There will be no Sunday services at the Blue Lotus Dharma Center until further notice, see below
Hello friends,
I am writing to inform everyone of the upcoming relocation of our Dharma Center. Due to diminishing memberships and diminishing funds, we are having to move to a smaller location. The details of our new location have not been entirely worked out, but we will do our best to keep everyone informed.
Wednesday September 14th:
7pm - Lojong Course (private)
Wednesday September 21st:
7pm - Lojong Course (private)
All Day - Finish packing up Dharma Center (no service or classes)
Wednesday September 28th:
Lojong Course (private)
Friday September 30th:
End of Lease, all activities at Webster Groves location cease
We appreciate any and all help you can provide in this process of moving. Thank you
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 address is 607 E. Lockwood, Suite 106, 63119. Many of you will recognize the building as the location of Cyrano's Restaurant!
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 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 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!"
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 in 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.
For
those interested in Bodhisattva studies, the Center offers The Seven Point Mind-Training,
Class is currently in session, and is now closed to the public. 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.
Sha'ul said, "Please be aware that this class does require a 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. Check the Schedules Page, start dates, updates (when 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 ten 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.”
