The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

History

The Rameshori Center began as a collection of meetings that were first held in individual's homes and later at the Friend's Meeting House in Decatur, Georgia. The first official space for the center was at Woodlake Office Park, located on Braircliff Road, in one of Atlanta's busier, middle-class areas. After about a year at this location, the Rameshori Center moved to its current space on Howard Street in Decatur. The new location is larger, allowing room for a teaching space in addition to a kitchen and sitting room.

Demographics

Most attendees and religious leaders of the Rameshori Center are of Euro-American descent and English is the predominant language spoken during lessons and meditations. Most attendees are middle-aged and the center provides Sunday classes for families with children.

Description

The Rameshori Center is located in a wooded area of Decatur (a section of Atlanta). The surrounding area is mostly residential with a large proportion of African American residents. The center is part of a larger building and appears to be a converted apartment space. The center has a kitchen, living room, and teaching room open to the public in addition to other space in which the lay leader currently resides.

Activities and Schedule

Regular activities of the center include the following:

Tuesday: 7:30 P.M.- The Buddhist Way of Life
Wednesday: 7:30 P.M.- Transform Your Life. A Blissful Journey
Thursday: 7:30 P.M.- What is True Love?

Sunday: 10:00 A.M. to 10:45 A.M.- Family Class and Lessons
10:45 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.- Meditation for World Peace
12:00 to 1:00 P.M.- Wishfulfilling Jewel Puja: Chanted Prayers with Offerings
1:00 P.M. to 1:45 P.M.- Community Lunch
1:45 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.- Foundation Program Study Group.

Programs

Three structured programs are offered to attendees:

The General Program offers general classes to introduce Buddhism to beginners. It is open to people of all faiths. Classes consist of guided meditations, teachings on Buddhist thought and practice, and discussion. There is a suggested donation of $10 ($5 for students and the unemployed) for attending this class.

The Foundation Program offers more indepth classes. It is a structured program of Buddhist Studies for those who want to "deepen their insights and experience of Dharma and to gain authentic spiritual realizations" (quoted from Rameshori Center flyer).

The Teacher Training Program is a course for certification to teach in this tradition. The course requires approximately twenty years to complete.