Information about this center is no longer updated. This data was last updated on 27 May 2014.

Website

The Rocky Mountain Buddhist Center has an informative website that includes information about the current program and schedule of events, information and photos of the center itself, and a biographical sketch of Urgyen Sangharakshita, the founder of the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order. The name has since been changed to Triratna Buddhist Order and Community. The website also has many links to other Triratna centers, Buddhist businesses in the area, and information about Buddhism in general.

History

The sangha was founded as a member of the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (FWBO, now Triratna Buddhist Order and Community) by Alan Sponberg, a Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Missoula, in the early 1990s. The sangha gathered in private homes until 1997 when they bought the house on 2nd Street and converted it into their center. Dharmachari Satyaloka has been the leader of the Rocky Mountain Buddhist Center since 2000. He was ordained in 1984 by Sangharakshita, the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order and Community.

Activities and Schedule

Sangha Night
Sangha Night is held from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. It is a time for the community to gather and strengthen the sangha through their common commitment of growth and development. Activities include an ongoing program of talks, seminars, presentations, and workshops.

Introductory Courses
-Introduction to Meditation: A five-week course that teaches two traditional Buddhist meditation techniques. Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana (Cultivation of Loving Kindness).
-Introduction to Buddhism: A six-week course that provides an overview of the basic philosophical and ethical teachings of Buddhism and their practical applications. Topics are explored in both lecture and discussion format.

Morning and Afternoon Practice
Monday through Friday at 7:15-8:00 a.m. and 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Every weekday both in the morning and in the afternoon a collection of people gather to support one another in meditation. There is no instruction and no charge.

Women's Night
In the past, the Center hosted a monthly women's night as an opportunity for women to practice together and share their experiences of living a Buddhist life.

Retreats
The center has an ongoing retreat program. In the past, the Rocky Mountain Buddhist Center has held Day Sesshins. These all-day sesshins are comprised of intense practice in the Zen style with periods of sitting and walking meditations. They are highlighted with inspirational readings from poets and Zen masters. The center has also held an informal Sunday morning practices, occasional outdoor meditation practices, and mindful walking practices along the river trail in Missoula. Soon after September 11, 2001 the Rocky Mountain Buudhist Center became involved with an inter-sangha peace movement. The schedule of events varies frequently; please visit the Center's website for the most up-to-date information.