Sutra Study Sunday – Self-Examination
2025-07-06 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Rime Buddhist Center, 2939 Wayne Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64109, United States
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’. In this Sūtra, the Buddha explains that we become attached when we view things — sights, sounds, thoughts — as permanent, pleasurable, and “self.” But when we see them for what they truly are — impermanent, suffering, non-self, and dangerous — we let go of craving and become free from suffering.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: Self-Examination

Sutra Study Sunday – The Four Factors
2025-08-03 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’. In this Sūtra, the Buddha explains four factors to Maitreya for overcoming negative deeds: repentance, antidotal action, restraint, and support. Buddha advises regular sūtra recitation.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: The Sūtra Teaching the Four Factors

Preparing for the Refuge Vows
2025-09-10 19:45 - 21:00
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 of this class is to provide the student with the understanding the what, why and how before making the commitment to take the refuge vows. Refuge Vows will be given on September 14th during the Sunday Service.
This class will be in-person only. If you are interested in taking the Refuge vows, please fill out this form and click submit.

The Mirror of Mindfulness
2025-09-24 19:45 - 21:00
At the heart of every human being lies an identical essence—the potential to awaken as a Buddha. Join us as we explore The Mirror of Mindfulness, a presentation of Tibetan Buddhist teachings on the endless cycle of experience, including the four bardos. Rooted in an authentic spiritual lineage, this concise yet profound text provides practical guidance for meeting life’s joys and sorrows with clarity, equanimity, and compassion. Its teachings have been applied by people from all walks of life—monks and kings, merchants and householders—helping them not only to endure change but to transform it into wisdom and peace.
This class will be in-person only.
Register Online
Facilitator: Lama Matthew Palden Gocha
Date: 4 sessions beginning on September 24, 2025
Time: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30
Text: The Mirror of Mindfulness byt Tsele Natsok Rangdrol – Get it on Amazon.

The Four Immeasurables
2025-10-01 19:45 - 21:00
Join us for a transformative class exploring the Four Immeasurables—loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Deepen your understanding, cultivate a more compassionate heart, and connect with like-minded practitioners. Offered in-person with an online option. We look forward to seeing you!

Register Online

Facilitator: Tasjha Dixon
Date: 4 sessions beginning on October 1, 2025
Time: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30
Text: The Four Immeasurables: Practices to Open the Heart by B. Alan Wallace – Get it on Amazon or at the Rime Center gift shop.

Sutra Study Sunday – Teaching the Path to the Divinity
2025-10-05 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’. In this Sūtra, the Buddha explains that the true path to “companionship with Brahmā” is not through Vedic rituals or knowledge of ancient scriptures, but through the practice of mental cultivation and the four Brahma-vihāras (loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity). We will be focusing on the forth section on Teaching the Path to the Divinity.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: Experts in the Three Vedas: Teaching the Path to the Divinity

Sutra Study Sunday – Sutra on The Lion's Roar of Queen Srimala: The Tathagata-garbha
2025-11-02 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’. In this Sūtra, it teaches the concept of Tathagatagarbha—the inherent Buddha-nature within all beings—and its connection to the Noble Truths. The text explains that there are two levels of these truths: a limited, intellectual understanding and a deeper, self-realized one that is only fully attained by a Buddha. We will be studying Chapter 3, Section 7 The Tathagatagarbha.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: Sutra on The Lion’s Roar of Queen Srimala: The Tathagatagarbha

Introduction to the Path of the Mahayana
2025-11-05 19:45 - 21:00
Come join us at the Rime Buddhist Center for an enlightening event where we will delve into the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. Using Nāgārjuna’s classic text Letter to a Friend, this class will provide you with a foundational understanding of the Mahayana path, its principles, and practices. Whether you are new to Buddhism or seeking to deepen your knowledge, this class is open to all who are curious and eager to learn. Join us for an insightful journey into the profound teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. We look forward to seeing you there!
This class will be in-person with an online option.
Register Online
Facilitator: Hans Von Rautenfeld
Date: 6 sessions beginning on November 5, 2025
Time: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30
Text: Nāgārjuna’s Letter to a Friend – Get it on Amazon or at the Rime Center gift shop.

On Buddha Essence
2025-11-05 19:45 - 21:00
According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, our true nature—Buddha essence—is the foundation from which all wisdom arises. In this class, we will explore how to uncover this essence through proper meditation practice, understanding its purpose, and integrating philosophy with experiential insight. Drawing on Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche’s teachings and the classical Kagyu text by Rangjung Dorje (the Third Karmapa), this class offers clarity, warmth, and gentle humor to guide practitioners of all Tibetan Buddhist schools on the path to realizing their Buddha essence.
This class will be in-person only.
Register Online
Facilitator: Lama Matthew Palden Gocha
Date: 4 sessions beginning on November 5, 2025
Time: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30
Text: On Buddha Essence: A Commentary on Rangjung Dorje’s Treatise by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche – Get it on Amazon or at the Rime Center gift shop.

Sutra Study Sunday – Siṃha’s Questions
2025-12-07 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’. In this Sūtra, Prince Siṃha asks the Buddha about bodhisattva conduct. The Buddha responds with verses on the karmic causes of their qualities. When Siṃha and his followers vow to train, the Buddha smiles, foretelling their future buddhahood.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: Siṃha’s Questions

Sutra Study Sunday – Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 1
2026-01-04 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’.
In this chapter of the Sūtra, the Buddha teaches that a bodhisattva’s buddhafield is not purified through external conditions but through the purification of mind, intention, and conduct. Ethical discipline, compassion, generosity, and wisdom shape the world one inhabits. Reality reflects mind.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 1

108 Day Bodhisattva Challenge
2026-01-07 19:45 - 21:00
This challenge will be practice intensive for those who want to apply their understanding of Bodhicitta with daily practice. We welcome new students who are looking to learn about the Bodhisattva Mind Training and how to apply it to their Buddhist path, as well as experienced students who have insights to share. This event will be in-person with an online option available.
“Peace and happiness can be attained, but not by searching for something in the outside world. They start within us then extend out to the entire globe.” – Khentrul Rinpoche
“The Tibetan word lojong literally means ‘mind training’ but the practice really has more to do with training our attitude, training us out of the habitual ways that we respond to situation that happen to us, especially adverse circumstances.” – Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo
The main book that will be used for the challenge will be The Power of Mind: A Tibetan Monk’s Guide to Finding Freedom in Every Challenge by Khentrul Lodrö T’hayé Rinpoche. The Power of Mind guides the reader through transformative practices one by one—from recognizing the value of our human life to overcoming the sources of suffering, together with meditation advice for incorporating these insights into our daily lives.
Register today!
This event will be in-person with an online option available.
Unable to afford the class, but want to attend. Email Lama Matt for the promo code.
Kick off party for the 108 Day Bodhisattva Challenge is Sunday January 4, 2026 at 10:30am and will be during the Sunday Service.
Sunday Dharma Talks beginning January 4th
Each week kicks off a new topic with a Sunday Dharma talk given by Lama Matt and the other Dharma Facilitators. Dharma Talks will be uploaded to the Rime Center’s Podcast each Monday. Participants are then encouraged to read the topic from the book.
Wednesday Online Discussions beginning January 7th
Participants will meet either in-person or online Wednesdays at 7:45 pm to discuss the week’s topic. There will be ample opportunity for questions and discussion about the practice that will include actions that can be applied to daily life/practice.

Sutra Study Sunday – Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 2
2026-02-01 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’.
In this chapter of the Sūtra Vimalakīrti is introduced as a fully realized bodhisattva appearing as a layperson. He uses illness as skillful means to draw beings into the Dharma, demonstrating that awakening is not confined to monastic life or conventional roles.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 2

Sutra Study Sunday – Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 3
2026-03-01 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’.
In this chapter of the Sūtra, one by one, the Buddha’s senior disciples decline to visit Vimalakīrti, recounting how he previously dismantled their limited understanding. This chapter humbles śrāvaka attainment and highlights the fearless honesty of bodhisattva wisdom.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 3

Sutra Study Sunday – Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 4
2026-04-05 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’.
In this chapter of the Sūtra, Mañjuśrī visits Vimalakīrti, and their dialogue reveals illness as a metaphor for samsaric existence. A bodhisattva “falls ill” out of compassion, sharing the suffering of beings without being bound by it.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 4

Preparing for the Bodhisattva Vows
2026-04-23 19:45 - 21:00
This class is open to anyone who feels called to explore the Bodhisattva path and is contemplating taking the Bodhisattva vows. These vows express a heartfelt commitment to cultivate wisdom and compassion for the benefit of all beings. Together, we will gently explore the what, why, and how of the Bodhisattva vows, offering clarity and confidence before making this meaningful commitment.
The Bodhisattva Vows will be conferred on May 3rd during the Sunday Service.
Please note: Both the class and the vows will be in-person only.
If you feel drawn to take the Bodhisattva vows, we warmly invite you to complete the interest form and submit it.

Instructor: Lama Matthew Palden Gocha
Date: Two Session beginning on Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: 7:45 pm
Class Fee: Free
Text: Bouquet of Radiant Flowers, Chapter 2: Cherry Blossoms
Prerequisite: Basics of Buddhism and Refuge Vows

Sutra Study Sunday – Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 5
2026-05-03 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’.
In this chapter of the Sūtra, Vimalakīrti demonstrates teachings that defy conceptual limits—rooms that contain multitudes, stillness amid activity, and freedom within form—showing liberation that is not separate from everyday life.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 5

Sutra Study Sunday – Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 6
2026-06-07 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’.
In this chapter of the Sūtra, a goddess challenges fixed views of gender and identity, revealing that all distinctions are empty. Her playful yet incisive teaching dismantles attachment to form, status, and conceptual hierarchy.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 6

Sutra Study Sunday – Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 7
2026-07-05 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’.
In this chapter of the Sūtra, afflictions themselves become the “family” of awakening, for without suffering there would be no compassion or path. Bodhisattvas transform defilements into wisdom rather than rejecting them.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 7

Sutra Study Sunday – Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 8
2026-08-02 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’.
In this chapter of the Sūtra, Bodhisattvas explain nonduality in many ways—beyond self/other, samsara/nirvana, purity/impurity—until Mañjuśrī asks Vimalakīrti for his teaching. Vimalakīrti responds with profound silence, embodying nonconceptual wisdom.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 8

Sutra Study Sunday – Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 9
2026-09-06 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’.
In this chapter of the Sūtra, an inconceivable feast nourishes the assembly, symbolizing the Dharma as sustenance beyond material form. True nourishment is freedom from grasping, even toward spiritual experiences.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 9

Sutra Study Sunday – Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 10
2026-10-04 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’.
In this chapter of the Sūtra, the Buddha teaches the difference between conditioned, impermanent forms and the indestructible nature of awakening. Bodhisattvas move freely within appearances while remaining rooted in the unborn.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 10

Sutra Study Sunday – Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 11
2026-11-01 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’.
In this chapter of the Sūtra, Vimalakīrti reveals his origin in the pure land of Akṣobhya, demonstrating that pure lands are not distant realms but expressions of realization. Purity is a matter of perception, not location.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 11

Sutra Study Sunday – Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 12
2026-12-06 12:30 - 13:30
Join us as we explore the rich repository of Buddhist Sutras, Pali Canon, Chinese Ta-ts’ang-ching, and Tibetan Kangyur every first Sunday of the month after the Sunday Service. Sūtra (Pali. sutta) means ‘something that was heard from someone else’ and usually connotes ‘a discourse’.
In this chapter of the Sūtra, the sūtra concludes with the Buddha praises the sūtra’s power and entrusts it to future generations. Upholding and sharing this teaching is declared a profound act of merit and compassion.
Facilitators: Lama Matthew Rice (Lobpön Palden Gocha) and Daniel Scharpenburg
Text: The Noble Mahāyāna Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 12
