For over 40 years, the Chicago Shambhala Meditation Center has offered Chicagoans the opportunity to work with their minds and hearts through mindfulness meditation. Our mission is to inspire and awaken compassionate society through personal and collective transformation.
We offer public meditation classes, mindfulness training workshops, and a wide range of teachings from the Shambhala Buddhist tradition. In addition to our Featured Programs below, we offer weekly opportunities for free public meditation.
Featured Programs
Meridian Touch Japanese Qigong
with Jennifer O'Hara
January 6th—January 27th
Based on ancient Qigong exercises and Japanese Shiatsu exercises, Meridian Touch Japanese Qigong is a restorative series of movements that anyone can do. Continue »
Sexual Harm, Trauma and the Healing Journey
January 11th—May 9th
A series of talks to promote understanding of sexual trauma and healing in our community. Open to all; Shambhala Educators are especially encouraged to attend. Continue »
Shambhala Training Level I: Waking up to Who We are
with Acharya Eric Spiegel & Barbara Wolkowitz
January 17th—January 18th - Date postponed or cancelled
In this workshop, students are introduced to the idea of basic goodness and the practice of meditation in a supportive, social environment. The weekend includes meditation practice, discussion, and individual meetings with meditation instructors. Continue »
The Wish Fulfilling Jewel: Developing a Dharmic Approach to Money, Wealth and Generosity
with Acharya Eric Spiegel
January 19th
Open to all. Acharya Spiegel will consider our relationship to wealth and money, as well as generosity. Continue »
Sadhana of Mahamudra
with Alice Dan
January 22nd
All are welcome to this monthly Vajrayana practice. Please join us! Continue »
New Meditators Group
January 24th
Looking to connect with other meditators? Join us for New Meditators Group on Friday evening. We will explore issues related to meditation practice, especially for people of all ages who are newer to meditation. Continue »
Shambhala Art Part 5 - Art in Everyday Life
with Rebekah Younger & Miriam Hall
January 25th—January 26th
This class explores using the four actions, Pacifying, Enriching, Magnetizing and Destroying to work with obstacles in the creative process and life. The program will end with a Feast of the Four Actions, open to the community at large. Continue »
Feast of the Four Actions
with Rebekah Younger & Miriam Hall
January 26th
An evening celebration for the entire community to honor the graduates of the Shambhala Art Program and experience their final project an environmental installation of the Four Actions (Karmas) Pacifying, Enriching, Magnetizing and Destroying Continue »
Sexual Harm, Trauma and Healing
February 1st
The second in a series of talks to promote understanding of sexual trauma and healing in our community. Open to all; Shambhala Educators are especially encouraged to attend. Continue »
Learn to Meditate
with Barbara Wolkowitz
February 1st
Ideal for beginners as well as students who want to work on stabilizing their meditation, this half day program gives you the essential techniques and reasons for meditation practice in everyday life. Continue »
The Joy of Letting Go with Ani Pema Chodron
February 2nd—March 8th
A new online video course from Shambhala Publications, “The Joy of Letting Go,” is led by Acharya Pema Chodron, beloved Shambhala teacher, author, and Buddhist nun. Release fear, dissolve expectations, and embrace an open-hearted life. Continue »
Meridian Touch Japanese Qigong
with Jennifer O'Hara
February 3rd—February 24th
Based on ancient Qigong exercises and Japanese Shiatsu exercises, Meridian Touch Japanese Qigong is a restorative series of movements that anyone can do. Continue »
