Getting Started
Welcome to the Buddhist Center
We invite you to take part in whatever we have to offer, in whatever way you like, and as often as you like. Here’s a short guide to the various activities and offerings of the Buddhist Center. Sign up for our weekly emails
What do we do?
There are three ‘legs’ to our community and to the spiritual life in general: 1) study, 2) meditation practice, and 3) community life.
1 We read, listen to and contemplate the teachings in order to refine our understanding of who we are, and the world around us, in a way that is clear and accurate. Such a clear understanding is conducive to a peaceful life and one that is deeply interested in and appreciative of others.
2 We practice meditation so that this understanding can take root in a clear, relaxed and stable mind.
3 We gather in community to share and celebrate the spiritual journey. Friends along the path support us, inspire us and can act as a mirror so we can more clearly see ourselves.
Join in -
The Buddhist Center invites anyone interested in learning to meditate in general, or about Buddhism altogether. We’re open to anyone, of any faith, at any level of experience. Many of our active members also participate in other faith traditions.
Each of our Monday night gatherings are oriented so that both new people and the ‘old hands’ can be enriched. In the beginning, it’s common to feel a bit intimidated, or confused as you hear new terms, or engage in new activities. In fact, the concept of ‘beginner’s mind’ is celebrated in Buddhism as the quality of experience that is already close to the ‘heart of the matter’. The most important thing is to be a little patient, and to ask a lot of questions.
How to get involved -
Meditate and Learn - here are a few tips for getting started - here
Monday nights – feel free to join us for our Monday night gatherings to meditate together, and discuss the teachings. Here’s our calendar of events - here
Saturday Half-day Mini Retreat - On the 1st Saturday of each month (except for holidays or occassional exceptions) we gather for a morning of meditation, 9am - 10:30 - here
Weekend retreats – from time to time we present weekend programs in order to explore some aspect of the spiritual path.
Teacher visits – we have long and deep relationships with many of the most gifted teachers from the Tibetan tradition. We’re fortunate to be able to host them here in Steamboat from time to time.
Social action – join in for events that benefit the larger Steamboat community, such as our food drives in support of the Lift-Up Food Bank. We also join together in interfaith action with our friends at the HOS United Methodist church, Har Mishpacha Jewish community and the Steamboat Islamic community.
Community gatherings – join us for social gatherings, such as our periodic pot-luck dinners.
Resources available on our Website - Please take the time to explore this website. The website is a tremendous resource for new and experienced meditators.