Nagaloka offers opportunities to learn-and-practice meditation and the teachings of the Buddha. Our goal is to create the best possible conditions to explore and practice the Buddhist path. We are a spiritual community dedicated to the ideals of compassion, generosity, mindfulness, and wisdom.
We offer weekly events (in-person and online) open to the general public. Additional opportunities include …
- retreats at our sister organization, Aryaloka, in Newmarket, NH.
- in-person, intermediate study at our Center (dharma training course for Mitras)
- advanced training leading to ordination in the Triratna Buddhist Order
Located in Portland, Maine (see map), Nagaloka is an independent and self-governing center within the Triratna Buddhist Community, a worldwide network of Buddhist centers, communities, ‘right livelihood’ endeavors, and organizations providing Dharma-based resources and assistance to those who need it globally.
BACKGROUND: The historical Buddha lived 2,500 years ago. Various schools of Buddhism have developed since then. Through the wide range of Buddhist teachings (dharma), individuals learn how to open their hearts and grow in self-awareness and compassion.
In 2002, a small group of people gathered in Portland, Maine to study Buddhism; this grew into the Nagaloka Buddhist Center, affiliated with the Triratna Buddhist Community.
Triratna — originally known as the FWBO — was founded in 1967 by Sangharakshita after he returned to England from more than 20 years practicing Buddhism in India. Triratna is a modern Buddhist movement drawing on all three major Buddhist schools: the Theravada, the Mahayana, and the Vajrayana. We believe that the Buddha’s message is universal and timeless, but that it helps to explore Buddhism in ways that suit modern lives. Triratna’s approach to Buddhism balances meditation, ethical living, and the cultivation of wisdom. Our developmental system of practice initially focuses on meditation that cultivates tranquility and positive emotion. Additional practices are added over time to increasingly cultivate insight and open ourselves to the grandeur of the Buddhist vision of life. A distinctive aspect of Triratna is the emphasis we place on learning and practicing in community (Sangha).
OUR ETHICS: Nagaloka is committed to ethical practices that ensure the safety and well-being of all. Those of us teaching or serving in other positions have a particular responsibility in this area. Please see our …
Our community has done much to learn from mistakes of our founder and others in the late 60’s and 70’s. To ensure that these mistakes never happen again, we offer full transparency of past controversies (here). You are invited to contact us with concerns about the ethical behavior of a Nagaloka teacher or community member.