Sutra Study Sunday – Sūtra “The Teaching of Vimalakīrti” Chapter 2
2026-02-01 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 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
