Join Us for Year-Round, Traditional Non-Sectarian Buddhist Services and Classes in English.  

Sundays: 10 -11:30 am Newcomers to
Buddhism Welcome! 
Plus Three Weekly Classes on 
Buddhism  for Beginners to Bodhisattvas
Visit the News Page for Latest Special Events!  







BLDC's Home In Webster Groves!

Please visit us in our home in the landmark Desoto Building of Webster Groves, located at the junction of Big Bend Blvd and E Lockwood just west of the Old Orchard Business District. Our new address is 607 E. Lockwood, Suite 106, 63119. Many of you will recognize the building as the location of Cyrano's Restaurant!

Ven. Sha'ul said, "We are delighted be part of the beautiful a Desoto Building, which has its own parking lot and is surrounded by plenty of free street parking! It also has a handicapped ramp and elevator for those in need of these amenities. And a first-class restaurant renowned city-wide for its fine food, coffee and desserts!"



Blue Lotus Dharma Center Offers 
Introductory Dharma Classes in Buddhism 
Through to Bodhisattva Training

Note: Check the Schedules Page for class updates, schedule changes and/or details regarding text purchase and fees (if recommended or required).

 Quick Look:
Sunday Beginners Class: 12:15 - 1:30 pm   Join Anytime!
Tuesday Evening Vimalakirti Sutra study: 
7:00 - 8:30pm.  
Thursday Evening Seven Point Mind-Training Class: 
7:00 - 8:30 pm (closed to public)






July 23, 2013  In keeping with the Center’s mission, all dharma classes are non-sectarian and taught in English by Sha’ul, who has extensive experience teaching Buddhism. Sha’ul  said, “While we feel it is very important to offer traditional Buddhist services accessible to the lay practitioner, BLDC’s primary focus is to propagate the core teachings and tenets of Buddhism.  In our classes, Buddhist terms and concepts will be thoughtfully presented in an understandable sequence, in order to make Buddhism a familiar and comprehensible subject for Western students."


The Center offers a free on-going introduction to Buddhism class called Buddhist Doctrines on Sundays from 12:15 - 1:30 pm following a refreshment break after regular Sunday services (held 10 – 11:30 am). This class introduces newcomers to Buddhism to its major ideas and practices using very simple, direct language  in a non-academic, discussion format.  Sha’ul  said, “I always encourage lively interaction between students and teachers. It is the best way to learn.  And the most fun.”  Class topics include The Four Noble Truths, Karma, The Noble Eightfold Path, Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels, The Three Dharma Seals, Interdependent co-origination, Emptiness and Nirvana.

There is no fee for the Sunday class series although a dana (donation) of $25-$50 is strongly encouraged in order to help support programming at the Center. Weekly topics, class updates, text purchase and fees (if recommended or required) will be posted on the website’s Schedules Page under the Classes heading.

BLDC is currently doing a line-by-line study of the Vimalakirti sutra. We will be using a minimum of two different translations in order to get the most out of our studies. This is a wonderful sutra on Bodhisattvayana.  Join anytime!
For those interested in Bodhisattva studies, the Center offers The Seven Point Mind-Training, Thursday evenings  from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Sha’ul said, “The bodhisattva ideal is the primary path to develop compassion and loving-kindness and is a crucial fundamental practice in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism." Classes focus on topics related to the Bodhisattva such as the Root and Secondary Vows, Six Paramitas, Seven Points of Mind Training (lojong) with corresponding slogans, and meditative practices like Tonglen. Beginning 15 May 2014, the topic will be A Study of the Seven Points Mind-Training supported by the 59 Slogans of    lojong. 

Sha'ul said, "Please be aware that this class does require big commitment – it will meet weekly for nine months. It is very important to attend the classes as regularly as possible as each lesson is built upon the previous. Some make-up classes can be arranged but attendance is very important. Prerequisites and fee: Must have taken Refuge Vows and completed Intro to Buddhism class. Information for ordering the required text will be given to all those that sign up for the class. This class is currently in session and closed to new attendees.  Another class will begin sometime in the summer.

Check the Schedules Page, start dates, updates (once in progress) and details regarding text purchase and tuition.

The Blue Lotus Dharma Center is the result of the Center for American Buddhist Practice and Sha'ul's efforts to build a Sangha and Center in St. Louis for the past eight years.  "The start of formal Dharma classes was a major milestone," said Sha'ul.  BLDC is a Missouri registered non-profit organization and is always in need of tax-deductible donations. However, Sha’ul (who himself volunteers all his services) stressed, “Those who are unable to make a donation for classes or services will never be turned away.  All are encouraged to give as they are able.”






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