FAQ

We welcome practitioners from all backgrounds! We suggest that if it’s your first time at Shambhala to fully try our style of mediation so that you have a full experience of this technique. Learn more about what we offer: Meditation

Do I have to be Buddhist to practice meditation or come to the Shambhala Center?
Absolutely not! Everyone is welcome at the Shambhala Center from any tradition, belief or non-belief. We aspire to awaken the profound kindness inherent in human society and although our lineage is Buddhist we believe that everyone can sit and become familiar with their own mind.

What should I wear?
Wear something comfortable for you to sit on a cushion on the floor or in a chair. Often students will dress nicely as a practice of respect and to reflect the feeling of being uplifted. Please feel free to be yourself!

Should I bring anything to a weekend program?
Some helpful items to bring are a notebook, closed water bottle, and a shawl, light sweater, or long sleeved shirt in case the shrine room is on the cooler side.

What is Membership?

Check out our Membership Page.

What do donations, program fees and member dues pay for?
Program fees first pay for all expenses related to the program, including program food and supplies. The rest of the income from program fees, and all the income from donations and membership dues, are used to pay the operating costs of this center. Operating costs include building expenses (mortgage, insurance, utilities, maintenance, etc.), office expenses, shrine & practice expenses, payroll for 3 full-time employees and 1 part-time employee, and our center’s contributions to Shambhala International.

I want to take a program but I can’t afford it, what are my options?
We strive to make all programs as affordable as possible, and we are fortunate enough to be able to offer our Generosity Policy to individuals who wish to attend programs but cannot afford the supporting level tier of pricing. If you would like to attend a program, and are interested in discussing the Generosity Policy, please contact our Registrar/Head of Finance, Caitlin Cianflone.

What is the etiquette in the shrine rooms?
We ask that you remove your shoes before you enter the shrine room. Closed water bottles are fine to bring in – we ask that you do not bring in any open containers (we have white carpets!). Please turn your cell phone off or leave it outside of the shrine room in silent mode.

Chanting?
Chanting is done as a practice at certain programs and events at the center. Nyinthun (our Sunday morning meditation) begins and ends with five to ten minutes of chanting in English. You are welcome to join in or just listen.

Are there accommodations available?
There are no accommodations at the center, but there are a variety of hotels within the Brookline area. Please check out our Accommodations Page for more information.

Are you Wheelchair Accessible?
Unfortunately we are not at this time. As a community, we are committed to making the teachings as accessible as possible. Our lack of accessibility has been an ongoing concern, and one of the reasons we are looking to open an ancillary space as soon as possible. Please email us if you would like to be informed when we are offering programs in an accessible space in the near future. info@shambhalaboston.org

Do you Rent your space?
Yes! Check out our Rental Information.