Welcome to the Shambhala Chicago Meditation Center!
For almost 50 years, the Shambhala Chicago 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 workshops, and a wide range of teachings from the Shambhala Buddhist tradition. There is something for everyone, whether you are completely new to meditation or an experienced practitioner.
**We’re excited to slowly return to in-person programming! Please note that not all programs are back in person. Some are still online and some are hybrid. For per-program details, see our upcoming programs below or browse by category using the menu.**
What people are saying about Shambhala Chicago:
“Friendly, caring, welcoming people in a beautiful space sharing wisdom, contemplative art, and useful everyday teachings for living our everyday lives… Chicago Shambhala is a safe harbor in these perilous times.”
~Winnie E., Facebook
“[Shambhala Chicago] radiates peace and calmness. The practitioners are gentle of spirit and everyone I encountered was gracious.”
~Virginia C., Google
“Combines the best of a drop-in meditation and learning space with a community of people committed to pursuing deeper teachings.”
~Ira A., Google
Featured Programs
Queer Dharma
September 19th—November 28th
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 »
Sadhana of Mahamudra ONLINE
with Alice Dan
September 20th—December 19th
All are welcome to this full moon Vajrayana practice. Please join us! Continue »
Tuesday Evening Meditation ONLINE
with Barbara Wolkowitz & Ann Shillinglaw
October 12th—January 31st (2022)
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 »
Sunday Morning Meditation and Discussion ONLINE
with Alice Dan
October 17th—December 19th
Weekly group meditation (sitting and walking) with guided instruction, Dharma reading and discussion. Continue »
Sunday Morning Meditation and Discussion In Person
October 17th—December 19th
Weekly group meditation (sitting and walking) with guided instruction, Dharma reading and discussion offered in person on first and third Sundays. Continue »
Collective Liberation Online Discussion Group
November 6th—February 5th (2022)
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 »
In Person Tuesday Evening Meditation at the West Loop Shambhala Center
with Barbara Wolkowitz, Stephen Burns, Peter McLaughlin, Ted Ballou
November 16th—December 14th
Join us for meditation in person at the Chicago Shambhala Center. Newcomers welcome and instruction given. Free. (Closed on Dec. 21 and Dec 28) Continue »
The Battle of Ego (Online)
with Alice Dan
November 20th—November 27th
Explore a Buddhist approach to life by looking at how we relate to the world and to ourselves. Perhaps there is a genuine, sane way to live. Continue »
Day of Mindfulness
with Ann Shillinglaw & Barbara Wolkowitz
December 4th
Winter is coming! Please join us for a day of mindfulness meditation and mindfulness practices involving body, mind, and the sense perceptions. Continue »
Healthy Seasons: Winter
with Shastri David Stone
December 5th
Ideas for living a healthier life from the 5 element / 5 season medical paradigm of ancient China presented by Shastri David Stone. Continue »
Coming to Your Senses - One-Day Workshop in Mindful Creativity - Online
with Rebekah Younger & Paul Romejko
December 11th
Coming to Our Senses explores the fertile ground of connecting to our sense perceptions and meditative mind for creative expression. On zoom only. Continue »
Learn to Meditate (ONLINE)
with Alice Dan & Stephen Burns
December 18th
Have you been trying to start a meditation practice on your own or with an app? This program helps beginners overcome common obstacles and establish a consistent practice. Continue »
