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.
NEW COVID-19 POLICY: As of 12/1/2021, Shambhala Chicago Meditation Center is requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination from every person who visits our center. Upon entry, visitors must show their vaccination card or an image of their vaccination card. We will continue to require people visiting the Center to wear masks and sign a COVID-19 waiver/contact form. We invite those who are unvaccinated to join us on Zoom for online and hybrid programs.
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
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Featured Programs
Sadhana of Mahamudra ONLINE
with Alice Dan
September 20th—March 18th
All are welcome to this full moon Vajrayana practice. Please join us! Continue »
Tuesday Evening Meditation ONLINE
with Barbara Wolkowitz & Ann Shillinglaw
October 12th—May 3rd
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 In Person
October 17th—April 24th
Weekly group meditation (sitting and walking) with guided instruction, Dharma reading and discussion offered in person on first and third Sundays. Please come at 10 am to receive meditation instruction. NOT OPEN JAN 2 DUE TO WEATHER. Continue »
Sunday Morning Meditation and Discussion ONLINE
with Alice Dan
October 17th—May 1st
Weekly group meditation (sitting and walking) with guided instruction, Dharma reading and discussion. Continue »
Collective Liberation Online Discussion Group
November 6th—March 5th
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—May 3rd
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 »
Meditation: The Way of the Buddha (Six-Week Online Course)
January 2nd—February 6th
Learn or refresh your connection to the practice of meditation as taught by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, based on archival talks in the summer of 1974 to an audience of new students. Continue »
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Online (8 WEEK PROGRAM)
with Ann Shillinglaw
January 19th—March 9th
The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program is an 8-week course designed to help participants improve the quality of their lives as they work with various types of stress. Continue »
Shambhala Community Gathering ONLINE
January 23rd
Join us in a discussion of all things Shambhala! We're excited to start 2022 off on the right foot with an opportunity to address the past, present, and future of our community. Continue »
Meditation in Everyday Life - In Person
with Barbara Wolkowitz
January 29th
Are you finding it difficult to begin a meditation program or maintain a regular practice? This one-day workshop may help you develop friendship with your mind, skill in how to work with speed and difficulty, and a sense of humor. In person. Continue »
Learn to Meditate (IN-PERSON + ONLINE)
with Barbara Wolkowitz
February 5th
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 »
Shambhala Training Level I: The Art of Being Human (In-person) RESCHEDULED FROM JAN 8-9)
February 12th—February 13th
This program captures the heart of Shambhala—the view that human beings are fundamentally good and awake and that this capacity can be cultivated and strengthened through meditation, reflection and personal conduct. Continue »
