Visiting the Rimé Buddhist Center for the first time can feel a little unfamiliar, especially if you have never visited a Buddhist center before. Let us put you at ease. We strive to make your first visit friendly, welcoming, and enjoyable.

From the sacred surroundings of our shrine room and the smell of incense drifting through the air to the colorful Buddhist artwork and friendly people you will meet, we hope you and your family will feel comfortable and at home. You do not need to be Buddhist, know how to meditate, or be familiar with Buddhist customs to visit. Everyone is welcome.

Rimé Buddhist Center in Northmoor, Missouri

Parking

The Rimé Buddhist Center is located in Northmoor, Missouri, just north of Kansas City. Our new center has its own parking lot, providing convenient off-street parking for visitors.

Please use the parking spaces around the building and be considerate of our neighbors when arriving and leaving. Do not park on the street.

Entering the Building

When you arrive, one of our greeters or volunteers will be happy to welcome you, answer any questions you may have, and direct you to the shrine room or other areas of the center.

Our Northmoor location is a single-level building, making the shrine room and other primary gathering spaces easily accessible without stairs.

Feel free to look around and make yourself at home. Photography is welcome, but please do not use flash during Sunday Service, meditation periods, teachings, or other practices.

If you have questions or need assistance during your visit, simply ask one of our volunteers. We are happy to help.

Visiting for the Sunday Service

Our weekly Sunday Service begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Rimé Buddhist Center in Northmoor.

You are welcome to arrive a few minutes early to find a seat, become familiar with the space, and ask any questions you may have. A greeter will be available to welcome newcomers and help you get settled.

Sunday Service typically includes Buddhist prayers and chants, meditation, music or mantra practice, and a Dharma talk. You are welcome to participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable. No previous experience with Buddhism or meditation is necessary.

Shrine Room Etiquette

These guidelines are simply matters of courtesy and respect. In Buddhist practice, courtesy that comes from the heart can itself become a practice of mindfulness and compassion.

If some of these customs are unfamiliar to you, please do not worry. No one expects first-time visitors to know Buddhist etiquette. Simply follow along as you feel comfortable, and feel free to ask questions.

• Shoes should be removed before entering the shrine room and left in the designated area.
• Hats should generally be removed in the shrine room.
• Please dress in a manner appropriate for a place of spiritual practice.
• When sitting facing the shrine or a teacher, avoid pointing the soles of your feet directly toward them. If you need to stretch your legs, simply point them to the side.
• Dharma books, prayer books, and practice texts traditionally are not placed directly on the floor. Please place them on a table, chair, cushion, or other raised surface.
• Please avoid stepping over, stepping on, or sitting on Dharma texts.
• Buddhist practitioners may make three prostrations or a short bow toward the shrine when entering. Visitors are not expected or required to do so.
• During meditation and teachings, please silence phones and other electronic devices.

Most importantly, relax and make yourself at home. The Rimé Buddhist Center welcomes people of all backgrounds and levels of experience. Whether you are exploring Buddhism for the first time, looking for a meditation community, or have practiced for many years, we are glad you are here.