Buddhist Path of Practice and Study

The Shambhala Buddhist path is based primarily on the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, but also includes elements from the Zen and Theravadin traditions. The path Shambhala Buddhism presents is characterized by a strong emphasis on mindfulness-awareness practice. The teachings of Buddhism are presented in English, and programs are designed to deepen students' understanding and experience of buddhadharma in a gradual and systematic way. A careful sequence of group practice programs ensures that students can develop according to their own interests and commitments.

The Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies is organized primarily in a series of classes known collectively as the "Way of Shambhala". The first two classes are open to anyone, but after "Contentment in Everyday Life", each class has the preceeding one in the series as a prerequisite.

While the Way of Shambhala comprises the heart of our Buddhist teachings, Buddhist Studies offers additional classes from time to time. These include visits by Tibetan teachers or Shambhala Acharyas (senior teachers), videotaped classes ( e.g. Pema Chödrön ), highlights from the old cirriculum, specialized study groups and other classes felt to be beneficial at a particular time.

"The Buddhist tradition teaches the truth of impermanence, or the transitory nature of things. The past is gone and the future has not yet happened, so we work with what is here -- the present situation. This actually helps us not to categorize or theorize. A fresh, living situation is taking place all the time, on the spot. This noncategorical  approach comes from being fully here, rather than trying to reconnect with past events. We don't have to look back to the past in order to see what people are made out of. Human beings speak for themselves, on the spot."

Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Extending love and compassion toward others in contemplative practice is a rehearsal for stepping beyond stinginess and self-centeredness in daily life. Eventually our training will give us the power to flip the mind instantly by letting go of the "me plan" and considering the happiness of somebody else, whatever we’re experiencing, wherever we are. In that moment, we are cultivating peace. When we live like this, we feel happier. The reason is simple: because love and compassion are the basis of our consciousness, we thrive when we let them come to the forefront.

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

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.