Shambhala Training
Shambhala Training offers a structured path of meditation practice, rooted in the ancient wisdom of the Shambhala tradition and created for the challenges of modern, everyday life.
These weekend trainings are opportunities to engage meditation practice in a deep way – discovering what occurs through extended sessions of sitting meditation, walking meditation and mindful movement, guided by experienced teachers and qualified instructors. When we create the time and space to dive fully into meditation practice, we are able to experience the openness and relaxation that are possible when we settle fully into the present moment.
Each weekend offers a subtle but powerful variation on the basic technique, eventually empowering us with a full range of mindfulness-awareness practices that guide and inform our life journey.
This training provides an excellent foundation for further spiritual practice – dharma study, deep meditation, contemplative arts, social engagement and more.
While these teachings and techniques are based in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition – specifically the Kagyu and Nyingma schools – they were adapted over 50 years ago by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche to serve the needs of modern, western students.
Together, these five programs present the profound, simple, and immediate view that when we cultivate an awake and compassionate relationship with ourselves, we are also fostering a healthy transformation in society and our world altogether.
Shambhala Training Introductory Retreats
The Art of Being Human
Through the practice of meditation, we begin to glimpse that goodness—rather than confusion—is the unconditional ground of our existence. Opening to ourselves with gentleness and appreciation, we begin to see our potential as genuine and compassionate human beings. Open to all
Birth of the Warrior
Meditation practice allows us to observe how we create a cocoon of habits to mask underlying fear. We begin to appreciate that there is no fundamental obstacle to experiencing basic goodness. Open to all
Warrior in the World
Examining our habitual tendencies, we begin to look at our willingness to experience our life without relying on the cocoon. We begin to engage the world directly and extend the attitude of fearlessness to our activities. Open to all
Shambhala Training Advanced Retreats
Awakened Heart
Trusting further in basic goodness and daring to experience the sharp edge of reality, we move forward with gentleness, increased awareness, and inquisitiveness about the world, as it is. We find that we can extend ourselves to others fully and with kindness. Prerequisite: Art of Being Human, Birth of the Warrior & Warrior in the World
Open Sky
Communicating with the world gently and fearlessly, our awareness is sharpened and we find the open clear sky of mind—a delightful source of wisdom and uplifted energy. We learn to trust our nature enough to let go into the present moment. Prerequisite: Awakened Heart
About the retreats
These programs are offered in person at our Meditation Center – 646 Brookline Ave. Participants go home each night, and no overnight accommodations are available at the center. They are full-day events, and can be tiring – especially for those newer to meditation.
Shambhala Training is open to people of all religious backgrounds or no religious background.
In some places you will see these programs described as Levels 1-5, which must be taken sequentially. In Boston we offer the first three open to all, which then form the ground for the final two retreats: Awakened Heart, and Open Sky. These programs are also offered at other Shambhala Centers, as well as online. Learn more information about online Shambhala Training options here.
Through the contemplative experience of Shambhala Training, we can awaken our inherent dignity, kindness and confidence and open fully to our life as it is, here and now.
