Joyful Means, or why art can save us, by Elizabeth Russell

The intelligence that evolved us from star dust and interconnects us with all beings is sufficient for the healing of our Earth community, if we but align with that purpose.  -Joanna Macy If there is one thing that I’ve gained from my relationship to art, it’s the appreciation of the role the creative process has … Continue 

Council Meeting Minutes: Jan-April 2016

Hello community, Belatedly, here is public the minutes for the three times the Council has met in 2016, January, February, and April (the March meeting was cancelled due to lack of a quorum). Public Agenda and Meeting Notes- Council Meeting 1-21-16 Public Agenda and Meeting Notes – Council Meeting 2-18-16 Public Agenda and Meeting Notes- … Continue 

Discovering the listening cure

One hard thing about having Parkinson’s Disease (PD), or any mysterious, poorly understood condition, is that there’s no road map. The conventional treatments are ok as far as they go, but unsatisfying: no one knows how the disease works, or how to cure it. The conventional treatments – drugs, surgery, and exercise – can treat … Continue 

Contemplative Group Dynamics Returns to Portland in April

Dear Shambhala Community, I’m looking forward to returning to Portland to hold a Contemplative Group Dynamics weekend Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10. It’s been four years since visiting Portland to offer the workshop and the form has developed over this time. What we are discovering in our group work is how immediately we … Continue 

Annual Maneuvers is a gathering where Dorje Kasung practice, train and have fun!

by: Timaree Bierle-Dodds January 29 our main teachers Jai Crapella from Juneau, AK and Barbara Moffat from Vancouver BC arrived. Dorje Kasung from Eugene, Salem, Portland, Seattle, Bellingham and Vancouver BC attended. The first night was the opening night of Mamos chants, so people from the sangha and general public joined in practice with Kasung. … Continue 

After the Bodhisattva Vow

Some Shambhalians and friends are taking part in Mahayana practice and study at the Center, and we want to make sure that everyone knows about these new opportunities. Two groups, the Mahayana Morning Liturgy group and the Bodhisattva Study Group, are open to anyone willing to commit to regular participation once they’ve joined. The morning … Continue 

What is Body in relationship with mind? Charity, activity, and mindfulness reconciled

We all know Shamatha meditation is not about getting into a trance – let alone get rid of thoughts. I find a regular exercise routine helps me getting focused and mindful – in combination with my daily meditation practice. It helps me be kind to others and myself, and be present. There is a different, … Continue 

December Council Meeting Summary and Meeting Notes

The PSMC Governing Council met on Thursday, December 17th, 2015- the meeting notes, where you can find more details about what was discussed at our meeting, are accessible here: Public Agenda and Meeting Notes- Council Meeting 12/17/15 Here is a short summary of the meeting: The Council issued final approval for the 2016 Budget. The Council … Continue 

December Council Retreat Summary and Meeting Notes

The PSMC Governing Council had its Winter Council retreat on Saturday, December 5th, 2015- the meeting notes, where you can find more details about what was discussed at our meeting, are accessible here: Public Winter Retreat Agenda and Minutes- 12/5/15 Here is a short summary of the meeting: The Council discussed our views on authority within the … Continue 

What is Victory Over War? A Peek into a View of Kasungship

When I began exploring Buddhism and meditation over 20 years ago, I kind of hoped that the dharma would give me a free pass: no more conflict and the discomfort it brings. I hoped that enlightenment would come easily in the form of being free from my pain, always full of kindness for others, and … Continue