Who Are We?
The Mahayana Buddhist Congregation brings together people who want to learn more about the richness of the Buddhist tradition - its teachings, its ethics and its practices of meditation. We affirm all the different schools of Buddhism ( Theravada, Zen, Tibetan, etc.) and support members in their practice of choice. We also affirm the truth in all religions, and welcome persons of any faith (or no particular faith) who would like to learn more about Buddhism or who wish simply to meditate with a group. As a congregation, we are self-governing, locally based, and independent of any particular teacher or larger organization.
What is Mahayana Buddhism?
Mahayana Buddhism is one of the three major schools of Buddhism (along with Theravada and Vajrayana) which arose in ancient India. This school was distinctive in its time for teaching that the path to enlightenment was open to everyone - to laypersons as well as monks, and to women as well as men. Hence the name Mahayana, meaning "Great Vehicle," proclaims that the way to liberation is vast and wide and open to all. The Mahayana tradition highlights the virtue of compassion as the fundamental ground for the spiritual path, and teaches effective meditation methods for transforming our hearts. We do not value blind faith, but instead take the Buddha's teachings as hypothesis to be tested in the laboratory of our daily lives.
Our Meetings:
Group meditations:
Sundays at 4:00 p.m.
Fridays at 5:15 p.m.
Both meditations will be held at Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church Stevens Point, WI
Sunday Meditation
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.: Sitting and walking meditation, Buddhist prayers and mantra chanting
5:00 - 5:30 p.m.: Dharma book study group
Friday Meditation
5:15 - 6:00 p.m.: Silent meditation, sometimes followed by an informal reading and/or discussion of topical interest.
Is There Any charge?
No! We belive the Dharma should always be free. We do encourage the practice of dana (generosity), that is, the giving of our time and our resources for the service of others.