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
The Joy of Letting Go with Ani Pema Chodron
September 16th—November 30th
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 »
"What the Buddha Taught" Study Group (WEST LOOP/Thu)
October 3rd—December 5th
Join your neighbors for an in-depth exploration of the early teachings of the Buddha, focusing on the central Buddhist concept of interdependence - how karma works. Continue »
Meridian Touch Japanese Qigong
with Jennifer O'Hara
November 4th—November 25th
Based on ancient Qigong exercises and Japanese Shiatsu exercises, Meridian Touch Japanese Qigong is a restorative series of movements that anyone can do. Continue »
Sadhana of Mahamudra
with Alice Dan
November 24th
All are welcome to this monthly Vajrayana practice. Please join us! Continue »
Meridian Touch Japanese Qigong
with Jennifer O'Hara
December 2nd—December 30th
Based on ancient Qigong exercises and Japanese Shiatsu exercises, Meridian Touch Japanese Qigong is a restorative series of movements that anyone can do. Continue »
Shambhala Art Part 1: Coming to Your Senses
with Rebekah Younger & Paul Romejko
December 7th
Shambhala Art Part 1: Coming to Your Senses explores the fertile ground of connecting to our sense perceptions and meditative mind for creative expression. Continue »
Learn to Meditate
with Barbara Wolkowitz
December 8th
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 »
New Meditators Group
December 13th
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 »
Nyinthun / Daylong Meditation Retreat
with Shastri David Stone
December 22nd
All are welcome to join this day of meditation practice; morning, afternoon, and evening sessions; partial attendance is fine. Continue »
Sadhana of Mahamudra
with Alice Dan
December 28th
All are welcome to this monthly Vajrayana practice. Please join us! Continue »
Ecstatic Dance
December 28th
Ecstatic Dance is for the celebration of self expression, connection with supportive and cooperative community, and being just how and who you are. Continue »
Shambhala Training Level I: The Art of Being Human
with Shastri Marita McLaughlin
January 11th (2020)
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 »
