For over 40 years, the Shambhala Meditation Center has offered Chicagoans the opportunity to work with their minds and hearts through 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,
Featured Programs
Meridian Touch Japanese Qigong
with Jennifer O'Hara
August 5th—August 26th
Based on ancient Qigong exercises and Japanese Shiatsu exercises, Meridian Touch Japanese Qigong is a restorative series of movements that anyone can do. Continue »
What the Buddha Taught: Reinventing the Wheel - Understanding Karma, Interdepence and Auspicious Coincidence
with Shastri David Stone & Shastri Marita McLaughlin
August 24th
Are we trapped in our “karma”? Is there “free will”? What is “good karma”, what is “bad karma”? Can I change my karma? How does meditation fit in? What does karma really mean anyway? Continue »
Shambhala Art Part 4: The Power of Display
with Rebekah Younger & Miriam Hall
August 31st—September 1st
Styles of creative and personal expression are explored in this program using the mandala of the five elements, earth, water, fire, wind and space. Continue »
Sadhana of Mahamudra
August 31st
All are welcome to this monthly Vajrayana practice. Please join us! Continue »
Shambhala Training Level I: Feel Human Again
with Shastri Marita McLaughlin
September 7th
Level I opens the Heart of Warriorship Series, a path of developing courage and compassion. Focusing on the profound technique of mindfulness meditation is a gateway to discovering intrinsic human potential and goodness. Open to all. Continue »
"What the Buddha Taught" Study Group -- WEST LOOP (Sun)
September 8th—November 3rd
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 »
New Meditators Group
with Barbara Wolkowitz
September 20th
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 »
“Radical Responsibility” Book Talk & Signing
with Acharya Fleet Maull
September 20th
Please join us for a book talk and signing, celebrating the publication of Fleet Maull's "Radical Responsibility: How to Move Beyond Blame, Fearlessly Live Your Highest Purpose, and Become an Unstoppable Force for Good." Continue »
What are You Harvesting this Fall? - A Harvest of Peace Community Gathering
September 21st
All are invited to join the Chicago community in a Harvest of Peace gathering for open conversation and good food to mark the changing of the seasons, at a time of challenge and uncertainty. Continue »
Nyinthun / Daylong Meditation Retreat
September 22nd
All are welcome to join this day of meditation practice; morning, afternoon, and evening sessions; partial attendance is fine. Continue »
Shambhala Art Part 5 - Art in Everyday Life
with Rebekah Younger & Miriam Hall
September 28th—September 29th
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, graduation and offerings from participants that is Continue »
