You are here:

Buddhists/Returning an initiation

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/5/2011


Question
How do I "return" the samayas (promises) I made when I received an initiation? I am finding it difficult to keep the samayas (promises) and I want to be free of them. How can I do this? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Melanie,
You should make every possible effort to speak to the lama who gave the empowerment. Failing that, someone "higher up" in his or her lineage. Then you just have to see what they say - good luck!

All the best
Alex W

PS Where in Australia? I lived in Sydney for several years.

Buddhists

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Alex Wilding

Expertise

I have practiced and studied Tibetan Buddhism in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions since the early 1970s, and have a good knowledge of theory, history and of the struggles of trying to practice the teachings, including meditation, while leading a normal, modern life. I am also available to provide background information for journalists.

Experience

I have been a practitioner since the early 1970s; have run a small Buddhist centre in the English Midlands and was vice-president of Kagyu Benchen Ling e.V. in Germany, for whom I managed three large Buddhist summer-camps. More importantly, I maintain a habit of personal practice. I am the "owner" of the Kagyu list at Yahoo.

Education/Credentials
My first degree was an M.A. from Oxford. I later obtained a Master of Philosophy degree for a research thesis in "Initiation in Tibetan Buddhism" from Leicester University. I also have engineering and educational qualifications.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.