Getting Started

Meditation is a practice that anyone can do.

It is based on the radical idea that the natural state of the mind is not scattered, nervous, and confused, but rather calm, creative, and clear. Practicing regularly provides a way to settle into this natural state more often.  At the Shambhala Meditation Center of Philadelphia, we begin by training in Shamatha/Vispasana or Mindfulness/Awareness meditation. This foundational technique allows you to tune into the present moment, at home, at work, or wherever you go in your day to day life.

We welcome anyone new to meditation to check out these ongoing introductory classes & programs.


Learn to Meditate

Each month alternating either on a weeknight or a Saturday.

An ideal way to bring the simple yet profound and powerful practice of meditation into your everyday life.


Open Sitting

 Thursdays
6:00-7:00pm

Sundays
10:00-11:00

You are welcome to join us for part or all of the time.   (Free)


Meditation in Everyday Life

Check calendar for the next scheduled program

This is the first course in our core program, the Way of Shambhala which provides a strong foundation in mindfulness-awareness meditation.  This series is designed to be applied to the complexity of our daily lives and to develop courage and sanity in these troubled times of uncertainty.


Shambhala Training – Level 1 – Art of Being Human

Check calendar for the next weekend

The beginning of the Way of Shambhala path is a series of weekend retreats and companion classes that are an effective way for students of any tradition to learn to meditate.


Community Groups

Philadelphia Shambhala Meditation Center has many community groups for beginners to experienced meditators.  We offer many different ways to practice together, build community and celebrate together such as Monday Night Sangha, Sit n’ Stitch, Heart of Recovery and more.


Learn more about Ongoing Offerings and other Introductory Programs where meditation instruction is also included.

“It seems we all agree that training the body through exercise, diet, and relaxation is a good idea, but why don’t we think about training our mind?”

— Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche