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

March 2024

Portland | Prayers for World Peace

PRAYERS FOR WORLD PEACE By learning to cherish others we can experience greater peace of mind and help to establish world peace. Through contemplating these prayers compiled by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche from traditional sources, we learn to cherish others. If everyone sincerely prays to be able to cherish others then gradually, through the […]
Mon Mar 18
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Portland | Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center
9498 SW Barbur Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97219
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 Mar 19
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm
Portland | Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center
9498 SW Barbur Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97219
Bird flying from cage

Eugene | Lasting Happiness From Within

Lasting Happiness From Within There is no class March 5th. In this class we will explore how to develop lasting happiness from within. Everyone wants to be happy and free from problems and suffering all the time.  It seems, no matter how much we try, we are unable to accomplish this. Why is that?  It […]
Tue Mar 19
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Eugene | Mahonia Building
120 Shelton McMurphey Blvd., Suite 230
Beaverton_Talk-20240302

Beaverton | Change Your Mind, Change Your World

There’s so much “out there” to worry about all the time. Relationships. Career. Misfortune. Current events. No matter how cleverly or cautiously we try to avoid problems, we still encounter them. We may think There’s nothing I can do. We feel uncertain, overwhelmed, distraught, anxious. Buddha teaches that it’s our customary ways of thinking that […]
Tue Mar 19
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sage Center - Beaverton
10700 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Building 3, Suite 555, Beaverton OR, 97005
taking_and_giving

Portland | The Magical Practice of Taking and Giving

The Magical Practice of Taking and Giving Wednesday Night Meditation Series The practice of taking and giving is one of the most powerful methods for opening our hearts. This ancient practice brings mental peace and happiness, and is especially helpful in situations where we may otherwise feel powerless to directly help our loved ones. Taking and giving is also a well known healing meditation practice. Everybody […]
Wed Mar 20
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 Mar 21
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Portland | Mahasiddha Kadampa Buddhist Center
9498 SW Barbur Blvd #101, Portland, OR 97219
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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.