Welcome to The Rime Buddhist Center’s new core curriculum. To help accommodate those who are looking to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of Tibetan Buddhism we have revamped our core classes beginning this year. This semester you will see Rime favorites like the Meditation Workshop and Basics of Buddhism. However, to help develop sangha members for the upcoming Shedra program we are encouraging sangha members to take the Tier 2 classes. Look for details below on this exciting opportunity to deepen your practice with the support of fellow practitioners.
All classes meet on Wednesday evenings from 7:45-9 p.m., with an optional meditation session from 7-7:30 p.m.
Class and text fees are listed with each class. Use the links in the titles of the class to register for the various classes online. Otherwise print out the registration form and bring it with you to the class. If you have questions about a specific class, please contact Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) by email at spiritual.director@rimecenter.org.
Tier 1
Meditation has been proven to: lower blood pressure, relieve stress, and help you cope with anxiety. It has also been shown to be very effective with chronic pain, insomnia, and panic disorder. The wonderful thing about meditation is that it can be used anywhere, even on the way to work and has no dangerous side effects. In this one session class you will learn this simple technique that can change your life. This class is based upon the work of Jon Kabat-Zin of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.
Instructor: Sergio Moreno (Tenpa Dhargye)
Date: One Session beginning February 22, 2017
Time: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: No class fee, donation suggested.
Text: No text fee.
Have you always wanted to understand Buddhism? Buddhism is a 2,500 year old tradition that teach us how to end pain and suffering in ourselves and others. This 12 week course will cover: (1) Meditation instruction, (2) Life of the Buddha, (3) Basic Buddhist teachings, (4) Three schools of Buddhism and much more.
Instructor: Sergio Moreno (Tenpa Dhargye)
Date: 12 Sessionsbeginning on Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Time: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $50 class fee (for the entire twelve week course)
Text: Basics of Buddhism – $20
Preparing for the Refuge Vows CC103
This class is for anyone who is contemplating on taking the refuge vows. Taking the refuge vows is generally considered to be the doorway to the learning and incorporating the Buddhist tenets into one’s life. The aim is to provide the student with the understanding the what, why and how before making the commitment to take the refuge vows.
Instructor: Nora Quiason, MD (Swami Kuvirananda) and Luis Flores (Dakpa Gelek)
Date: Two Sessions beginning on Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Time: 7:45 – 9:00 p.m.
Class Fee: $30 Class fee
Text: None, Handouts will be given
Prerequisite: Basics of Buddhism
Tier 2
Four Foundations of Mindfulness CC201
For the followers of the Buddha and his teachings, there is a need for great emphasis on the practice of meditation. One must see the straightforward logic that mind is the cause of confusion and that by transcending confusion one attains the enlightened state. This can only take place through the practice of meditation. The Buddha himself experienced this, by working on his own mind, and what he learned has been handed down to us. The four foundations of mindfulness are regarded as fundamental and lays a strong foundation for practice.
Instructor: Nora Quiason, MD (Swami Kuvirananda) and Luis Flores (Dakpa Gelek)
Dates: Four sessions beginning on Wednesday January 11, 2017
Times: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30
Text: The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English – $16.95
Prerequisite: Tier 1
Turning the Mind Toward the Dharma CC202
This class focuses on the four thoughts that turn the mind toward the Dharma. These are the four contemplations are namely: 1) the difficulty of finding the freedoms and advantages, and 2) the impermanence of life, which turn the mind away from the concerns of this life; and the reflections on 3) the defects of samsara, and on 4) action (karma: cause and effect), which turn the mind away from our attitudes and conduct with respect to future lives.
Instructor: Dr. Teri Brody (Özer Chenmo) and Ray Porter (Tenzin Kunphen)
Dates: Four sessions beginning on Wednesday February 15, 2017
Times: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30
Text: Treasury of Precious Qualities: Book One – $34.95
Prerequisite: Tier 1
The Preparation of Practice with the Four Wheels CC203
This class is focused on understanding the four circumstances for people who wish to embark upon the path of the Mahayana should try to acquire. 1) Finding solitude, a place that has all the necessary conditions and is in harmony with the Dharma. 2) Finding a teacher who is learned in the Tripitaka and steeped in the practice of the three trainings. 3) Nourishing an intense wish to practice in accordance with the teaching expounded by their master. 4) Adopting the supreme protection afforded by the merit accumulated in their past and present existences.
Instructor: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Dr. Jack Nelson (Orgyen Da Zer)
Dates: Four sessions beginning on Wednesday April 5, 2017
Times: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30
Text: Treasury of Precious Qualities: Book One – $34.95
Prerequisite: Tier 1
Other Classes
Basics of Tantra – Thursdays
Have you received and empowerment from a teacher and asked to do a tantric practice, but you are unsure what it all means? The Buddhist teachings can be classified into two divisions, which represent two approaches to enlightenment, Sutra and Tantra. Sutra referred to as the ‘Casual Vehicle’ because the practices consist of assembling the causes that will lead to liberation. Tantra however, is referred to as the ‘Resultant Vehicle’ because the practices take fruition as the path by regarding buddhahood as inherently present and regarding the path as the act of uncovering or revealing this basic state. This class will introduce you to tantric initiations and preliminary practices as well as the creation and completion practices. It will also look at both Mahamudra and Dzogchen practices and end with a sadhana practicum.
Instructor: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha)
Dates: Eight sessions on Thursdays, beginning on January 12, 2017
Times: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30
Text: Basics of Tantra – $20
Prerequisite: Basics of Buddhism and have received an empowerment
Membership and Vows
Rime Membership Class – Sundays
Becoming an official member of the Rime Center demonstrates your support of the Center. In addition, members receive benefits, such as discounts and invitations to special “members only” programs. The four half-hour sessions cover the following topics: 1. Introductions, and over view of Tibetan Buddhism; 2. What does it mean to be Rime; 3. The organizational structure of the Rime Center and explanation of the center’s outreach programs; 4. Program Events and service opportunities – along with a tour of the Rime Center. Upon completion of the classes, students are inducted as new members of the Rime Center sangha and are given a mala personally blessed by H.H. Dalai Lama.
Instructor: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha)
Dates: Four sessions on Sundays, beginning on February 5, 2017
Times: 10:00 – 10:30 am
Class Fee: No fees
Prerequisite: None
Refuge Vows – Sunday May 28, 2017 at 10:30 AM CDT
Taking refuge in the three jewels is a strict prerequisite for any kind of relationship with the Buddhist teachings. The objects of refuge are the: Buddha, Dharma & Sangha (also known as the precious triple gem) grant protection to the spiritual seeker. The refuge ceremony is when one “officially” becomes Buddhist. The act of taking refuge is a declaration of one’s intention to follow the Buddhist path. The format will consist of two teachings sessions and ending with the refuge ceremony. As part of the refuge ceremony one is also given a new refuge name. No fees but dana to the teacher is suggested. After the service we will have a potluck, so please bring dish to share.
Preceptor: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha)
Prerequisite: Basics of Buddhism and Preparing for the Refuge Vows