As part of the retreat, participants will have a special opportunity to take refuge in the Three Jewels and receive the Five Precepts. The ceremony will take place in southern Germany in September.

Depending on each person’s circumstances, it may also be possible, by prior arrangement, to undertake only some of the precepts. Participation is voluntary and should be based on a conscious personal decision.

Taking refuge in the Three Jewels and observing the Five Precepts form an essential foundation of Buddhist life. Taking refuge expresses a conscious commitment to the Buddhist path, while the precepts serve as ethical training principles for a mindful, responsible, and peaceful way of living.

The Three Jewels — the Threefold Refuge

By taking refuge, one recognises the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha as the central points of orientation on one’s spiritual path:

Buddha
The Awakened One — a model and guide on the path to wisdom and liberation.

Dharma
The teachings of the Buddha — guidance for understanding, practice, and responsible conduct.

Sangha
The community of practitioners and ordained members — support and companionship on the Buddhist path.

The Five Precepts

The Five Precepts are not prohibitions imposed from outside, but voluntary principles of ethical training. They help us cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and moral responsibility in everyday life:

1. Not to kill or intentionally harm living beings
   To respect life and cultivate compassion for all living beings.
2. Not to take what has not been given
   Not to steal, deceive, or unlawfully appropriate the property of others.
3. To refrain from harmful sexual conduct
   To act responsibly and avoid causing harm to oneself or others through sexual misconduct.
4. Not to lie or speak harmfully
   To communicate truthfully, respectfully, and kindly.
5. To refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind
   To avoid alcohol and other intoxicating substances that impair mindfulness and judgement.

The ceremony offers an opportunity to begin the Buddhist path more consciously or to deepen an existing practice. However, participation in the ceremony is not a requirement for attending the retreat.