SHRINEROOM PROTOCOL

In order to follow the practices of our Nyingma lineage and pay respect to our teachers, we ask that you observe the following:

1. Please do not bring food or drink into the temple (except for tsok). Covered water bottles are fine.

2. Please remove shoes before entering the temple.

3. Before the practice or teachings begin, enter early and make three prostrations to the shrine before sitting down to meditate. Please do not keep the Lamas waiting.

4. The room will be full; please arrange cushions close together. There may not be room for extra items such as puja tables, etc.

5. Please maintain silence and respect for the shrine at all times. Functional talking is permissible. Please take socializing to the Sangha House so the temple can be reserved for practice.

6. When the Lamas arrive, please stand, fold your hands at your heart and bow slightly from the waist. (Repeat when they leave.)

7. Do three prostrations with the Lamas toward the shrine. Wait for them to take their seats and do three prostrations in their direction.

8. Please keep Dharma texts off the floor. Place them on fabric, a scarf or any object distinct from the floor.

9. When moving about, be mindful not to step on or over texts and ritual objects. Please keep your own texts and ritual objects gathered so that people may walk through easily.

10. When sitting, please do not show the bottoms of your feet to the altar or teachers.

11. When chanting, please do so in such a way that you can hear the Lamas and chant together in harmony with them. Be mindful to follow the tune and tempo of the Lamas in the moment; they may choose to lead a familiar prayer in an unfamiliar way. When chanting in English, please do not chant too fast, too slow, or too loud, but in harmony with the group.

12. Please do not lie down during any practice or teaching. Please do not sleep in the shrineroom except for the designated time at night.

13. Please respect others while they practice and try not to disturb others who are engaged in prayer or meditation.

14. Please keep your area of the shrineroom clean.

15. Please do not touch, move or change things on the shrine unless you are asked to do so.

16. If you have any special needs and require assistance, please make prior arrangements and arrive early.

17. At the end of an empowerment or teaching, it is customary and considered meritorious to offer a white scarf (katag) to the Rinpoches. You may also give a small gift or donation, which is always presented in a white envelope; never offer a Lama money that is uncovered. Both scarves and envelopes are available in the bookstore.

18. At night, you may sleep in the Shrineroom. Please arrange your position so that your feet are not pointing toward the shrine. In the morning, please remove your bedding by 6:45 and return it to your car before the morning teaching.

19. Please maintain silence in and around the temple between 9:30 pm and 6:30 am so the Lamas and fellow students may sleep.

– Adapted from Padma Samye Ling Retreat Center Guidelines for Guests

Chanting Tips

The Lamas will announce the order of prayers and practices. Pick up a copy of the Shrineroom Practice Book upon entering and become familiar with the Table of Contents. For your convenience, this is the usual order:

Before PRACTICES

• Ringing of Bell. Please settle into silent stillness and maintain until Rinpoche breaks the silence.

• Seven-Line Prayer            page 4

• Vajra Guru Mantra            5

• Lineage Prayers, Prayer to the Root Guru            6-8

• Vajrasattva            16-18

Before Teachings

• Seven-Line Prayer            4

• Vajra Guru Mantra            5

• Lineage Prayers, Prayer to the Root Guru            6-8

• Mandala Offering            62

• Requesting the Teacher to Turn the Wheel of Dharma            63

AT CONCLUSION OF Teachings & PRACTICES

• Dedication of Merit, Closing Prayers            25

• Prayer for the Long Life of HH the Dalai Lama            Insert

• Long-life prayers for Venerable Khenpos;  rebirth prayer for Lama Chimed            38-40

• Ringing of Bell three times. Maintain silent stillness, hands held at heart, until Rinpoche breaks the silence.

Remain seated until Lamas stand, or until we are dismissed. When Lamas stand, please rise, fold your hands at your heart and bow slightly from the waist as they exit. If the Lamas dismiss without leaving, you may rise and go about your business.