The Way of Shambhala: An Introduction to the Shambhala Teachings

Named for a legendary Himalayan kingdom where prosperity and happiness reign, these teachings, introduced to the West in the 1970s by Chögyam Trungpa, present the model of the sacred warrior. The Shambhala warrior doesn’t engage in violence or aggression but rather uses gentleness, courage, and self-knowledge to meet the challenges of modern daily life. Central to the Shambhala teachings is the notion of basic goodness, the innate human goodness and sanity that exist in each of us. We’ll explore how meditation practice helps us foster the discovery and connection to basic goodness. And we’ll look at both what the Shambhala teachings share with traditional Buddhism and how they are distinct.

“The basic wisdom of Shambhala is that in this world, as it is, we can find a good and meaningful human life that will also serve others. That is our true richness.” Chögyam Trungpa

This class will include meditation practice, talks, readings, and discussion. It is suitable for both beginning and experienced meditators and is open to all.