About Us

The Lotus Meditation Center has been a part of the campus community and beyond for over twenty years.

Lotus Center Contact 

General Inquiries, Sitting Group and Beginner Class Information

und.lotuscenter@UND.edu

Retreat Information

Email List

Join the Lotus Center email contact list by emailing und.lotuscenter@UND.edu.

Lotus Center Parking

For Campus activities, street parking is available or utilize the pay as you go options in the lot behind Christus Rex Center or the parking garage facing Columbia Road. Weekday permit parking is enforced year-long at all times. Family of God offers free parking in its lot. 

Lotus Center History

In 1997, professor emerita of music, Tamar Read, donated funds for the construction of a center adjacent to the campus International Centre. The building had served as a place to support mindfulness in the Theravada Buddhist tradition; prayer of a variety of faiths; educational and cultural programming; and music concerts. With a new campus infrastructure plan starting in 2015, both the Meditation Center and subsequently the Memorial Union (serving as a temporary home) were removed. However, the mission of the Lotus Meditation Center continues through continued programs thanks to an endowment from Dr. Read, generous donations from our members, and many volunteered hours.

During the UND Memorial Union construction project, beginning August 5, 2019, the Meditation Center is temporarily located at the Chapel in Christus Rex (right behind Archives Coffee House), with many events held at the Family of God Church in East Grand Forks. Visit Programs for details.

About Lotus

Traditionally, the lotus grows in muddy ponds. When the shining flower bud opens above the water, none of the mud adheres to its petals. Lotuses have thus become symbols for purity and virtue. The closed lotus represents our potential for clarity, understanding and open-heartedness. The open lotus represents the blossoming of those qualities in our life.