Shambhala Path

The Shambhala Buddhist path begins and continues with meditation. Teachings are introduced in the context of an ongoing meditation practice. Shambhala Meditation Centers around the world offer a broad and carefully thought-out range of classes, meditation programs and community activities. At our residential practice and retreat centers, students can deepen their meditation through longer programs, and engage in periods of intensive study and retreat.

The path includes a series of programs designed to stabilize and strengthen a student's meditation practice, and to clarify their understanding of the teachings. Our courses offer entry into the classical teachings of the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, as well as the Shambhala wisdom presented by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. The Way of Shambhala and Shambhala Training both serve as graduated paths of instruction in the profound vision of our lineage.

In order to provide an environment in which Buddhism can flourish in the West, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche presented the spiritual journey in the cultural context of Shambhala--a personal and social vision of awakening that is accessible to everyone, all the time, even in the midst of busy daily life. The name and outlook for his approach comes from the legendary kingdom of Shambhala. This land has for centuries been seen throughout central Asia as a source of individual and cultural virtue: a place in which inhabitants led meditative lives of bravery, gentleness and intelligence, where they acted with responsibility and delight in caring for one another.

The Way of Shambhala

The Way of Shambhala is a complete introduction to the foundations of Shambhala Buddhism. This series of weekend contemplative workshops and weeknight classes provides an experiential overview of meditation practice, wisdom teachings, contemplative arts, and physical disciplines rooted in the ancient traditions of Shambhala and Tibetan Buddhism. This program prepares students who wish to further develop their practice and study at Sutrayana Seminary and Warrior Assembly. Read more...

Shambhala Training

Shambhala Training, a central component of The Way of Shambhala, is a series of weekend contemplative workshops suited for both beginning and experienced meditators. The simple and profound technique of mindfulness and awareness is the basis of a path which can benefit people of any spiritual tradition and way of life. Here the teachings on Shambhala Warriorship are studied and practiced — How to bring the tradition of human bravery that cultivates genuineness, gentleness, confidence, humor, and dignity into our daily life. Shambhala Training Levels 1-5 may be taken independently of The Way of Shambhala. Read more...

Nalanda: Culture and Art in Everyday Life

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. Read more...

Dorje Kasung - Protector Principle

The teachings of Shambhala are presented within a container of wakefulness. Maintaining this container is often referred to as protector principle. Within Shambhala, the practice of protector principle is shared by all, but is particularly associated with the Dorje Kasung. The Dorje Kasung is modeled on the ancient tradition of dharma protectors. Its practitioners are trained in protecting the space in which students are able to hear and practice the teachings. The protection extends to the teacher who presents the teachings, the teachings themselves, and the community who practice the teachings. Read more...

Dathun

Dathun (Tibetan for "month session") is a one-month group meditation retreat led by a senior teacher. It is a powerful introduction and deepening of mindfulness-awareness meditation, open to anyone. The program includes sitting and walking meditation, talks, study, and a short work period. Silence and functional talking are observed and meals are served in the shrine room oryoki-style. Oryoki is a practice of mindful eating borrowed from the Zen tradition. After attending a dathun, students may choose to do a solitary retreat, and a number of Shambhala practice centers have facilities for individual retreats. Dathun is a prerequisite for attending Shambhala Seminary.

Enlightened World: The Three Yanas of Shambhala Buddhadharma

This residential program taught by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche provides an introduction and exploration of the basic principles of Buddhism. The teachings take the student through the three yanas (vehicles), from the foundation teachings of the hinayana to the advanced teachings of tantra (vajrayana), giving an idea of the breadth of the Buddhist teachings as well as the unique path of Shambhala. Held at residential practice centers, this retreat includes meditation instruction, study, and contemplation and will provide an opportunity to meet the Sakyong and practice under his guidance.

Warrior Assembly

Warrior Assembly is a living teaching in creating enlightened society in a residential setting. This training cultivates one’s dignity and natural gifts in order to widen one’s sphere of compassionate and practical influence. During Warrior Assembly, students study the Shambhala terma text, The Golden Sun of the Great East, and receive the ashe practices of stroke and lungta. Prerequisites: Weekthun; Way of Shambhala or Sacred Path ; Golden Key; Membership in your local Shambhala Center. View the upcoming schedule and how to apply.

Shambhala Sutrayana Seminary

Sutrayana Seminary deepens and expands a student's practice and study in a two week residential program alternating periods of intensive meditation practice with classes in Buddhist and Shambhala view. The program is led by a Shambhala Acharya, assisted by other senior teachers. Prerequisite are: Dathun; Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies or Way of Shambhala; Shambhala Training Levels 1-5; Membership in your local Shambhala Center. View the upcoming schedule and how to apply.

Refuge Vow

The refuge vow marks the decision to commit oneself wholeheartedly to the Buddhist path and to further one's practice and training. It is the formal commitment to beccoming a Buddhist, following the example of the Buddha Shakyamuni, his teachings (the dharma) and joining the community (sangha) of fellow practitioners. Read a talk by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche on taking refuge.

Bodhisattva Vow

The bodhisattva vow is further commitment to put others before oneself and to work wholeheartedly for their benefit. The basis of this vow is the aspiration to develop friendliness, compassion, and genuine insight through the practice of the six paramitas and to undertake the view and practice of the mahayana. Prerequisites: Refuge Vow; Recommendation from Meditation Instructor

Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary

The Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary is the gateway for entering the Shambhala lineage and engaging in vajrayana Buddhist practices. At Shambhala Vajrayana Seminary students receive vajrayana transmission from Sakyong Mipham and instructions to begin the special preliminary practices (ngöndro) of the vajrayana path. These practices are based on the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and the Shambhala teachings, transmitted through Chögyam Trungpa and his lineage heir, Sakyong Mipham. The vajrayana path offers powerful methods for cultivating one’s innate compassion and wisdom and is based on a strong teacher-student connection. Prerequisites apply. View the upcoming schedule and how to apply.

Vajrayana Practice

The vajrayana path of practice and study includes ngöndro practices, abhishekas (empowerments), the various sadhanas associated with them, and mahamudra and dzogchen practices. Vajrayana practice and study programs are held at both urban and residential Shambhala Meditation Centers to support a student's practice with teachings, group practice and guidance from acharyas and the Sakyong.

Learn more about meditation and buddhism at shambhala.org

Glossary of terms at labelingthoughts.org. Site maintained by first encounter

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Shambhala Meditation Center of Portland
1110 SE Alder Street, Suite 203, Portland,  OR 97214
Tel. 503 231 4971   

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