Basics of Buddhism

Have you always wanted to understand Buddhism? Buddhism is a 2,500 year old tradition that teaches us how to end pain and suffering in ourselves and others.

Come join us for an enlightening event where we will dive into the fundamental teachings and practices of Buddhism. Whether you’re a beginner or have some knowledge already, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about this ancient philosophy.

During this 10 week in-person event (with an online option), you will have the opportunity to explore the core concepts of Buddhism, including meditation, mindfulness, and the Four Noble Truths. Our knowledgeable facilitators will guide you through the basics and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Come with an open mind and a willingness to learn. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register Online

Date: 10 sessions beginning on Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Time: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $60

Note: In-person class size limited to 15 people.

The main book that will be used for the challenge will be Basics of Buddhism Workbook. This workbook is an introductory guide designed to help individuals explore Buddhist teachings, practices, and wisdom. It serves as a companion for cultivating mindfulness, compassion, and inner peace. Structured to encourage reflection and practical application, the workbook advises users to engage deeply with each section through journaling, setting intentions, and integrating insights into daily life.

Key chapters cover foundational topics such as the life of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), his enlightenment, and the Four Noble Truths. Core teachings include the Eightfold Path, the Three Marks of Existence (impermanence, suffering, non-self), meditation techniques, the Five Precepts (ethical guidelines), and concepts of karma and rebirth. It explores major traditions (Theravāda, Mahāyāna, Vajrayāna), modern adaptations like Secular and Engaged Buddhism, and the evolving role of women in Buddhist practice. The final sections focus on applying Buddhist principles—compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness—to everyday activities, alongside resources for further study.

Emphasizing a balance of theory and practice, the workbook blends traditional doctrines with contemporary relevance, making it a comprehensive yet accessible tool for both newcomers and those deepening their understanding of Buddhism.

Wednesday Online Discussions beginning June 18th
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.

Preparing for the Refuge & Lay Pratimoksha Vows – Online Only

This online class is for anyone who is contemplating on taking the refuge and Lay Pratimoksha 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 & Lay Pratimoksha Vows will be given on March 16th after the Sunday Service.

Instructor: Lama Matthew Palden Gocha
Dates & Times: Two Sessions; Tuesdays, March 4 & 10 2025, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Online Only
Class Fee: No fees, but dana (donation) to the teacher suggested.

This class will be in-person only. If you are interested in taking the Refuge and Lay Pratimoksha vows, please fill out this form and click submit.

Introduction to the Path of the Mahayana

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: Lama Matthew Palden Gocha & Acharya Yeshi Sergio
Date: 6 sessions beginning on November 6, 2024
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.

These classes are available to EVERYONE. We have “Suggested Fees,” however pay whatever you can afford for the class. Everyone is welcome! It is our hope that some will pay more to cover those who can’t afford the usual fee. We simply want everyone to have access to these wonderful classes.
Use coupon R1M3CL@55 if you are unable to afford to class fee.

The Four Immeasurables

Join us for a transformative experience as we explore the teachings of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. This class will provide you with the opportunity to deepen your understanding of these Four Immeasurables and cultivate a more compassionate heart. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with like-minded individuals and nurture your spiritual growth. This will be both an in-person and online event. We look forward to seeing you there!

This class will be in-person with an online option.

Register Online

Facilitator: Daniel Scharpenburg
Date: 4 sessions beginning on October 2, 2024
Time: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30
Text: Boundless Heart: The Buddha’s Path of Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity by Christina Feldman – Get it on Amazon or at the Rime Center gift shop.

Embodying Tara

Tara, the Goddess of Compassion, can manifest within all of us in her twenty-one different forms. In this class, we’ll learn how to integrate Tara’s energy into our daily life through book readings, discussion, guided meditation, and mantra recitation, with a focus on four of the 21 Taras. We’ll also draw inspiration from women and movements like Machig Labdron, Malala Yousafzai, Jane Goodall, and Black Lives Matter to connect with Tara’s teachings with modern challenges. This class is open to anyone seeking to cultivate compassion, overcome fears, and live with greater wisdom and courage. This event will be in-person and online.

Register Online

Date: Wednesdays 7:45 – 9 PM Beginning Sept 4th
Facilitators: Acharaya Yeshi Sergio / Gabi Otto
Book: Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom by Chandra Easton

Philosophical Views of Emptiness in Buddhism Part 1

Welcome to our event exploring the deep philosophical views of emptiness in Buddhism!

Join us at the Rime Buddhist Center for an enlightening discussion on this fascinating topic. Dive into Buddhist thought and gain a deeper understanding of the concept of emptiness. This class will explore Buddhist philosophical schools of early buddhism including the Vaibhashika and Sautrantika. Join us for a thought-provoking experience that will enrich your understanding of emptiness. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to delve into the profound wisdom of Buddhist philosophy!

Register Online

Facilitator: Lama Matthew Palden Gocha
Date: 3 sessions beginning on June 26, 2024
Time: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30
Text: Making Sense of Mind Only: Why Yogacara Buddhism Matters by William S. Waldron – Get it on Amazon or at the Rime Center gift shop.

Basics of Buddhism

Have you always wanted to understand Buddhism? Buddhism is a 2,500 year old tradition that teaches us how to end pain and suffering in ourselves and others. This 8 week course will cover the life of the Buddha, basic Buddhist teachings, as well as practical application of these principles in daily life. This event will be in-person with an online option available.

Register Online

Date: 8 sessions beginning on Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Time: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $50

Note: In-person class size limited to 12 people.

The main book that will be used for the challenge will be Buddhism for Beginners by Ven. Thubten Chodron. This book takes the most commonly asked questions—beginning with “What is the essence of the Buddha’s teachings?”—and provides simple answers in plain English. Thubten Chodron’s responses to the questions that always seem to arise among people approaching Buddhism make this an exceptionally complete and accessible introduction—as well as a manual for living a more peaceful, mindful, and satisfying Life.

Wednesday Online Discussions beginning June 26th
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.

108 Day Bodhisattva Challenge

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.

“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 Heroic Heart: Awakening Unbound Compassion by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo. The Heroic Heart Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo illuminates the heart of Mahayana Buddhism—bodhicitta—describing it as “the selfless expression of boundless compassion.” Jetsunma uses as a touchstone the famous Tibetan Buddhist text The Thirty-Seven Verses on the Practice of a Bodhisattva. Here, she reveals how to become such a compassionate hero, the bodhisattva in training, and helps us to face the uncertain tides of the world, however joyful or dangerous, with a deep wish to find meaning and uncover the ultimate heart of wisdom and compassion.

Register today!

Kick off party for the 108 Day Bodhisattva Challenge is Sunday December 31, 2023 at 10:30am and will be during the Sunday Service.

Sunday Dharma Talks beginning December 31st
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 3rd
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.

Four Foundations of Mindfulness

For the followers of the Buddha and his teachings, there is a need for great emphasis on the practice of meditation. One must see the straight forward logic that mind is the cause of confusion and that by transcending confusion one attains the enlightened state. This can only take place through the practice of meditation. The Buddha himself experienced this, by working on his own mind, and what he learned has been handed down to us. The four foundations of mindfulness are regarded as fundamental and lays a strong foundation for practice.

Register Online

Instructor: Lama Matthew Palden Gocha, Nora Swami Kuvirananda and Luis Dakpa Gelek
Dates: Four sessions beginning Wednesday September 20, 2023
Times: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30
Text: The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English – Get it on Amazon

These classes are available to EVERYONE. We have “Suggested Fees,” however pay whatever you can afford for the class. Everyone is welcome! It is our hope that some will pay more to cover those who can’t afford the usual fee. We simply want everyone to have access to these wonderful classes.
Use coupon R1M3CL@55 if you are unable to afford to class fee.

RESCHEDULED: The Four Immeasurables

This class is a combination of study and application of lovingkindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. The four immeasurables are a traditional set of practices that open the heart, counter the distortions in our relationships to ourselves, and deepen our relationships to others.

This class will be in-person with an online option.

Register & Pay

 

 

Facilitator: Lama Matthew Palden Gocha
Date: 4 sessions beginning on November 1, 2023
Time: 7:45 – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30
Text: The Four Immeasurables: Practices to Open the Heart – Get it on Amazon or at the Rime Center gift shop.

These classes are available to EVERYONE. We have “Suggested Fees,” however pay whatever you can afford for the class. Everyone is welcome! It is our hope that some will pay more to cover those who can’t afford the usual fee. We simply want everyone to have access to these wonderful classes.
Use coupon R1M3CL@55 if you are unable to afford to class fee.