Frequently Asked Questions

What to Expect

No. Anyone can learn basic meditation and experience the benefits. Buddhism is a non-evangelical religion.
Buddhists respect all people and are happy to help anyone regardless of whether they subscribe to another faith or to none.

No. All you need is the wish to improve yourself and the quality of your life.

As a Level 1 supporter, or higher, you have access to the general program classes that we offer via livestream (please see our calendar). We also offer our study programs via online correspondence for those who qualify. You can contact our Educational Coordinator ([email protected]) for more information.

Nothing! But if you wish to take notes, please bring a pen and notepad.

General program classes vary. Pujas are free. Please see the calendar for details. A subscription is available, as a Supporting Member, for unlimited General Program classes. Your class fees help support the Center and the branches. As a nonprofit organization we are dependent on your donations, registration fees and subscriptions.

Everyone can participate in the classes regardless of ability to pay.

No, please feel free to drop in whenever you like. Attending the entire series of classes is highly beneficial, as each class builds on the next. However, each class is taught in such a way that if you only attend one class, you will derive benefit from it.

No special clothing is required. Come as you are.

Although Buddhism first appeared in India over two and a half thousand years ago, it has a timeless and universal relevance. In a nutshell, Buddha explained that all our problems arise from confused and negative states of mind. He taught methods for ridding the mind of these destructive states and thereby realizing true happiness and fulfillment. These methods work for any mind, in any country, at any age.

Buddhists regard all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas as perfect guides and role models, and as such, naturally develop faith in them and rely upon them as Spiritual Guides. For this reason, Buddhists strive, through meditation, prayer, and various ritual practices, to connect with enlightened beings and receive their transforming blessings.

The New Kadampa Tradition is global Buddhism. Just as the Tibetans faithfully adopted the practices taught to them by the great Indian masters and adapted those to their own culture, so Geshe Kelsang, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition, encourages people from all ethnic backgrounds to adopt the wisdom and compassion of Buddha and put it into practice in a way that suits their particular culture.

Checkout what's Coming Up

May 2025
Wishfulfilling Jewel

Portland | Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog Offering

Please join us for prayers and requests to the wisdom Buddha Je Tsongkhapa combined with offerings to the protector Buddha Dorje Shugden. If you would like to add someone to our prayer list for someone experiencing illness or who recently died, please contact us.
Tue May 20
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm
Portland | Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center
9498 SW Barbur Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97219
like a diamond

Beaverton | Like a Diamond

Like a Diamond If you cut a diamond into small pieces, each piece is valuable. Buddha’s teachings are like that. Practicing all of them together, the whole diamond, is great but can seem like a lot. Practicing just some of the teachings, smaller pieces of the gem, is also very worthwhile! In this course, we’ll […]
Tue May 20
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Park Plaza West - Building 3
10700 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Building 3, Suite 555, Beaverton OR, 97005
letting go

Portland | Letting go of Unhelpful Tendencies

Letting Go of Unhelpful Tendencies Do you find yourself thinking, saying or doing things you wish you didn’t? Do your bad habits make you unhappy, unhealthy, destroy your sense of self-worth or your relationships? You’re not alone. Most of us have some habits we’d like to break, but sometimes we just don’t know how or where to start. Although bad habits may have created well-worn […]
Wed May 21
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Portland | Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center
9498 SW Barbur Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97219

Portland | Foundation Program (Thursdays)

Thursday Foundation Program with Susan de la Vergne Book: Meaningful to Behold Thursdays | 9:30am-11:30am If you are interested in this class, please email [email protected] to learn how to become a Foundation Program member. Meaningful to Behold by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Many people have the compassionate wish to benefit others, but few understand how to […]
Thu May 22
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Portland | Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center
9498 SW Barbur Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97219
Spring Festival 2025

International Spring Festival 2025

Solving our Daily Problems with Loving Kindness Buddha Maitreya is the manifestation of all the Buddhas’ realisation of loving kindness. This festival is a unique opportunity to concentrate on understanding and practising the precious instructions given by Venerable Geshe-la on how to develop the three types of love. We will also learn how we ourselves […]
Fri May 23
All Day
England | Manjushri
Ulverston, England
letting go

Salem | Letting Go of the Inner Critic

Letting Go of the Inner Critic: How to Cultivate Positive Narratives We all have an inner critic that undermines ourself and others. However, this critic has no power once it’s been correctly identified and re-focused using simple, yet effective meditation techniques. During this series we will explore recognizing our inner critic without identifying as the […]
Fri May 23
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Woodland Chapel
582 High Street SE, Salem OR 97301
No event found!
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SE Portland Branch

@ Yoga Refuge

June 2025
July 2025
No event found!
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June 2025
July 2025
No event found!
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Beaverton Branch

@ Sage Center for Wholeness and Health
Room 555

May 2025
like a diamond

Beaverton | Like a DiamondAll Levels

Like a Diamond If you cut a diamond into small pieces, each piece is valuable. Buddha’s teachings are like that. Practicing all of them together, the whole diamond, is great but can seem like a lot. Practicing just some of the teachings, smaller pieces of the gem, is also very worthwhile! In this course, we’ll […]
Tue May 20
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Park Plaza West - Building 3
10700 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Building 3, Suite 555, Beaverton OR, 97005
like a diamond

Beaverton | Like a DiamondAll Levels

Like a Diamond If you cut a diamond into small pieces, each piece is valuable. Buddha’s teachings are like that. Practicing all of them together, the whole diamond, is great but can seem like a lot. Practicing just some of the teachings, smaller pieces of the gem, is also very worthwhile! In this course, we’ll […]
Tue May 27
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Park Plaza West - Building 3
10700 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Building 3, Suite 555, Beaverton OR, 97005
No event found!
May 2025
No event found!
Inclement Weather

OUR PUBLIC TALK IS RESCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY JAN 21ST @ 10:30AM​

Due to the snow storm, all of our classes & events will be cancelled.

Please email [email protected] with any questions.