I attended a weekend retreat at our Buddhist Center with Khentrul Rinpoche. First of all, let me just say what an amazing man he is. I had a chance to meet him on Wednesday night first when he sat with our group. I was immediately struck by his innocent yet powerful and strong demeanor.

He is from Tibet and is the abbot of a monastery of 400 monks and 100 children that he also takes care of. Just an amazing man.

The retreat was mainly a two day teaching on the two main types of meditation. I got so much out of it.

The best part of the weekend was after the retreat was over and I, along with a dozen other people, took the Buddhist Vows of Refuge, which is basically a committment to the Buddhist path. It was a very moving ceremony for me. We were each given a new name as well by Rinpoche. Mine is amazing and beautiful to me but I feel like keeping it to myself for know.

After the Vows of Refuge, I was also honored to be given the Red Tara Empowerment in another even longer ceremony; again with the same people. I really have no words to describe that at all. I just know that I came away knowing that I was directly connected to a long and powerful lineage of blessing and knowledge.

After both were over, I took my khata up to Rinpoche to as an offering. He blessed it and then put it over my head and around my neck. When he was finished with that, he cupped my face in both of his hands and just gave me the biggest smile that I will never forget. It was like I was looking into eyes that had known me forever and that were telling me that everything was going to be good and that he was giving me unconditional love to take with me.

Just such a beautiful weekend.

I have added links to explain the Refuge and Empowerment Ceremonies.