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Nalanda: Culture & Arts
Inspired by Nalanda, an eleventh-century university in India, that welcomed teachings and disciplines from many different traditions, a number of contemplative approaches to arts and culture have developed and are practiced within Shambhala. Based on the training, expertise and inspiration of its local members, each Shambhala Center offers classes and workshops on subjects such as Diversity, Money as Path, Contemplative Leadership, Health, Relationships, Family, Engaged Buddhism.
Contemplative Arts
Contemplative Arts comprise a number of secular disciplines and activities, including flower arranging and
photography, that integrate art and culture with everyday life. Each of these disciplines represents a genuine
contemplative path; together they bring beauty, vividness and wisdom to our lives and culture.
 Shambhala Art
Shambhala Art is art that springs from clear perception
and pure expression. To artist or non-artist, the creative process often seems mysterious and magical. How
do we give a physical reality to some ephemeral inspiration or abstract truth? How do we create forms that
communicate some essential nature beyond the limits of their container? The Shambhala Art Program's
purpose is to explore the creative process and the product we call art from the point of view of clear perception
and pure expression. It is about the source of inspiration, how the creative process manifests and finally
how what we create communicates that inspiration. Read more....
Check upcoming programs for Shambhala Art events.
 Kalapa Ikebana
Ikebana, the traditional Japanese Way of Arranging Flowers, has its origins in Shinto, where arrangements were made as shrine offerings. Kalapa Ikebana was initiated by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1982 to promote the study and practice of ikebana as a contemplative meditation practice. As a Shambhala Art form, ikebana is a genuine expression of the sacredness of the world which arises from non-aggression and profound appreciation. Working with mindfulness practices, we quite the mind in order to perceive the world with clarity. This allows us to experience and express that sacredness - joining “Heaven, Earth and Man”
 Kyudo
Kyudo means the way of the bow and can be described as a form of standing meditation. Under the direction
of Shibata Kanjuro, Sensei and senior instructors, students learn an ancient form of archery using traditional
Japanese bows. Kyudo is a form of meditation practice, not sport, and hitting the target is not considered important.
The purpose of kyudo is to purify one's heart and mind to awaken the natural dignity of being human, beyond the
obstacles of ambition, aggression or confusion.
Mudra Space Awareness
This awareness practice is based on postures and movement from traditional Tibetan monastic dance. Simple yet
demanding, these techniques train students in synchronizing body and mind, in relating with space, in maintaining
awareness during intense activity, and in communication.
 Miksang
"You develop strength in your sight, so that when you look at the Great Eastern Sun you don't become
blinded by it. Having developed a dharmic eye, you will be able to see the Great Eastern Sun. See
also www.miksang.net and
www.miksang.net/miksangfilm.html
Maitri Five Wisdoms Practice
This practice is based on the principles of the five buddha families, each of which expresses a particular
style and attitude of openness. Maintaining a posture associated with each family in five specifically designed
rooms heightens the characteristic patterns of energy of each family, so that both the neurotic and sane aspects
of the student's personal style becomes apparent. Read more....
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