Common Questions

What is the Buddha Center?

Many people lack access to a physical location near them — a Buddhist temple, sangha, or meditation group — which can serve their needs. In 2008 Yuri and Delani had a pioneering vision of an online location where Buddhists from all traditions could effectively come together:

[A place] that allows all individuals the opportunity to gather, and hear Buddhist monastics and lay people speak of various Buddhist practices. Weekly Dharma discourses will be held, as well as occasional forums where the audience can present questions regarding all aspects of Buddhist dharma.

The Buddha Center is an umbrella organization embracing all traditions. It provides education and spiritual support in a virtual platform to those who lack access to a local organization. We have been honored to have great teachers teach at Buddha Center, and we look forward to hosting others in the future.

What is a Virtual Sangha?

Sangha is a term for a spiritual community. Some traditions reserve this just for monastics. We use the broader sense which includes lay practitioners as well as monastics. The Buddha Center operates online, taking advantage of communication technology and opportunities found within the virtual environment of Second Life. This presents an interactive experience — with teaching and meditation areas, a temple and gardens — for a practicing community.

Though we operate virtually, our focus is supporting the human being at the keyboard. We encourage practitioners to also participate with their local organizations where feasible. We don't aim to replace face-to-face human contact, but to provide a supportive environment for those who lack the opportunity.

Over time the Buddha Center has gained experience to understand what works, what doesn't work, and discover new opportunities available in this format. The accumulated experience unexpectedly proved to be a boon when the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic struck, leaving many isolated and seeking online support.

What if I'm not a Buddhist?

Our doors are open to everybody; there is no requirement to be a Buddhist. Simply bring your sincerity, goodwill, and curiosity.

We invite you to come as you are, not as you have been told you should be, or think you ought to be, or as others would like you to be. Come as you are, in the moment.

Miscellaneous

Who Runs the Buddha Center?

The Buddha Center relies on volunteers from the sangha to bring their skills and care to the day-to-day operations. Because there is no professional or paid staff, everything is an offering of the heart and work in progress. We are grateful for the sangha's feedback and support. If something is out of date or not working properly, let us know! We'll fix things with gratitude.

My Landmark Doesn't Work. Did You Close?

Not at all! While the Buddha Center has moved locations a few times over the years, our spiritual community (sangha) has met continuously without interruption since 2008. Our location is here: Buddha Center Feel free to drop by, grab a new landmark and join our group.

Help! I Can't Find Your Event!

Sometimes people arrive at an event, expecting to find the Buddha Center, but they discover they're somewhere else with similar names. Our location is here: Buddha Center

We are aware of individuals that misrepresent the Buddha Center, its history, its founders, and their relationship to the Buddha Center. The Buddha also dealt with people having significant challenges. He recognized that mental health issues are a cause for compassion, not anger. May all find healing and peace.