We offer a nonsectarian Buddhist service in English that all are welcome to attend. Please join us if you are looking for a Sangha to be a part of, or if you would just like to learn more about Buddhism.
VISITOR INFORMATION
If you are visiting the Blue Lotus Dharma Center for the first time, we are glad you are coming to join us! Please take the time to read our FAQ. There will be binders at every seat with our entire English service for you to follow along in, so anybody can join in for their first visit. There are also simple guidelines for temple etiquette posted on our front door. We understand that a first time visit to a new temple can be intimidating, so we have tried to make our service as user-friendly as possible.
We are currently holding a fundraiser to help pay for technological improvements at the temple! See our news page for more info!
Please join on Sundays:
10:00am - 11:30am Nonsectarian Buddhist Service
12:00pm - 1:00pm Beginner's Class
VISITOR INFORMATION
If you are visiting the Blue Lotus Dharma Center for the first time, we are glad you are coming to join us! Please take the time to read our FAQ. There will be binders at every seat with our entire English service for you to follow along in, so anybody can join in for their first visit. There are also simple guidelines for temple etiquette posted on our front door. We understand that a first time visit to a new temple can be intimidating, so we have tried to make our service as user-friendly as possible.
We are currently holding a fundraiser to help pay for technological improvements at the temple! See our news page for more info!
Advanced Studies
For those interested in Bodhisattva studies, the Center offers
The Seven Point Mind-Training,
Class is currently not in session, a new class will begin sometime in the fall. Our precious Lama has 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.
Lama 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 the wonderful Lama Chokyi Lodu'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 Lama. BLDC is a Missouri registered non-profit organization and is always in need of tax-deductible donations. However, Lama (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.”
