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.
with Alice Dan & Barbara Wolkowitz & David Stone
October 8th—March 17th
This monthly Buddhist Studies program presents the Buddhist teachings from what has been called the Buddha's first turning of the wheel of dharma. These teachings focus on realizing personal liberation through understanding the causes of suffering.
Continue »February 3rd—April 6th
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 »with Alice Dan
February 24th—May 23rd
All are welcome to this full moon Vajrayana practice. Please join us!
Continue »February 25th—April 28th
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. Doors open at 9:30 am.
Continue »with Alice Dan
February 25th—April 28th
Weekly group meditation (sitting and walking) with guided instruction; Dharma reading and discussion.
Continue »February 25th—April 28th
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 »February 25th—April 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 »February 27th—April 30th
Join us on your lunch break in the West Loop to meditate on Tuesdays
Continue »with Barbara Wolkowitz & Ann Shillinglaw
February 27th—April 30th
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 »with Stephen Burns & Barbara Wolkowitz & Peter McLaughlin & Ted Ballou
February 27th—April 30th
Join us for meditation in person at the Chicago Shambhala Center. Newcomers welcome and instruction given.
Continue »with Alice Dan
March 14th—June 13th
"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 »with David Stone
March 23rd—March 24th
When body is relaxed and peaceful, energy will flow. When mind is still, it will embrace qi and strengthen the body. In the Chinese arts of health and longevity, qigong simultaneously cultivates a peaceful body and a peaceful mind.
Continue »April 6th—April 20th
This 3-session course explores the moment in a person’s life when they decide to “be Buddhist”— formally, through the practice of taking a vow. It's open to all who are interested in the Refuge Vow, or anyone who would like to reconnect with their vow.
Continue »with Eva Wong
April 11th—April 12th
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 »with Eva Wong
April 13th—April 14th
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 »with Kathleen Rude
April 20th—April 21st
Turn fear & despair into inspiration, resilience, and empowerment so that we can be enlivened to play our part in creating a sustainable, just & regenerative world for all beings.
Continue »with Alan Anderson
May 11th
What is Shambhala? Is it Buddhism or not? Is it new? Is it old? The Shambhala teachings are some of the world’s highest spiritual teachings disguised in common, everyday language that says there is no difference between the spiritual path and how I live.
Continue »with Barbara Wolkowitz
May 18th—May 19th
This is the 2nd course in the Shambhala Training series. Having experienced a taste of basic goodness, we want to go forward. Meditation practice allows us to observe how we create a cocoon of habits to mask our fear.
Continue »