The Rime Buddhist Center is a non-sectarian Center dedicated to the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. The Center is a refuge for the nurturing of inner peace, kindness, community understanding and world peace. The Center’s primary objective is to provide a qualified program of Buddhist studies and Tibetan culture taught by monks, lamas and other Tibetan teachers, and to promote a harmonious relationship of understanding between both Tibetans and Westerners. We welcome, accept, affirm, and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community as valued members of our Sangha.
The Rime Buddhist Center & Tibetan Institute of Studies is a non-profit (501c3) religious and educational organization located at 2939 Wayne Ave in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded by Lama Chuck and Chaplain Mary Stanford in 1993, the Rime Buddhist Center has evolved to reach an ever-increasing number of people interested in the study and practice of Buddhism in and around Kansas City. The Rime Center also sponsors meditation retreats and hosts special interest group meetings related to the teaching and practice of Buddhism in everyday life.
Lama Chuck and Mary at their White Tara puja July 25, 2015.
Rime Center Founders
Lama Chuck Stanford was an ordained Lama within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. His wife Mary Stanford is a certified Buddhist chaplain who has worked in hospice for many years. At the end of 2015 Lama Emeritus Stanford retired as the spiritual leader and Executive Director of the Rime Buddhist Center. They moved to Oregon to be closer to their children and grandchildren.