|
The Way of Shambhala
The Way of Shambhala offers a structured path of meditation and a complete introduction to the foundations of Shambhala Buddhism. Suitable for both beginning and experienced meditators, and open to people of any spiritual tradition, this series of weekends and classes provide a strong foundation in mindfulness-awareness meditation practice, wisdom teachings, and physical practices rooted in the ancient traditions
of Shambhala and Tibetan Buddhism. Students will also be introduced to contemplative disciplines that make the journey experiential—touching our emotions, our intelligence, our creativity, and the practical details of daily life in modern society. The programs are presented by experienced Shambhala teachers under the guidance of the Shambhala lineage-holder, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.
The Way of Shambhala is a sequential series of weekends and weeknight classes. Students may choose to participate in the weekends exclusively, or some of the weeknight courses (without doing the weekends). Please speak with a teacher to clarify how this path could work best for your personal schedule, or see our Programs page for the next offering in the sequence.
I Meditation in Everyday Life Series
The Way of Shambhala begins with the Shambala Training Level I weekend, “The
Art of Being Human”, and continues with a five-week course “Meditation in Everyday
Life”. In Shambhala Training Level I, students are introduced to basic goodness and
the practice of meditation in a supportive, social environment. The weekend includes
meditation practice, discussion, and individual meetings with meditation instructors.
The Meditation in Everyday Life course which follows the weekend, provides an
opportunity to deepen the experience and understanding of meditation, with practical
suggestions for establishing a sitting practice in the midst of our speedy lives. Each
weeknight class allows for open discussion of the challenges that students face in their
practice.
Shambhala Training Level I weekend: “The Art of Being Human”
Pre-requisite: none
Meditation in Everyday Life course
Pre-requisite: Shambhala meditation instruction
II Tiger Series
As we continue with the Tiger series, meditation experience is deepened through
the cultivation of contentment and simplicity. We explore the foundational views of
the Hinayana Buddhist teachings, and meditation in action for daily life. Through
understanding the painful conditions and emotions that keep us trapped in habitual
patterns, we can open to our inherent goodness and express the qualities of the Tiger:
gentleness, appreciation and steadiness.
Shambhala Training Level II weekend: Birth of the Warrior
Pre-requisite: Shambhala Training Level I
Contentment in Everyday Life course
Pre-requisite: Shambhala meditation instruction.
III Lion Series
This series expands the meditation experience by cultivating the noble-heart of the
Mahayana teachings, opening the path to the virtue and celebration of compassion.
Through practical methods, we further develop kindness toward ourselves and
others. We emphasize the joy and invigoration that comes from discipline. The Lion
represents the qualities of cheerfulness, health, and freedom from doubt.
Shambhala Training Level III weekend: Warrior in the World
Pre-requisite: Shambhala Training Level II
Joy in Everyday Life course
Pre-requisite: Contentment in Everyday Life
IV Garuda Series
The Garuda series mixes meditation with the vastness of space beyond concept.
Through an exploration of the Buddhist teachings of emptiness and clear seeing, the
meditation opens to the groundlessness, uncertainty and creativity of the world as it
is. By exploring the entrapping emotions of hope and fear, we learn to soar fearlessly
like the mythical bird known as the Garuda.
Shambhala Training Level IV weekend: Awakened Heart
Pre-requisite: Shambhala Training Level III
Fearlessness in Everyday Life course
Pre-requisite: Joy in Everyday Life
V Dragon series
The Dragon series looks at the qualities of a master warrior whose vastness of
mind and skills in enriching the world are fully manifested. Here the practitioner is
introduced to the Vajrayana teachings of Buddhism, which reveal the sacredness of
the phenomenal world. Students will receive essential instructions for transforming
confused emotions and situations into wisdom as they arise. The master warrior is no
longer deterred or depressed by obstacles, but with tremendous forward vision and
strength, the Dragon playfully includes everything as part of the path. In this way, the
warrior is able to skillfully benefi t the world.
Shambhala Training Level V weekend: Open Sky
Pre-requisite: Shambhala Training Level IV
Wisdom in Everyday Life course
Pre-requisite: Fearlessness in Everyday Life
VI Rigden Weekend
The Way of Shambhala will culminate in the “Rigden Weekend”. The Rigden is
a representation of our basic enlightened nature and embodies the principle of
unconditional bravery. Historically, rigdens were enlightened rulers —those who could
“rule their world” based on their unwavering experience of basic goodness. This
weekend includes a formal transmission of windhorse practice, and study of the Six
Ways of Ruling.
Rigden Weekend
Pre-requisite: the Everyday Life series, or, completion of the Sacred
Path program and some introductory Buddhist classes.
|