All Programs
Programs and classes in meditation, Buddhist teachings, and other contemplative disciplines are offered as well as individual meditation instruction. The Shambhala Buddhist path, unique in the world of Western Buddhism, combines the teachings of the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism with the Shambhala principles of living an uplifted life, fully engaged with the world.
We invite you to explore our diverse programs designed to help Chicagoans of all traditions discover their inherent sanity, gentleness, and humor.
Heart of Recovery®
September 19th—October 24th
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 »
Queer Dharma
September 19th—November 28th
Queer Dharma is a weekly meditation group where LGBTQIA+ people can form a non-judgmental community while deepening our meditation practices based on openness, curiosity, and gentleness. Continue »
Sadhana of Mahamudra ONLINE
with Alice Dan
September 20th—December 19th
All are welcome to this full moon Vajrayana practice. Please join us! Continue »
Stroke of Ashe Group Practice
with Shastri David Stone
October 6th—November 4th
A gathering of warriors who have received stroke practice transmission--will include guided practice and commentary. Please register to receive zoom link. Continue »
Tuesday Evening Meditation ONLINE
with Barbara Wolkowitz & Ann Shillinglaw
October 12th—October 26th
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 »
The Future is Open: Beyond Karma
with Judy Vreeland & Travis DeTour
October 14th—November 11th
Beyond a catch-phrase or an excuse, how do buddhists understand and relate with karma in everyday experience? Explore these teachings from a newly published book by Chogyam Trungpa. Continue »
Contemplative Photography: Picture of Mind - Online
with Larry Wolf
October 14th—November 18th
This six-week workshop explores the making and viewing of photographs as an expression of inner vision. On Zoom. Continue »
Sunday Morning Meditation and Discussion In Person
October 17th—December 19th
Weekly group meditation (sitting and walking) with guided instruction, Dharma reading and discussion offered in person on first and third Sundays. Continue »
Sunday Morning Meditation and Discussion ONLINE
with Alice Dan
October 17th—December 19th
Weekly group meditation (sitting and walking) with guided instruction, Dharma reading and discussion. Continue »
Igniting the Heart: Awakening Compassion to Transform Your World
October 17th—November 21st
An angry mind sees an angry world. Using the Buddhist teachings on the six realms of existence, these video talks given by Pema Chödrön teach us how to work skillfully with strong emotions. In person. Continue »
Shambhala Training Level I: The Art of Being Human
with Shastri David Stone
October 22nd—October 23rd
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. Free Fri eve talk. In person & zoom. Continue »
Meditation in Everyday Life
October 30th
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 and Zoom. Continue »
Who Am I? - Online program
with Shastri David Stone
November 1st—November 22nd
Join us throughout November as we explore together the fundamental questions of what it means to be human and to be an individual self – Who Am I? On Zoom. Continue »
Collective Liberation Online Discussion Group
November 6th—December 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 »
One-Day Meditation Retreat - In person
with Barbara Wolkowitz & Alice Dan
November 7th
Spend all or part of the day exploring the depths of silent meditation. Instruction provided. Continue »
Meditation for Psychotherapists and the Therapeutic Relationship
with Shastri Marita McLaughlin & Dr. Timothy Pedigo
November 13th
This program is specifically designed for psychotherapists to develop, maintain and integrate a healthy relationship with meditation in the professional setting. Continue »
The Battle of Ego (Online)
with Alice Dan
November 20th—November 27th
Explore a Buddhist approach to life by looking at how we relate to the world and to ourselves. Perhaps there is a genuine, sane way to live. Continue »
Shambhala Training 4: Awakened Heart - offered by Shambhalaonline
with Acharya Mathias Pongracz
November 26th—November 28th
Opportunity to participate in Level IV, Awakened Heart, offered through Shambhalaonline.
Prerequisite: Level III, Warrior in the World. Continue »
Shambhala Training, Level 5: Open Sky - Offered by Shambhala Online
with Gaylon Ferguson
January 14th—January 16th (2022)
Level V: Open Sky is offered by Shambhalaonline.com. Prerequisite: Level IV, Awakened Heart Continue »