Question asked by Terri
Good day to you, I hope this email finds you well!
I took my refuge vows online with HE Garchen Rinpoche. I do not live near a Center, my practice is done at home and I listen to teachings online. There is a Drikung Center near where my fiance and I are getting married and I would like to visit the Center while I am in that area. This will be my first time visiting a Center. I am nervous but excited for I feel a sense of home in the Dharma.
Can you offer me the proper etiquette when visiting a Center? Would I offer my khatak? I would like to make an offering to the Center in celebration of our nuptials. Is this appropriate? Could you kindly offer me advice on what type of offerings would be proper? I also, would like to make a 5 sensory offering to Buddha while I am there.
I apologize for the multiple questions, I hope this makes sense. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your advice and information.
Peace, Love & Warm Blessings to you and all beings.
Dear Terri,
I’m glad you will be able to visit the centre. On arriving at the centre you should offer a khata to any members of the sangha you come across. If there is a lama present at the centre and you have the fortunate to meet him, then you should also offer a khata to the lama too. In the main prayer hall of the centre should be the throne of the lama, you should offer prostrations to the throne and also offer a khata to the throne.
In regards to make offerings, of course! You can make traditional offerings, which is a Buddha image, Dharma text and Stupa. If you do not have these things, then any other form of offerings is perfectly acceptable too: fruits, incense, packaged food that is vegetarian, flowers. You can also make a monetary offering to help with the upkeep of the centre, etc. They more offerings you can make to either the centre, the sangha there or on the altar, the better for you and your fiancé. I hope this helps.