Study Programs
General Program
A good place to start ~ Olympia Mahayana Buddhist Center hosts weekly drop-in classes, known as General Program classes in our main center downtown, as well as branch classes in Tacoma and Shelton. These classes are ideal for anyone wishing to bring more peace into their lives. They also provide an excellent introduction to Buddhist psychology, philosophy and practice.
In these classes you will learn basic meditation techniques that enable you to relax and make your mind more peaceful, as well as tools to find the happiness we all seek. You will come away from these classes refreshed and with insights that will help you improve every aspect of your daily life. They are appropriate for newcomers as well as those with some meditation experience. For more information use the pull-down menu for weekly classes.
Foundation Program
Structured study and meditation on Buddha's essential teachings (for enrolled students)
After a taste of our General Program classes you may wish to deepen your practice. The Foundation Program (FP) is a unique, structured study program that enables students to gain deeper understanding and experience of Buddhist teachings and to develop a regular meditation practice. It is ideal for those who have a general understanding of Buddhism but who wish to learn more and to make a deeper commitment to their practice. Through regular teachings, meditation, systematic study and group discussion, the Foundation Program offers support and structure to our spiritual life. In essence, it is the same training followed by practitioners in an unbroken lineage dating back to Buddha Shakyamuni. The special quality of this program is that it affords us an opportunity to gain authentic experience of Dharma without abandoning our modern lifestyle.
By studying on this program we gain great confidence in meditation – from basic techniques for overcoming our everyday problems to practices leading to unsurpassed happiness and permanent inner peace. Warm friendships develop as students inspire each other, sharing insights and experiences of the spiritual path.
We will soon begin studying Joyful Path of Good Fortune, by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
What is the Structure?
The secret of the Foundation Program's success lies in the manageable commitment made by the student and in the clear structure of study. Students sign up to study a book or part of a book, agree to attend each class, learn the material, and to take a test at the conclusion of the study. Class meets once a week for two and a half hours. Generally, the students take turns to putting up the shrine offerings and setting up the mediation room on the day of their class. In this way they learn about the ritual associated with Buddhist practice. Class meets Sundays from 6:00-8:30pm.
What Happens at a Class?
Prior to class, students study an assigned portion of the text, usually a few pages long, and remember the essential points. The class begins with chanted prayers and guided meditation. The teacher then reads the assigned selection from the book while giving commentary to the text. The students then divide into pairs to discuss the material. The teacher and students conclude by deciding what to meditate on in the next class and how to practice during the coming week.
How Do I Join?
First, contact info@meditateinolympia.org Students may attend three classes before deciding to formally join the FP. Enrolling in FP means you become a ‘supporting member’ of OMBC and all other regular classes and retreats are included with your monthly $60 membership.