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 Shambhala Training
Shambhala Training, a central component of The Way of Shambhala, is sequence of contemplative weekend workshops, suitable for anyone of any spiritual tradition or way of life looking to explore the transformative benefits of meditation.
The sequential program includes the study and practice of Shambhala Warriorship — a path of nonaggression born from
the bravery and gentleness of meeting our world without bias or judgment. This path shows how to take the challenges of daily
life in our modern society as opportunities for both contemplative practice and social action.
The Shambhala Training weekends consist of thorough instruction in meditation, the practice of sitting and walking
meditation in a group setting, one-on-one interviews to clarify questions, discussion groups and talks by a senior teacher.
Overview of Shambhala Training Path
The Shambhala Tradition
A basic truth of the Shambhala teachings is that we all want to lead sane, dignified lives, and that this
is possible. If we look directly at our own experience, we can discover a continuity of wakeful dignity underlying all changing
conditions. This wholesome, wakeful presence is referred to in the Shambhala Tradition as Basic Goodness.
The Shambhala teachings recognize that this truth of innate human wisdom and basic goodness does not belong to any one
religion or doctrine. We can appreciate all genuine contemplative paths, whether they stem from the great religions, the
arts, or from native spirituality; however, this wisdom arises only when the grasping and confusion of ego is stilled through
a commitment to a contemplative discipline.
The Shambhala Tradition is inspired by the ancient legend of the Kingdom of Shambhala, said to be a society
which drew its gentle and fearless sense of social responsibility from the practice of meditation. The legend of the Kingdom
of Shambhala has been a guiding vision for many centuries in Asian culture and has parallels in Western traditions. Shambhala
represents the ideal of secular enlightenment, a view that all aspects of civilization — family, commerce, education, science,
the arts, religion—can be permeated with a natural sense of sacredness.
Program
Shambhala Training is organized into two parts: the Heart of Warriorship and the Sacred Path.
 Heart of Warriorship
The Heart of Warriorship Levels I-V provide a strong foundation in mindfulness-awareness meditation practice, emphasizing the development of genuine confidence, humor, and personal dignity within the complexity of daily life. These weekend workshops are recommended for new and experienced meditators, as well as for those looking to enrich their existing spiritual tradition.
- Level I: The Art of Being Human
Discovering basic goodness in the world and ourselves.
- Level II: Birth of the Warrior
Cultivating the willingness to observe our cocoon of habitual fear and defense mechanisms.
- Level III: Warrior in the World
Developing the bravery to step outside our cocoons.
- Level IV: Awakened Heart
Opening to increased awareness and inquisitiveness about the world, as it is.
- Level V: Open Sky
Sharpening one’s awareness, one finds the open clear sky of mind—a delightful source of wisdom and uplifted energy. Trusting our nature enough to let go into the present moment.
Please review the Way of Shambhala listings for upcoming Heart of Warriorship weekends.
 Sacred Path
The Sacred Path program introduces further warriorship practices that extend the basic meditation training. These practices are based on a societal vision and aspiration to help the world. This level of training cultivates one's dignity and natural gifts that are able to widen one's sphere of compassionate and practical influence. During a series of visionary experiences that took place between 1976 and 1980, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche wrote down what became known as the Shambhala texts. The Sacred Path of the Warrior is based on these texts, and on the extensive commentaries Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche gave on these teachings and on how to practice them in modern times.
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Great Eastern Sun
This weekend program teaches us how to see the Great Eastern Sun, the primordial energy and brilliance that is the basis of all that exists, and includes an introduction to membership in Shambhala - a living context for building a sane society.
- Windhorse
Introduction and instruction for the practice of “raising windhorse” is given, which opens the heart and refreshes one's confidence. The practice is a way to bring about skillful and heartfelt social engagement, enabling the warrior to go forward in the midst of whatever challenges occur.
- Drala
Through exploring the depth of perception, one engages the elemental and magical strength inherent in the world. The principle of Drala refers to the sacred energy and power that exists when we step beyond aggression.
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Meek & Perky
The “four dignities” are introduced as a path and a process, which describe a warrior's maturing and widening sphere of benevolent engagement in the world. The training in the dignities allows one to maintain awareness and delight at each stage. Meek is a study of the grounded, humble and gentle beginning stages of a warrior's journey. Here one trains to overcome arrogance—the primary obstacle to learning. Perky focuses on cultivating sharp, vibrant and uplifted energy through natural discipline. Overcoming the trap of doubt, the warrior of perky is able to accomplish his or her activities with a sense of nobility and ease.
- Outrageous & Inscrutable
These fruitional dignities refer to the extraordinary skill of a practiced warrior. No longer afraid of making mistakes, the unconventional and visionary perspective of the outrageous warrior combines with the skill of spontaneous inscrutability to create benefit for others on a large scale.
Please review the Way of Shambhala listings for upcoming Sacred Path weekends.
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