Accepting the Creed is not just a formal reading of the text, but a deep spiritual ritual that changes your status in the Universe and in the Lineage. It is a conscious transition into a new quality of life, so preparation for it must be just as conscious and sincere.
Step 1: Coordination and Agreement
First of all, you need to contact a monk of the community to agree on the time and place of the ritual.
- The ritual is conducted individually or in a group before the altar under the guidance of an experienced mentor (monk).
- The total duration of the ritual meditation is about one hour.
Step 2: Inner and Physical Purity
On the appointed day of accepting the Creed, it is important to observe the rules of purification:
- Ablution: In the morning, it is necessary to perform a full body ablution.
- Fasting: It is recommended to refrain from eating until the ritual itself is completed.
- Clothing: You should come to the ritual in clean clothes; traditionally, preference is given to white clothing.
Step 3: Offerings (Darshana)
Taking Refuge and the Creed is accompanied by an offering to the altar, symbolizing your readiness to give and sacrifice for the sake of spiritual growth.
- Food and Flowers: Fresh fruits, sweets, or live flowers are traditionally offered to the altar.
- Dakshina: It is also customary to make a voluntary monetary donation as a sign of gratitude for the transmission of the Teaching.
How does the ritual itself take place?
During the sacred action, you will be in front of the altar in the presence of a representative of the Lineage (a monk).
- Invocation: Begins with a prayer-proclamation of intent (sankalpa) before the Refuge Tree.
- Reading the Text: You will personally read the full text of the Creed, affirming each of its points in your heart.
- Prayer for Granting Refuge: You will read a prayer of petition for the Refuge to endow you with the faith and wisdom of the Rishis, and to purify your past, present, and future.
- Mantra: In conclusion, the Refuge Mantra ("Namo Guru Deva...") is chanted, sealing your connection with the Three Treasures.
What does this provide?
From the moment the ritual is performed, you become an official follower of the Teaching and a student of Swami Vishnudevananda Giri. This opens access to the school, gives the right to study basic practice methods, and allows participation in the life of the sangha as a spiritual brother or sister.
Summary: Thorough preparation for the ritual allows you to attune to the flow of blessings and make the acceptance of faith a truly significant event that will become the foundation for all your further practice.
What's next? Accepting the Creed also involves taking on certain moral and ethical obligations. In the next article, we will examine in detail exactly what vows a layperson-grihastha takes.
Go to Article 7: “Vows and Duties of a Layperson (Grihastha)”
