Question asked by Jake.
Hello pastors
If I have taken refuge in a Zen Mahayana school is it now impossible for me to take refuge with Tsem Rinpoche remotely? and follow his Vajrayana teachings? I'm not progressing in the Zen school and I don't receive any teachings. I took refuge with a monastic some time ago.
I feel a strong connection to Tsem Rinpoche and all he teaches especially Lama Tsongkhapa. The Vajrayana school seems better for me.
Dear Jake,
Thank you for your question. Since you have already taken Refuge, it is not actually necessary for you to take it again. You have already made a connection to Three Jewels and have received the Refuge vows and commitments. That being said, sometimes people opt to re-take Refuge in order to repair their vows.
However, you can still take Refuge remoting with Tsem Rinpoche. The Kechara Pastors can guide you in this procedure, since Tsem Rinpoche is no longer here with us physically. You can do this since you wish to follow the practices of Tibetan Buddhism and you have a strong attraction to certain practices. You must be firm in your conviction to do this.
Since you actually already have a guru-disciple relationship with the Zen monk, even if you are not actively receiving teachings, you will need to inform him of your choice, and explain why you wish to practice Tibetan Buddhism instead. Traditionally, this would actually be asking him for permission to practice under another teacher. This would be the best to do before taking Refuge again under Tsem Rinpoche. This act would seal your connection to him and make him your guru. I hope this helps.