Inspired by Nalanda, an eleventh-century Indian university that welcomed teachings and disciplines from many different traditions, a number of arts, disciplines and activities have developed within Shambhala.
Contemplative arts bring beauty, vividness, and wisdom into our lives and environment.
The arts and other contemplative disciplines, including flower arranging, photography, tea ceremony, and kyudo, are a vehicle for integrating mindfulness and awareness into everyday life. Each represents a genuine contemplative path that further enriches our day-to-day experience.
These activities may be roughly grouped into four major categories: arts, health, education, and business. The following are some of the disciplines or pathways practiced in Nova Scotia.
Some of these activities are organized into local or even international groups. Others are loose networks of practitioners. The contact people, where available, are for the Halifax area.
Bugaku
Bugaku, the ancient dance and music of the Japanese Imperial Court, is more than fourteen hundred years old. This stately dance is performed in richly brocaded and highly stylized costumes, expressing contemplative mind in a cultural context. Find out more…
Kalapa Cha
In 1980, during her first visit to Boulder, Colorado, the Vidyadhara invited Mrs. Kyoko Shibata to introduce Chado, the way of tea. At that time, a handful of students began to study this centuries old contemplative practice. Find out more…
Kalapa Ikebana
Ikebana, the traditional Japanese Way of Arranging Flowers has its origins in Shinto, where arrangements were made as shrine offerings. Currently there are many schools of Ikebana. Kalapa Ikebana, initiated by the Vidyadhara, Trungpa Rinpoche, is a contemplative practice. Find out more…
Kyudo
Kyudo, "the way of the bow," 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 Japanese archery using traditional bows. Find out more…
Miksang Photography
Miksang is a Tibetan word that means "Good Eye." It is based on the Dharma Art teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, specifically his teachings on the nature of perception. "Good Eye" refers to the eye and mind being synchronized so that the experience of seeing could be undistracted and present-actually being there. Find out more…
Maitri Five Wisdom Energies
Five Wisdom Energies practice is based on traditional buddhist teachings of the five buddha families. Also called Maitri Space Awareness practice, it was first created and developed under the guidance of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Find out more…
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