin Legtsok

Friday, September 5
7:00pm – 9:00pm PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)

Saturday, September 6 – Sunday, September 7
10:30am – 4:00pm PDT

Lunch break: 12:30pm – 2:00pm PDT
In-person attendees may pre-order a vegetarian sandwich lunch option by September 3.

in-person and online

Program Category: Dharma Education — Foundational

This is a hybrid event, and we are using the Zoom video conferencing system for online participants. Please register below to receive your online access information.

By registering for this event, you understand that the sessions may be recorded and published in the public domain (such as YouTube), and consent to this process.

Explore the meaning and practice of taking refuge in Buddhism in this welcoming weekend course, designed for beginners and those curious about the Buddhist path.


Together, we will explore:


  • What it means to take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
  • What these objects of refuge are
  • How they protect us from suffering and benefit us
  • Why and how one formally goes for refuge as a Buddhist
  • The practice of living in refuge
  • The nature and function of the lay vows of individual liberation
  • How to keep these vows
  • Once one has gone for refuge, how to follow the advice and keep the other refuge precepts

No prior experience is required — all are welcome!
Whether you are new to Buddhism or seeking a deeper understanding, this course offers a warm and supportive space to learn under the guidance of a highly qualified teacher.

Prayer Wheel at Kopan Monastery
Prayer Wheel at Kopan Monastery
Geshe Tenzin Legtsok

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok has been ordained as a Buddhist monk since 2001 and is the first American to complete the twenty-year Geshe Studies Program in classic Indian Buddhist treatises and their Tibetan commentaries at Sera Jey Monastic University in South India, following the tradition of ancient Nalanda University. In 2025, he completed the traditional study of tantra at Gyudmed Tantric Monastery.

With over two decades of study and practice under the guidance of great masters, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Geshe Legtsok brings profound insights into the application of Buddhist teachings. Born in Virginia, USA in 1973, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College in 1995. His quest to answer the question, “What makes for the most happy and meaningful life,” led him to major in philosophy, eventually guiding him to study meditation and philosophy with teachers among the exiled Tibetan communities in India and Nepal since 1999.

Dedicated to studying and teaching Buddhist philosophy, Geshe Legtsok seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with modern-day relevance. His teachings emphasize understanding and transforming the mind through practice, and he is committed to helping others navigate the spiritual path with clarity and patience.

Registration

Suggested Donation: $108

The events at the center are offered on a donation basis. Our philosophy for donations is founded on the Generosity Model, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

Registration is required to receive your online access information.