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.
In-person Tuesday Lunchtime Meditation
November 21st—December 26th
Join us on your lunch break in the West Loop to meditate on Tuesdays Continue »
Sunday Morning Meditation and Discussion In Person
November 26th—December 31st
We welcome all to join us for Sunday meditation practice and dharma discussion! Come when you can, stay for the whole morning, or leave when you need to. Continue »
Sunday Morning Meditation and Discussion ONLINE
with Alice Dan
November 26th—December 31st
Weekly group meditation (sitting and walking) with guided instruction, Dharma reading and discussion. Continue »
Heart of Recovery®
November 26th—December 31st
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 »
ONLINE Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche: The Tibetan Buddhist Path – Part II
November 26th—December 31st
These online sessions include videos of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche's teachings that provide a rare glimpse of the early days of Buddhism in the West. No prerequisite required. Continue »
Sadhana of Mahamudra ONLINE
with Alice Dan
November 26th—December 26th
All are welcome to this full moon Vajrayana practice. Please join us! Continue »
Queer Dharma
November 26th—December 31st
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 »
Tuesday Evening Meditation ONLINE
with Barbara Wolkowitz & Ann Shillinglaw
November 28th—December 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 »
In Person Tuesday Evening Meditation in West Loop
with Stephen Burns & Barbara Wolkowitz & Peter McLaughlin & Ted Ballou
November 28th—December 26th
Join us for meditation in person at the Chicago Shambhala Center. Newcomers welcome and instruction given. Continue »
Shambhala Training Level III: Warrior in the World - THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED.
December 2nd—December 3rd
As meditation practice expands and we develop trust in basic goodness, we begin to discover confidence and personal energy to go forwards on the journey. Continue »
Collective Liberation Online Discussion Group
December 2nd—January 6th (2024)
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 »
ONLINE Primordial Stroke: Opening the Heart of Ashe
December 3rd—February 4th (2024)
This four-month course (one session each month) led by John Rockwell will help Shambhala practitioners deepen their understanding and experience of Ashe, or “primordial confidence,” and the practice of raising windhorse. Continue »
Learn to Meditate
December 9th
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 »
3rd Class: The First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma: Finding Peace and Clarity
with Alice Dan & Barbara Wolkowitz & David Stone
December 10th
It is not too late to join! Register for our 3rd class in this Buddhist Studies series. Learn who the Buddha was, and what it means to be a Buddhist. Continue »
New Moon Stroke of Ashe Group Practice ONLINE
with David Stone
December 12th—January 11th (2024)
A New Moon, monthly gathering of warriors who have received stroke practice transmission. It is suitable for anyone who would like to refresh their practice or simply join with others in the practice. Continue »
Aging as Spiritual Path: Online Book Club
with Alice Dan
December 14th—January 11th (2024)
"Old age is not for sissies!" But where do we get to share our experiences and find support to face our aging? Meditation offers a path to a healthy approach. Join our discussions on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Continue »
Celebrate Children's Day at the West Loop Center
December 17th
For the first time since the pandemic, Shambhala Chicago will celebrate Children's Day this year. Adults, children, families, everyone, come celebrate the winter solstice and the holiday season with us.
Continue »
Collective Liberation Retreat: Practicing Enlightened Society
with Alice Dan
December 27th—December 31st
Join us for all or part of 5 days to sit together and explore practices that illuminate the path towards Enlightened Society. In-person and online retreat. Continue »
Qigong 5 - Limitless Qi, Limitless Consciousness
with Suzann Duquette
March 2nd—March 3rd (2024)
Open to current students of Qigong who have completed Level 4. Continue »
Tendon Changing and Marrow Washing Intensive
with Eva Wong
April 11th—April 12th (2024)
The Tendon Changing and Marrow Washing Intensive is a qigong program that focuses on strengthening the musculoskeletal system - tendons, bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and spine. Continue »
Animal Forms Intensive
with Eva Wong
April 13th—April 14th (2024)
The goal of this intensive is to train practitioners to embody the essence of the bones of the tiger, the tendons of the leopard, the spine of the snake and the dragon, and ability of the crane to channel energy to the head. Continue »
