Community

The Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston is home to a wonderfully diverse community who share a genuine connection to contemplative practice and the aspiration to realize a more wakeful, sane society. Among us are dedicated senior teachers who have walked the Shambhala Buddhist path for many years, and enthusiastic newcomers who are just discovering our teachings on realizing basic goodness. Friends and members of the Shambhala Center are welcome to attend celebrations, practice events, meetings and gatherings of various groups.

Community Practice Events

Our center has a rich array of ongoing offerings open to the public including weekly public sitting meditation hours and dharma talks. No prior meditation experience required to attend.  All are welcome. Ongoing Programs Information

Getting Involved

Our community and center is almost entirely volunteer run. All of our programs are staffed by volunteers, as well as our councils and committees. People from all walks of life dedicate some amount of time to support other people to sit on the cushion and become familiar with their own basic goodness. The vision of a sane and awake society begins with one simple act: Getting Involved.

Family and Children

We welcome families at the Boston Shambhala Center as a vital part of our community. Our aspiration is to have a local Shambhala community in which families gather for practice; feel included and supported; and which includes a path for our children to deepen their experience of basic goodness. We’re committed to creating the circumstances for this aspiration to become a reality. We have a monthly program called Mindfulness for Children and another called Mindfulness for Teens and Tweens.

Contact our Head of Families, Jennifer Lacy: families@shambhalaboston.org

Health and Well Being Council

The Health and Well Being Council of the Boston Shambhala Center is available upon request to support members of the Boston community in two ways:

Assistance to members and their families in times of serious need.
Assistance to members and their families in matters of diversity and accessibility.  

Examples of possible need include the birth of a child, serious illness, death, emotional or financial crisis, problems related to health care or housing, or a sudden wave of difficult circumstances. We are committed to seeing that access is provided for seniors and people with disabilities in all activities, community events, and practice situations. As a diverse community, we wish to ensure that accommodation and respect is extended to all ages and genders, sexual orientations, social groups, and cultures.

The person in need may ask for help in his or her own behalf, or concerns about a community member can be brought to the Council by another member. It is preferable for the person in need to contact the Health and Well-Being Council directly. In each instance of need, the Health and Well-Being Council will initially help members to clarify the situation. Members may be directed to a number of agencies and professionals both inside and outside the Shambhala community in this process. Confidentiality will be maintained by the Council at all times, and an approach that is compassionate, dignified, and uplifted will be pursued.

healthandwellbeing@shambhalaboston.org

617-734-1498

Shastri Frank Ryan (Chair)
Rusung Brian McCorkle
Martina Bouey
Jill Hurley
Mary Lang
Phyllis Prout
Charles Styron

Seasonal Celebrations

Over the years our community has adopted a tradition of celebrating the changes of the seasons. These are called “nyida” days from the Tibetan words nyima (sun) and dawa (moon), and they occur on or near the days of the equinoxes and solstices. Nyida days are family-oriented celebrations and occasions for local Shambhala communities to gather socially. Midsummer Day observes the summer solstice; the Harvest of Peace the autumn equinox; Children’s Day, the winter solstice. Shambhala Day is our annual celebration of “losar” or the new year according to the Tibetan calendar. Since it typically falls in February or March, it takes the place of observing the spring equinox.

Community Events

Our Original Playground

with Nicholas Kranz

June 1st

Away from the demands of the modern lifestyle, we often find that we are most able to get in touch with who we really are when we're outdoors in nature. This one-day outdoor retreat will explore the experience of resting our minds naturally. Continue »

Preparing for The Shambhala Principle: An Evening of Inquiry and Dialogue for Shambhala Center Members

with Daniel Glenn

June 3rd

The Shambhala Principle opens with these words: “We humans have come to a crossroads in our history: we can either destroy the world or create a good future.” Continue »

Volunteer Days: Operation Uplift

with Ashley Goodwin

June 11th—June 12th

Join in the fun and work of renovating our community room! Come for a few hours, or every day. No skills required, there will be opportunities to practice as well. Continue »

Volunteer Days: Painting

with Ashley Goodwin

June 15th—June 16th

We will be painting, some experience is preferred. There will be opportunities to practice. Continue »

Volunteer Days: Operation Uplift

with Ashley Goodwin

June 20th—June 21st

Help us move things back together! Continue »