Chronic illness is like all of life’s challenges that suddenly and persistently impinge on what has been our usual day to day functioning: we are no longer the same person we considered our self to be previously. A new obstacle whether we feel too poorly to get out of bed, have a new limp or swagger, become responsible unexpectedly for the well being of another human, loose the ability to express our self with the same grandeur, or can no longer drive—all are as limiting as we allow them to be. The biggest problem is that it is incredibly hard not to take the situation personally and thus add to the difficulty of adapting to our or our loved one’s changed situation/condition. Discussion will encompass all these issues as well as learning how to begin bringing obstacles to our spiritual paths so we can live a satisfying life. Continue reading →

Around one hundred Mahayana sutras survive in Sanskrit or Tibetan translations. Mahayana sutras are passed down as the legacy of Gautama Buddha: early versions were not written documents but orally preserved teachings said to be verses that were committed to memory and recited by his disciples, in particular Ananda, which were viewed as a substitute for the actual speech of the Buddha following his death. This course will focus primarily on the Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra better known as the Diamond Sutra. Continue reading →

Have you wondered about how to set up a shrine or what is the proper etiquette for the shrine room and visiting teachers. This course will provide guidance and give examples of shrines both for public and private spaces. The student will also be given rules of etiquette to follow while in the shrine room. Finally the course will discuss the proper etiquette and cultural norms when in the presence of visiting teachers. Continue reading →

Shantideva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva is one of the most treasured classics of Buddhist literature. The Dalai Lama has said: “If I have any understanding of compassion and the practice of the Bodhisattva path, it is entirely on the basis of this text that I possess it.” Our text is a translation by The Padmakara Translation Group, chosen for its ability to render the original Sanskrit verse with accuracy, while retaining some of the beauty of Shantideva’s poetry. We will read and discuss topics like: cultivating bodhichitta (the heart of enlightenment), the six perfections of an aspiring Bodhisattva, and the union of wisdom and compassion. We will also use these topics for brief guided meditation sessions. Join us for this exploration of the Bodhisattva path. Continue reading →

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 the Three Jewels; 2. Meditation, the Three Yanas, and Tibetan Buddhism; 3. The organizational structure of the Rime Center and explanation of our Sunday Service; 4. Retreats/Empowerments and 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. Continue reading →