We offer meditation, study, and discussion programs both in person and over Zoom video. Our shrine room is located on the second floor of the State Street Church, 159 State Street, Portland. There is an elevator, but it is not self-service. Please let us know in advance (info@portlandmainebuddhism.org) if you will need to use the elevator so someone can bring you upstairs.
Sunday meditation practice – in-person only – 9-10 am
Our Sunday morning gathering is open to everyone and the best introduction to Vajra Vidya Portland. If you are joining us for the first time, or if you are new to the practice of meditation and would like instruction, please plan to arrive a few minutes before 9:00. Our shrine room has a variety of meditation cushions as well as chairs.
The session consists of one hour of sitting meditation with a two-minute stretch break in the middle. We recite short prayers in English at the beginning and the end. Please stay for tea and conversation from 10:00 to 11:00.
For more information, contact Tracy at tracyd108@yahoo.com.
Note: Please see section below on shrine room etiquette.
Monday Hinayana/Mahayana Study Group – in-person & zoom – 6:30-8:00 pm
Our Monday night group studies Hinayana and Mahayana teachings. The meditation portion of each session includes chanting and shamatha and tonglen meditation, followed by a discussion of the reading. If you have a regular practice of Buddhist meditation and would like to join us on Mondays, please contact Peter at pcomas12@gmail.com.
Wednesday Three-Yana Study Group – in-person & zoom – 6:30-8:15 pm
This group is for all who have taken refuge and attended the Monday night Hinayana-Mahayana group for one year or those with established Vajrayana practices. For more information, contact Jan at piribeckj@gmail.com.
Friday Morning Ngondro Group– in-person & zoom – 8-10 am
This group meets Fridays in person and on Zoom, and it also hosts a monthly book study group. New practitioners are welcome. Contact Kathleen at tassabee@gmail.com for practice group information and Steve at jinlap@gmail.com for book group information.
Vajra Vidya offers Medicine Buddha practices on Zoom on the first Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m. and on the third Sunday of the month at 10 a.m. All are invited. Contact Kay at kay.sullivan@maine.edu or Donna at donnachamoff53@gmail.com for more information.
Our shrine room is a sacred space. We ask that you observe respectful etiquette:
- Please leave your shoes in the hallway and remove your hat.
- Please enter and exit the shrine room quietly and keep your voice low. Bowing is optional.
- Please treat chant books, dharma books, and other practice objects with respect: place them on a cushion or table, not directly on the floor, and avoid stepping over them.
- Please sit so that your feet are not extended toward the shrine.