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.
As a result of COVID-19, our Center is temporarily closed. Many of our public meditations and courses will still take place online. Information is noted where relevant. Read the announcement about our closure.
Featured Programs
What the Buddha Taught: Lojong - Training the Mind & Cultivating Loving Kindness Study Group + Meditation(Tues) ONLINE
with Stephen Burns, Larry Wolf, Barbara Wolkowitz, Alice Dan
March 17th—May 26th
This study group will read, study, and contemplate the 52 slogans that are part of the Mahayana teachings of Lojong, or Training the Mind. There will also be a period for meditation. See schedule in full description. Continue »
Sunday Meditation and Discussion ONLINE
with Alice Dan
March 22nd—April 26th
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 »
What the Buddha Taught Study Group ONLINE (Alternate Sundays)
with Barbara Wolkowitz
March 22nd—May 31st
This study group will read, study, and contemplate the 52 slogans that are part of the Mahayana teachings of Lojong, or Training the Mind. By training the mind, we mean that we reflect on our thoughts and behavior as a means of reversing our habitual tend Continue »
Book Study Group: The Power of an Open Question ONLINE
with Shastri Marita Mclaughlin
April 2nd—April 16th
This book study group will focus on "The Power of an Open Question," by Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel. For some participants, this will be (non-required) preparation for the live online 1-day retreat with the author on Saturday, April 18. Continue »
The Power of an Open Question ONLINE
with Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel
April 18th
When we ask an open question, the mind becomes naturally curious and engaged, creating a fertile environment for learning, creativity, and clear discernment. In this chaotic time, can we stay open? Continue »
Living in the In-Between State (Online)
with Shastri Marita Mclaughlin & Shastri David Stone
April 25th
At this time of chaos and uncertainty, how do we work with old age, sickness and death? Continue »
The Creative Process: Shambhala Art Part Three
with Rebekah Younger & Paul Romejko
May 2nd—May 3rd
Shambhala Art Part Three explores the creative process through the lens of the ancient Chinese principles of Heaven, Earth and Human, using calligraphy and object arranging. Continue »
Shambhala Path Meditation Instructor Training
with Shastri Janet Solyntjes
August 14th—August 20th
An opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Way of Shambhala Path and train in working with students on that path. Continue »
