Weather notice: In the event of severe weather, we send e-alerts and post on social media.
We offer a small, but growing, variety of classes to introduce Buddhist teachings and beginning meditation practice to GRBT members taking their first steps on the path and to any interested members of our greater Grand Rapids community exploring the option of joining our community or simply wishing to learn. All current classes are part of regular GRBT programming and are offered once per practice period.
Cultivation is at the heart of the Buddhist spiritual path. To cultivate the Buddhist path is to recognize the conditions for suffering and dissatisfaction in our lives and the lives of others, and to freely commit to a way of transforming these conditions into the causes of joy, selflessness, kindness, and peace for all. The great work of living meaningfully in the world and transforming suffering into joy is ultimately a matter of skill and practice.
The Three-Fold Training of Ethical Living, Meditation, and Wisdom is our guide for self-cultivation and represents the foundation of our Buddhist life. At the Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple we offer a progressive approach with each level of training building on the next to provide a clear map for balanced and successful development as a practitioner. There are no divisions between inferior and superior practices. Everything learned in any one program becomes the foundation for the next.
The spiritual path is not an easy path. On a personal level it requires time, dedication, commitment, and patience in order to practice at home and in the world. On a community level, practicing the Buddhadharma requires discipline, accountability, and support, and so we also emphasize the vital communal nature of practice, so that, except for those studying the Five Buddhist Precepts, all program participants meet regularly and practice together to share in the joys and sorrows of cultivating our Buddhist life and to inspire one another through good Dharma friendship. Buddhist communities thrive when diverse members at varying levels of depth cultivate this path together.
Although all training programs have a formal beginning and end each calendar year, participants are always strongly encouraged to continue returning to these programs to deepen their meditation practice, to renew their commitments, and to continue serving as mentors and inspiration for other community members through their cultivated presence.
Note: No one is turned away from any of our activities for financial reasons. For more information, please email Ven. Kunga Nyima Drotos.
We care about your comfort
Michigan weather can change quickly, especially as the seasons change. The temperature in the temple may also fluctuate. So for your comfort, wear layers of clothes that you can add or shed.
Weather notices
In the event of severe weather, we will send e-alerts and post on social media platforms. To receive special weather notices, subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
• Stay updated with COVID-19 vaccines.
• If you feel unwell, even if vaccinated, please stay home to rest and recuperate.
• Masks are recommended if you are unvaccinated.
• Wearing a mask is optional.
• Phones carried into the Dharma Hall need to be silenced.
• Keep valuables at home, in their car, or with them. The temple is not responsible for personal belongings left behind or missing.
• Unclaimed items will be donated once each year in June.
• Sunday services are live-streamed on YouTube and temple-related event photos may also be posted to other social media sites.