As a result of precautions taken to avoid the spread of COVID-19, our West Loop Center is temporarily closed. Our weekly meditation sessions and other mindfulness programs are being held online via Zoom.
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.
Featured Programs
Tuesday Evening Meditation ONLINE
with Barbara Wolkowitz & Ann Shillinglaw
February 16th—May 11th
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 »
EVAM: Six Talks by Chöygam Trungpa Rinpoche
with Barbara Wolkowitz
February 21st—May 30th
Six Video Talks by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche on EVAM, What the Buddha Taught Study Group, Alternate Sundays, starting Feb 21, 2021, 1-3pm,
This is an exciting opportunity to view and discuss Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s 1976 talks on EVAM. Continue »
Heart of Recovery
February 28th—June 13th
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 »
Community Conversations
March 5th—March 6th
We miss our friends! Please join us for personal updates and conversation about community concerns. Welcome to attend one or both sessions. Continue »
Sunday Meditation and Discussion ONLINE
with Alice Dan
March 7th—April 25th
Sitting Meditation Practice will begin with a brief opening chant, a short guided introduction to meditation, and 2 sessions with a break for movement. Discussion follows, questions welcome. Please register to receive the zoom link for participation. Continue »
Stroke of Ashe Group Practice
with Shastri David Stone
March 13th
A gathering of warriors who have received stroke practice transmission--will include guided practice and commentary. Please register to receive zoom link. Continue »
Introduction to Mindfulness and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) ONLINE
with Ann Shillinglaw
March 13th
Please join us for this free info session, Introduction to Mindfulness and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Continue »
Learn to Meditate ONLINE
with Barbara Wolkowitz
March 13th
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. It is also appropriate for struggling meditators looking for a refresher. Continue »
Sadhana of Mahamudra ONLINE
with Alice Dan
March 14th—June 11th
All are welcome to this new moon Vajrayana practice. Please join us! Continue »
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program ONLINE
with Ann Shillinglaw
March 24th—May 12th
The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program is an eight-week course designed to teach participants how to improve the quality of their lives as they work with various types of stress. Continue »
Way of Shambhala: Joy in Everyday Life
with Barbara Wolkowitz & Margaret James
March 25th—April 22nd
This is the 3rd class in the Everyday Life series; all are welcome. This class emphasizes awareness of the environment and expanding the heart. It introduces the contemplation of the Four Immeasurables for arousing and strengthening compassion for self. Continue »
Gender Dynamics in Buddhism
with Holly Gayley
March 26th—May 28th
In order to create a community that strives to foster safety for all its members, we learn what Buddhism says about gender and sexuality and what contemporary conversations can contribute. This will allow us to have more informed discussions about gender Continue »
