About the Buddhist Center
The Buddhist Center is a spiritual community dedicated to sharing the teachings of the Buddha with an aspiration to end suffering.
We provide a sacred environment in which all are welcome to explore the Dharma through practice, teachings, study, and retreat.
The Buddhist Center was founded in 1996 by Tim Olmsted to share the Buddha’s teachings and support people practicing Buddhism or other spiritual traditions in the Yampa Valley and beyond.
We invite you to take part in whatever we have to offer, in whatever way you like, and as often as you like.
What We Do
There are three “legs” to our community and to the spiritual life in general: study, meditation practice, and community life.
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Study
We read, listen to, and contemplate the teachings in order to refine our understanding of who we are and the world around us. Such an understanding is conducive to a peaceful life and one that is deeply interested in and appreciative of others.
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Meditation
We practice meditation so that this understanding can take root in a clear, relaxed, and stable mind.
The central practice of the community, or sangha, is sitting meditation. The practices of calm abiding, or shamatha, and insight, or vipashyana, are practiced individually at home and when the community gathers together.
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Community
We gather in community to share and celebrate the spiritual journey. Friends along the path support us, inspire us, and can act as a mirror so that we can more clearly see ourselves.
The Buddhist Center community also participates in activities and initiatives that enrich the sangha and reach into the broader community.
Everyone Is Welcome
The Buddhist Center welcomes anyone interested in learning to meditate or learning about Buddhism. We are open to people of any faith and at every level of experience. Many of our active members also participate in other faith traditions.
You do not need to become a member to attend our gatherings or take part in our programs.
Stay Connected with BCSS
Choose the email updates you’d like to receive. Sign up for weekly teachings and mini-retreat reminders, updates about individual programs, or our weekly quote email.