All Programs
Programs and classes in meditation, Buddhist teachings, and other contemplative disciplines are offered as well as individual meditation instruction. The Shambhala Buddhist path, unique in the world of Western Buddhism, combines the teachings of the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism with the Shambhala principles of living an uplifted life, fully engaged with the world.
We invite you to explore our diverse programs designed to help Chicagoans of all traditions discover their inherent sanity, gentleness, and humor.
Being Buddhist: Exploring the Refuge Vow
April 6th—April 20th
This 3-session course explores the moment in a person’s life when they decide to “be Buddhist”— formally, through the practice of taking a vow. It's open to all who are interested in the Refuge Vow, or anyone who would like to reconnect with their vow. Continue »
Aging as Spiritual Path: Online Book Club
with Alice Dan
April 11th—June 13th
"Old age is not for sissies!" But where do we get to share our experiences and find support to face our aging? Meditation offers a path to a healthy approach. Join our discussions on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Continue »
Sunday Morning Meditation and Discussion In Person
April 14th—May 26th
We welcome all to join us for Sunday meditation practice and dharma discussion! Come when you can, stay for the whole morning, or leave when you need to. Doors open at 9:30 am. Continue »
Sunday Morning Meditation and Discussion ONLINE
with Alice Dan
April 14th—May 26th
Weekly group meditation (sitting and walking) with guided instruction; Dharma reading and discussion. Continue »
Heart of Recovery®
April 14th—May 26th
The Heart of Recovery® is a group meeting at the Shambhala Center focused on sharing support while bringing together contemplative practice and a commitment to sobriety. Continue »
Journey Without Goal: Featuring Talks by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
April 14th—May 12th
This seven-session online course features teaching videos of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche that introduce the key principles of tantra and provide a direct and experiential picture of the tantric world. Open to all. Continue »
Queer Dharma
April 14th—May 26th
Queer Dharma is a weekly meditation group where LGBTQIA+ people can form a non-judgmental community while deepening our meditation practices based on openness, curiosity, and gentleness. Continue »
In-person Tuesday Lunchtime Meditation
April 16th—May 28th
Join us on your lunch break in the West Loop to meditate on Tuesdays Continue »
Tuesday Evening Meditation ONLINE
with Barbara Wolkowitz & Ann Shillinglaw
April 16th—May 28th
Looking for a virtual meditation group where you can drop in when you like or attend regularly and get to know other meditators? Instruction in meditation and mindfulness skills. Continue »
In Person Tuesday Evening Meditation in West Loop
with Stephen Burns & Barbara Wolkowitz & Peter McLaughlin & Ted Ballou
April 16th—May 28th
Join us for meditation in person at the Chicago Shambhala Center. Newcomers welcome and instruction given. Continue »
As Things Fall Apart - Reconnecting Through Active Hope
with Kathleen Rude
April 20th—April 21st
Turn fear & despair into inspiration, resilience, and empowerment so that we can be enlivened to play our part in creating a sustainable, just & regenerative world for all beings. Continue »
Sadhana of Mahamudra ONLINE
with Alice Dan
April 23rd—July 21st
All are welcome to this full moon Vajrayana practice. Please join us! Continue »
Shambhala Community Conversation!
April 28th
As part of a process to re-envision and strengthen Shambhala Chicago, this gathering will continue the conversation started by the recent survey. Continue »
Collective Liberation Online Discussion Group
May 4th—July 6th
It's time for a genuine quest for Collective Liberation. This is not a class but a participatory exploration of our own identities and how we veer away from what really is - our own and others' Basic Goodness. Continue »
The Hidden Treasure Teachings of Shambhala: On Bringing Gentleness, Magic and Bravery to Your Life
with Alan Anderson
May 11th
What is Shambhala? Is it Buddhism or not? Is it new? Is it old? The Shambhala teachings are some of the world’s highest spiritual teachings disguised in common, everyday language that says there is no difference between the spiritual path and how I live. Continue »
Shambhala Training Level II: Birth of The Warrior
with Barbara Wolkowitz
May 18th—May 19th
This is the 2nd course in the Shambhala Training series. Having experienced a taste of basic goodness, we want to go forward. Meditation practice allows us to observe how we create a cocoon of habits to mask our fear.
Continue »
CONFIDENCE: Holding Your Seat Through Life’s Eight Worldly Winds (Hybrid)
with Ethan Nichtern
June 27th
At this inspiring event based on his new book, author Ethan Nichtern will use the Buddhist concept of the Eight Worldly Winds to share how to find the confidence to navigate life’s challenges within our culture of polarization and constant change. Continue »
Shambhala Training Level III: Warrior in the World
with Alice Dan
August 10th—August 11th
As meditation practice expands and we develop trust in basic goodness, we begin to discover confidence and personal energy to go forwards on the journey. Continue »
Shambhala Training Level I: The Art of Being Human
with Barbara Wolkowitz
August 24th—August 25th
This program captures the heart of Shambhala—the view that human beings are fundamentally good and awake and that this capacity can be cultivated and strengthened through meditation, reflection and personal conduct. Continue »
