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 First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma: Finding Peace and Clarity

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 »

Collective Liberation Online Discussion Group

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 »

Sadhana of Mahamudra ONLINE

with Alice Dan

February 24th—May 23rd

All are welcome to this full moon Vajrayana practice. Please join us! Continue »

Sunday Morning Meditation and Discussion In Person

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 »

Sunday Morning Meditation and Discussion ONLINE

with Alice Dan

February 25th—April 28th

Weekly group meditation (sitting and walking) with guided instruction; Dharma reading and discussion. Continue »

Heart of Recovery®

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 »

Queer Dharma

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 »

In-person Tuesday Lunchtime Meditation

February 27th—April 30th

Join us on your lunch break in the West Loop to meditate on Tuesdays Continue »

Tuesday Evening Meditation ONLINE

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 »

In Person Tuesday Evening Meditation in West Loop

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 »

Aging as Spiritual Path: Online Book Club

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 »

Qigong 1 and 2 - Peaceful Body, Peaceful Mind

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 »

Being Buddhist: Exploring the Refuge Vow

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 »

Tendon Changing and Marrow Washing Intensive

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 »

Animal Forms Intensive

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 »

As Things Fall Apart - Reconnecting Through Active Hope

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 »

The Hidden Treasure Teachings of Shambhala: On Bringing Gentleness, Magic and Bravery to Your Life

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 »

Shambhala Training Level II: Birth of The Warrior

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 »