 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 Shambhala Training 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 Training 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 series of weekend contemplative workshops:
Levels I-V
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.
These five workshops include meditation training and practice, talks by senior instructors, personal interviews and group discussions.
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 Shambhala Training weekends.
Sacred Path Levels
Portland’s Sacred Path program begun in the 2008/2009 academic year will continue with Levels Perky through Golden Key during the 2009/2010 academic year. However we will not be starting a new program as beginning in 2011 the Sacred Path program will be included within The Way of Shambhala II.
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