Contemplative Arts

Contemplative Arts integrate art and culture with everyday life. The discipline of practicing any art form allows one to open and express one's creative self. With a calm mind, awareness and training of our perceptions, this opening permits experiencing the sacredness or brilliance and freshness of the world around us. Each discipline represents a genuine contemplative path; together they bring beauty, vividness and wisdom to our lives and culture. Shambhala Art is art that springs from clear perception and pure expression. You can also find more at www.shambhalaart.org.

Miksang

"You develop strength in your sight, so that when you look at the Great Eastern Sun you don't become blinded by it. Having developed a dharmic eye, you will be able to see the Great Eastern Sun. See also www.miksang.net and www.miksang.org

Contemplative Movement

Selected Saturdays, 9:30 – 12:30pm at Links Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield
Developed by Barbara Dilley at Naropa University, Contemplative Movement sessions offer the opportunity to cultivate mindfulness, awareness, kinesthetic delight and community through the practice of sitting meditation and improvisational dance.
Please bring a cushion for sitting practice unless you don't mind the floor.  We split the cost of space rental (usually between $6 and $12).
It's STRONGLY recommended that you check before attending, in order to find out if there have been any unlikely but necessary changes to the schedule.
Please feel free to call or email if you have any questions or concerns, please email Donna Mandel

Kyudo

Kyudo means the way of the bow and can be described as a form of standing meditation. Under the direction of Shibata Kanjuro, Sensei and senior instructors, students learn an ancient form of archery using traditional Japanese bows. Kyudo is a form of meditation practice, not sport, and hitting the target is not considered important. The purpose of kyudo is to purify one's heart and mind to awaken the natural dignity of being human, beyond the obstacles of ambition, aggression or confusion.

In Chicago, Fuko Kyudo (Windy Tiger) practices the Way of the Bow according to the instruction and leadership of Kanjuro Shibata Sensei XX. Vada Woods and Yasuo Ito are leading the group. Students interested in taking "First Shot" - the entry to this practice - should contact Yasuo Ito at 773-301-4378.

Ikebana

The students at our center practice Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging. Ikebana was originally developed in Zen temples. We conduct periodic classes at the center, given by a teacher of the Sogetsu school.

Mudra Space Awareness

This awareness practice is based on postures and movement from traditional Tibetan monastic dance. Simple yet demanding, these techniques train students in synchronizing body and mind, in relating with space, in maintaining awareness during intense activity, and in communication.

Shambhala, Shambhala Meditation Center, and Shambhala Center are registered service marks of Shambhala International (Varjadhatu). Shambhala Training is a registered trademark of Shambhala/Nalanda Foundation.