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.
The Sacred Path Series [Hybrid]
September 21st—January 12th (2025)
For those who have completed Shambhala Training Levels I-V. It introduces further practices to develop warriorship and extend the student’s training in meditation. Continue »
Sadhana of Mahamudra ONLINE
with Alice Dan
October 17th—February 12th (2025)
All are welcome to this full moon Vajrayana practice. Please join us! Continue »
The Second Turning of the Wheel of Dharma: Practicing Compassion and Emptiness
with Alice Dan & Barbara Wolkowitz & David Stone
October 20th—March 16th (2025)
Join us monthly on Sunday afternoons to explore the Buddha's teachings on sunyata (Emptiness), Bodhicitta (Awakened Heart), the life of the bodhisattva and the joy of helping others. Continue »
Sunday Morning Meditation and Discussion In Person
November 3rd—December 29th
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 »
Sunday Morning Meditation and Discussion ONLINE
with Alice Dan
November 3rd—December 29th
Weekly group meditation (sitting and walking) with guided instruction; Dharma reading and discussion. Continue »
Heart of Recovery®
November 3rd—December 29th
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
November 3rd—December 29th
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 »
In-person Tuesday Lunchtime Meditation
November 5th—December 31st
Join us on your lunch break in the West Loop to meditate on Tuesdays Continue »
Tuesday Evening Meditation ONLINE
with Barbara Wolkowitz & Ann Shillinglaw
November 5th—December 10th
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 5th—December 10th
Join us for meditation in person at the Chicago Shambhala Center. Newcomers welcome and instruction given. Continue »
Collective Liberation Online Discussion Group
November 9th—February 1st (2025)
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 »
Aging as Spiritual Path: Online Book Club
with Alice Dan
November 14th—February 13th (2025)
"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 »
Shambhala Training Level II: Birth of The Warrior
with Barbara Wolkowitz
December 7th—December 8th
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 »
Community Night: Potluck and Poetry
December 13th
Join us for Community Night! Potluck Dinner at 6 pm and activity at 7 pm. Continue »
Children's Day
December 22nd
Join us on Sunday, December 22nd at 11AM. Adults, children, families, everyone! Come celebrate the winter solstice and the holiday season with us. Continue »
Winter Meditation Retreat: Connection, Compassion, Curiosity
December 27th—December 31st
We are offering meditation and contemplative practices to face today’s realities and inspire us on the path of Enlightened Society! Join us for the full five or however many days you can. Continue »
Shambhala Training Level III: Warrior in the World
with Rebecca McAllister
January 11th—January 12th (2025)
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 »
Shambhala Training Level I: The Art of Being Human
with David Stone
January 18th—January 19th (2025)
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 »
Intro to Mindfulness and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) ONLINE
with Ann Shillinglaw
January 25th (2025)
Please join us for this free info session, Introduction to Mindfulness and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Highly recommended if you want to enroll in the 8 week MBSR course. Continue »
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program ONLINE
with Ann Shillinglaw
January 29th—March 26th (2025)
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 Training Level IV: Awakened Heart
with Julia Sagebien
March 8th—March 9th (2025)
Awakened Heart takes a further step toward precision and openness. Everything that occurs in meditation practice is used as a catalyst to bring you back. Appreciating this you can have an awakened heart, and live without resentment or expectation. Continue »
Qigong 1 and 2 - Peaceful Body, Peaceful Mind - 2 days - A special Qigong 1 and 2 Program with Eva Wong, 19th generation lineage carrier of Xiantianwujimen (Primordial Limitless Gate) Taoism
with Eva Wong
April 26th—April 27th (2025)
Qigong for Spinal Health
with Eva Wong
October 25th—October 26th (2025)
Requirements: qigong 4 Continue »
