pith instructions

In The Light of Wisdom ISBN 962-7341-37-1, Vol I, pg. 119, is given the following regarding the ritual for taking the vow: The Ritual Various rituals originate from the traditions of the Lineage of the Profound View, the Lineage of the Vast Conduct, and the Special Tradition of Mantrayana. (ref. note 242)

(Note 242) The way of generating bodhichitta according to Mantrayana, such as in the context of the Lamdrey of the Glorious Sakya School, is to chant the "I take refuge in the Three Jewels" and so forth immediately after the seven branches. This style of generating bodhichitta is similar to the Middle Way. [JOKYAB]

These Seven Branches (yan lag bdun pa) are: prostrate(ing) to the Three Jewels, confessing negative actions, making offerings, rejoicing in the virtue of others, requesting the turning the wheel of Dharma, beseeching to not pass into nirvana, and the dedication of merit to the enlightenment of all sentient beings. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche